Friday, October 22, 2010

Raising Warriors

I hadn't planned to blog today. We host parenting class tonight and I have floors that need to be mopped and toilets that need to be cleaned, but I caught a scene in my front yard that inspired me and I won't get much done unless I take the time to journal it.

The job of training two future men has me often musing on the state of the world and how far we've come from the valour of George Washington to the likes of what we see everyday in the headlines. I ponder the fact that more and more young men are content with being "Kidadults". Living off of their parents, perpetually going to school, and taking pride in the reputation of being a "player". How is it that we got here? Heaven knows I don't claim to be a better parent then those who came before me, so how can I avoid the pitfalls of producing "men without chests"?

I don't claim to know much, but I do think there is something we've lost in our culture. Perhaps in our attempts to throw off stuffy traditions we've tossed the baby with the bath water. Perhaps no one has shown our young men the duty, honor, and joy of being a protector and provider. Sure most guys(notice I use guys and not men) wouldn't think of hitting a woman, and yet they don't even think twice when they play with her heart. I think most women would agree with me, that I'd rather take a blow to the face, than a blow to the heart. Even in the church we smile and say things like, "He's such a heart breaker". As if that is OK. Is it OK for a son of God to treat his sister in Christ like a toy to be used for his own ego gratification?

Now don't get me wrong, I think we ladies have played our parts in our own devaluation. How many times did I, as a young girl, derive a sense of worth from the meaningless flirtations of insincere young men? How often do girls(notice I use girls and not ladies)make themselves too available. Over and over I've seen girls allow guys to cross boundaries, that guys would never feel free to cross if they were dealing with a married woman. I think if more girls were ladies and demanded they be treated as such, guys just might rise to the occasion and behave like men.

It is my prayer that God will teach Matt and I how to bring up men, not boys. Men who understand that their God-given responsibility is to protect the weak, both physically and emotionally. To provide for their families, whether the job is "fun" or fulfills their emotional needs. To stand in the face of temptation, to trust in a God who offers more to this life then fleshly pleasure. It is also my prayer that some dear Daddies and Mommies are out there right now seeking God's wisdom to help them bring up young ladies.

If you have a moment today, please mention Matt and I to our Father. We realize that without His wisdom and His kindness we will fail. We need the true Warrior to teach us how to train Warriors for His kingdom.

9 comments:

Tara said...

Future Men by Douglas Wilson, I believe, is suppose to be a great book on this topic. I haven't read it but plan to soon.

Making Memories 1999 said...

Amen, Sister. (And your "northern" sister and husband could use prayer, as well, as we raise our son to be a Godly man!)

BTW, have you heard this song, sung by the Gaither Vocal Band...?

"What this dying world could use is a willing Man of God
Who dares to go against the grain and works without applause;
A man who'll raise the shield of Faith, protecting what is pure;
Whose love is tough and gentle; a man whose word is sure.

God doesn't need an Orator who knows what just to say;
He doesn't need authorities to reason Him away;
He doesn't need an army to guarantee a win;
He just needs a Few Good Men.

Men full of Compassion, who Laugh and Love and Cry-
Men who'll face Eternity and aren't afraid to die-
Men who'll fight for Freedom and Honor once again-
He just needs a Few Good Men..."

Julia said...

Tara;
I'll have to check that book out, sounds good. BTW, are you all planning to attend the HS convention again this year?

Becca;
We have and will continue to pray for you all as you bring up your Little guy and Sunshine girl. I do know that song, good stuff.

Unknown said...

My church is now hosting a parenting class and we've been using one of John Rosemond's books. It's been so encouraging. You mentioned hosting the parenting class. How do you structure your class? I'd love to see our group continue to meet on a regular basis although I'm sure we wouldn't be able to continue weekly.

Julia said...

Dorcas;
Good to hear from you. Our class meets in our home once a month. We eat dinner together(we all pitch in for that), watch a parenting video series(currently we are watching Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Trip), and then have discussion afterwards. Know matter how many times we see the material there is always something that we've forgotten to apply. It really keeps us on our toes so to speak. :) We have our next series already purchased for when we are done with this one, but I'll have to check out the one you mentioned. Have you all enjoyed that one?

Julia said...

oops, I mean NO matter...typed that too fast. :)

sarahmfry said...

Oh, Amen! and Ouch! and Lord Help us Please! I pray earnestly for the parents of our future sons and daughters-in-law. They are right now laying down the rails that will determine much about my children's lives. (By the way, we are firm supporters of arranged marriages. : )

Our sons' names are Caiden (Warrior) and Corin (Spear-bearer). It made my mamma-heart skip a beat to name them so boldly, but it is the cry and longing of my heart that they will be so!

And I so much Love the pictures!

I actually came to your blog looking for your post about baggage. I am preparing a youth retreat entitled "The Journey" and wondered if I might borrow your wonderful backpack idea? I was needing some good hands-on illustrations and the Lord brought your post to mind.

Thank you for the thinking.

blessings on you and yours
Sarah

Julia said...

Sarah;

Good to hear from you. You are more than welcome to borrow the backpack idea. If you lived closer I'd even let you borrow our surplus pavers to fill your backpacks. :)

Speaking of baggage, our kids are gonna have a boat load since their rearing and now marriages are being discussed on the www(Give me a call in 20 years). ;) Seriously, I will pray our Father continues to give you and your hubby wisdom as you train your little ones...it's a big job and we surely need our Abba's help.

Melanie C. said...

You and your husband are so involved in teaching, training, and being with your children - I enjoy being able to see some of what you do through this blog. BTW, loved the first picture in this post...smiles...

(Google Reader helps me keep up with your blog!)