- If a lives with criticism,
- He learns to condemn.
- If a child lived with hostility,
- She learns to fight.
- If a child lives with ridicule,
- He learns to be shy.
- If a child lives with shame,
- She learns to feel guilty.
- If a child lives with tolerance,
- He learns to be patient.
- If a child lives with encouragement,
- She learns confidence.
- If a child lives with praise,
- He learns to appreciate.
- If a child lives with fairness,
- She learns justice.
- If a child lives with security,
- He learns to have faith.
- If a child lives with approval,
- She learns to like herself.
- If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
- He learns to find love in the world.
This was sent to me years ago, on a postcard, by sister Mary Rose from covenant house. Covenant house provides meals and safe beds for youths in crisis. I wanted to share this with all my viewers because of how profound the meaning was to me. I hope it will have the same affect on you. Today, more than ever we see how our youths are in crisis. Broken homes where children are subjected to neglect, drug addicts, alcoholics, physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. How can we stop this crisis?! That’s by not repeating the same cycle in which we were raised. We are affected by our childhood. Our parents are our first love. If we are not shown that love from them, then we cannot easily obtain nor express it. A child is a gift from God Psalms 127:3. When you have been given that gift, be thankful and do your best to nurture that blessing so that when that child becomes an adult, can be a blessing to others. No child comes with instructions. No parent is perfect. And being a parent is not an easy job. All you can do is try your best and know that children “Learn what they live.”
Today, more than ever, we witness the crisis that our youths face due to broken homes and various forms of abuse. We can break this cycle by not repeating the same patterns we experienced in our own upbringing. Children are gifts from God (Psalms 127:3), and nurturing them is essential. Although parenting comes without a manual, striving to provide a loving and nurturing environment ensures that when these children grow into adults, they can become blessings to the world.
Conclusion: Understanding the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adult lives underscores the importance of breaking the cycle of neglect and abuse. By nurturing and protecting our children, we can pave the way for a brighter and more compassionate future.
