Joanne and I have four children. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child, but I have to disagree. What it takes are two parents who care enough to show up every day ready to parent. Fortunately, we don’t have to do it alone. We have a Father in Heaven who shows up every day, never tires, never leaves, always loves, and is full of “Grace and Truth.”
As Christians, we need grace and truth: in varying portions and intervals. But it is needed nonetheless. We all prefer grace and don’t always enjoy truth. That includes me.
In our family, Joanne is known as the “grace” parent. Need a shoulder to cry on, she has a Kleenex ready. Had a bad day at school, brownies and a glass of milk await. Don’t do what she told you to do, it’s ok as long as you do it soon. That is not to say that Joanne is pushover, just that she is more compassionate.
As the “truth” parent, I am all about logic. Had trouble with your friends today? Find new friends. Lost your permission slip? Enjoy your time in the library. Left your lunch at home? Welcome to “Hunger City” – population: You.
Regardless of whether you are the “grace” or “truth” parent, it is important to remember that your model is always to be our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. That is why we have chosen our signature verse as John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [NASB].
Jesus dwells among us whether we are dispensing truth or grace. He is right there to provide guidance and instruction for us as we try our best to raise the gifts He has given us. Jesus was full of grace and truth, and each of us has some grace and some truth.
What is our goal for this ministry? Why are we doing this?
We believe that the cornerstone of a strong society is a strong, Godly family. And the family is only as strong as the parents that are leading it. Families are teams and parents are the coaches. Have you ever seen a football team win the Super Bowl with a coach that everyone thought was ineffective and knew nothing about football? While it could happen, it is very unlikely.
The same is true of families. If the family “coaches” aren’t effective leaders, then the family suffers. When families are broken, so is society. While no football coach succeeds alone, no parent does either. If you are a single parent, this applies to you as well. You need to put together a “team” that includes your pastor, youth group leader, grandparents, neighbors, and anyone else that wants you to succeed as a parent and raise great kids. Word to the wise: the first sign that someone wants you to fail is when they tell you that you can do it alone.
We don’t pretend to have all the answers. What we are willing to do is share with you our struggles and trials, victories and defeats. Along the way, we hope to reap far more then we sow.
So, pull up a computer and grab a glass of milk. You finished your broccoli…now read Joanne’s post and enjoy your apple pie!
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