I teach a 12th grade class on family, which always makes me reflect on my parenting and this year is no different. One of my students asked my what I thought of when the Bible talks about discipline. Take a moment and think on that: Not what did I learn about discipline from my parents (although they were great disciplinarians), not what has culture taught me (not much), not what do I currently do with my kids (it varies) but what does the Bible mean when it talks about discipline. I explained at the time that discipline can take on varies forms but always is used to correct a person. It is rarely preformed out of anger but rather out of love. I realize that God responded with righteous anger when disciplining but since my anger is not usually “righteous” I refrain from disciplining out of anger. The Bible has an unusual amount of verses about disciplining and even more if you include the synonyms train, teach and instruct (over 500). It has also been said many times that our relationship with our parents is the first impression we get of who God is. If our parents are quick to anger then we often think of God as being quick to anger. If they comforted us even in the midst of discipline then we have an easier time climbing in our Heavenly Fathers lap and accepting His grace. This is a huge responsibility for those of us in the parenting stage of life. We are an example to our kids on the character of God. I am far from a perfect parent or perfect disciplinarian and the responsibility God has given me to reflect his character is overwhelming at times. Today I say with my husband and we disciplined our daughter. We talked with her, we instructed her on what needed to change, we disciplined her (in this case it means not sleeping in the cool Frozen tent), we held her while she cried and we assured her of our love. After we were through talking, Shannon held out his arms and as I watched her cling to her daddy and cry, I was reminded on the love God has for us when we do something wrong. He talks with us through the Holy Spirit, showing us where we went wrong. He uses scripture to instruct us on what we need to change. He disciplines us out of love and he is always there to hold us when cry. As the author of Hebrews says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful.” However, he also says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves.” I pray that as my kids grow older that they will see it is out of love for them that we discipline. Even more, I thank God as I watch my children receive training from their father, that he is not only teaching, training, instructing and disciplining but also reflecting God’s character to our children.
Archives for January 2016
Great education = great obstacles
“One of the greatest obstacles to escaping poverty is the staggering cost of higher education.”
-Chris Van Hollen
We all know this truth. College is expensive. We also know that for those who want to attend university, there are ways to pay for it, i.e. loans, scholarships, work study, etc. However, this is not the case for our students dreaming of attending university in the US. I would like to introduce you to Rosa. She has translated for many of you on your trips here. Her dream is to be a RN and to serve people. I have no doubt that she will serve people because that is where her heart is. But her dreams of being an RN may not happen. She has been accepted to Navarro College, which has three campuses, Waxahachie, Corsicana and Midlothian. Although she had a family who was willing to let her live with them, this fell through. The cost of the dorms now doubles the amount her parents will need to educate her. This means that without a family willing to take her in, she will not be able to attend university in the US. While she can go to school here, the education and opportunities are not as great, especially for females. In the years that I have taught here, I have met few students who equal Rosa with the drive, the heart and the desire to do what is right. I believe this young lady can do great things for her family, her country and her brothers and sisters in Christ if given the opportunity. Please join me in prayer that God will open the door for the perfect family to host Rosa.