Single Parenthood is challenging in itself. Add to that all the challenges of today starting with the COVID19 Pandemic and now the racial tension which has spilled over for all the world to see. What shall we say to these things? Many of us are still reeling over what we saw and trying to deal with how we feel. So what do we say to these things? I believe we have to ask God what does he say about what we have been experiencing in this hour.
Matthew 22:34-40 reminds us of what Jesus said. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord they God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Jesus said to love your neighbor. Simple. 'Point.Blank.Periodt'. We are commanded not to only love them, but to love them as we love ourselves. Let's look at this closer. This means the same things you want for you, your family and your freinds, is the same thing you want for your neighbor. Your neighbor is just not the people who love in your neighborhood. Your neighbor is your fellow man. When this happens, life flows as God intented it to to. I know right about now you are saying, "In a perfect world." In a perfect world everyone would treat each other with respect. In a perfect world no one would inflict upon others they themselves wouldn't want.
I am mentioning all of this to draw the contrast between the unrest we see in the world now and what God desires.
What will we tell our children? How will we answer the hard questions? How can we ensure we are on the right side of history. Good questions. Here is what I believe and have observed. Here is what my experences have taught me. It has enabled me to meet challenges head on.
Have the necessary talk about race and the true history of this country with your children. Have the necessary talk about what to do and say if there is an encounter with the police to increasMost of all, have the necessary talk about how many people that look like them have over came adversities and contributed greatly to this nation.
The truth shall make us free. Never teach hate because hate destroys everything in its path.
Talk to them about love. The love of God and self. To love God is to know him and to know him is to love him. To love him is to know you are made in his image. Talk to them about acquring knowledge and maximizing every opportunity.
Talk to them about creating their own opportunity. Talk to them about loving themselves and loving others. Talk to them about them being enough just as they are. Talk to them about being being made to bend and not break. Talk to them about being a part of the solution and not the problem.
Just have the talk.
