shut down or raise IDEALS

symbol of teaching

The Declaration of Independence begins with, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Perhaps the members of Congress who insisted and continue to insist on a government shutdown should recall and remember these crucial and timely words. These words are not for the select few but for all of God's children. Whenever selfish and individual political agenda overrides and overrules the needs and concerns of its citizens, there's a problem. A problem called sin.

Let me quote what God spoke to Solomon in the Old Testament, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." Unless the people who insisted on this government shutdown wake up and repent, then they will be held accountable for what they are doing to God's people. ~ Dr. Sinclair Grey III 10.2.13

This whole hearted parenting manifesto is a good focus for the unsure, and untried parents. I was one. Guidelines are important. More important is the structure of one's childhood. It shapes the adult child who became a parent giving them hindsight and insight into what really worked in their lives when we were parented, and insights or glimpses into how we are parenting on a daily basis. It can be unsettling what we see ourselves doing. Not being disheartened is courageous. A lot of people give up prematurely. Don't. You'll start seeing ghosts later in life.

- Gregory E. Woods, father of four (October 3, 2013)