As I contemplate the column this week, I am mindful of our veterans, military personnel and those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. By the time you read this, Remembrance Day will be past but this is a message that should never get old. We owe our utmost respect to those who fought and still fight for our country and for our freedoms in so many ways. During the recent election, I could not help but think of how we, as women, have been given the right to vote. I was mindful of that as I went behind the voting screen. I was so thankful. No one can control who I vote for. What a gift.
My freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, my freedom of religion, my parental rights, my right to vote and my freedom to live a quiet and peaceable life were all bought with the blood of those who fought for them. It is my hope and prayer that the price that was paid will not be in vain.
Our world has changed in such a short period of time. I notice the difference from when I raised Big Sweet Pea to when Lil Sweet Pea came along; they are eight years apart. I chalk it up to all kinds of negative influence from online music, videos, social media, culture and the general lack of time or energy of parents who are working more hours and running on the hamster wheel of life. The enemy of our souls will use any tactic to sow evil into our minds and the minds of those we are raising. One of the biggest ways I have seen him influence us and the generations to follow has been through the lack of respect.
Children are not born with an attitude of respect. They are used to getting their own way as babies but as they grow, as parents, we need to pull in the reins and begin to establish boundaries and live by example to show how we desire them to grow and mature. It is important to establish the foundation early and teach what respect really is — demonstrating high regard for someone or something.
Respect is validating the person, whether you agree or not. It is being polite, practicing tolerance, dealing peacefully, and considering others’ feelings. It is acknowledging people’s intrinsic value, which is not based on performance, social status, race or otherwise. It is the simple act of valuing people with no price tag attached. It is as simple as not interrupting a conversation, showing patience, speaking politely (despite how you have been spoken to) and dealing peacefully despite insults or anger. It is simply respecting personal property and land, whether ours or others. Our children do desire to have boundaries and expectations of behavior whether they ever show interest or not. They thrive best in a respectful environment; which builds a sense of security, trust and well-being.
As I meditate further, I am mindful of a prayer I have been praying lately... that we, as a family... a community... and a nation, would have the fear of the Lord. This is not an evil, scary fear. It is a reverent, holy awe of the Lord God Almighty. The fear of the Lord is being aware of the glory and majesty of God. The time is now to renew our commitment to living respectful lives at home and in our community. It is imminent we return to living our lives out of respect and reverence for God and our fellow man. Proverbs 1:7
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
