Stimulated, Sad and Speechless

"Mikey and I decided not to raise a family. We feel that the culture in this time is not supportive of families. Mothers and fathers, by necessity, leave kids with childcare or hire nannies so they can go off to work and earn money. Neighborhoods are filled with people who don't know one another and so leaving kids alone is a vulnerability. Children are raised by nuclear families who are overwhelmed by child raising when this responsibility could be shared by community. Today children have natural reactions to an artificial system (civilization). When their behavior indicates disagreement with the methods of education, instead of catering education to meet their need, we name their reaction to the system a disease and give them pharmaceuticals.  This is science fiction come to life. It makes no sense. For these reasons we decided not to have kids and to instead work on shaping the world into one we can believe in. We hope that as people learn about the ways that a commodified culture diminishes life, these things will change."

(from an interview with Wendy Tremayne about her book & life experiences HERE)

I really DO enjoy "meeting" and reading about people whose lifestyles are unique and radical--at least compared to mine.  I'm sure I would enjoy reading Wendy's book.  I was stimulated and challenged by her observations and intrigued by her personal choices based on them.   I respect her thoughtfulness.   But after reading this particular paragraph from an interview with her, I was sad.  I just had to stop awhile and reflect.  And (except for these short sentences), I find myself without words--speechless.

And so I turn to the Word of One whose wisdom and ways are higher than mine.  I hope and pray that the Church and our church WILL be supportive of families!  That our church and the Church WILL be filled with people who know one another.  That our church and the Church (and I) would be faithful in living out and communicating our unique and radical lifestyle. Obviously, things need to change!  And if we who HAVE been changed by the power of Jesus the Christ are not the
change-agents, who is?

Children ARE a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
Psalm 127:3-5
Our "Reward"
 May the Lord cause you to flourish,
    both you and your children.
May you be blessed by the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 115:14-15 

16 comments:

  1. I agree with you it is a sad paragraph.
    Children are, and always have been, a blessing from God

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  2. It is sad...but not an uncommon thought in this generation....my grandson Max is Leery of raising children in this world as grows darker.... I think it is a sign of hopelessness.

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    1. I realize that, Dee. And if it weren't for my faith in the Lord, I'd probably be hopeless, too! I think this is also another reason God's plan involves the church--a local community of faith, mutual encouragement, and support! It's NOT just a Sunday morning "show"!

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  3. It's very sad and equally understandable. If I didn't have the Lord Jesus in my life I would be terrified to start raising a family in the world today. Everywhere you turn things look bleak. However...we have a Savior who has told us in His word to "be fruitful and multiply" so we trust and carry on until His return.
    This family photo is just precious. Love all those sweet, happy, love-filled faces!

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    1. ExACTly, Sandy! Those sweet, happy, love-filled faces are now 6 months older than in the picture!

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  4. Thank you for sharing that Rebecca. It is sad and heartbreaking. We've chosen to work to be a light in the world through raising children who are loved and cared for! To raise them to be adults who shine a light in the darkness....

    Deanna

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    1. I'm SO thankful for you and families like yours, Deanna. Keep "shining" and hold this old world up in prayer with me...

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  5. Children are gifts of God, and I thank Him for them with every breath....

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  6. Children are a blessing and heritage from the Lord. I wish I had more of them! I treasure my grandchildren and I'm praying they'll be world-changers. Long ago before my children were even grown,I was inspired to pray that the generations following me and my husband (our family line) would not include one unsaved person. I know that's a lofty goal, but I think it is possible! I'm glad my parents didn't get disillusioned before I was born!

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    1. So well said, Lori! This is definitely a prayer God would delight in answering!

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  7. I can't imagine life without my children and grandchildren. It's a delight and blessing to see them use their talents and resources in the kingdom of God.

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  8. I support her decision not to have children as long as she isn't selling the concept to others as the route to go. But, apparently there's an element of this (otherwise she wouldn't have written the book). I imagine it would be an interesting read, but like you, I turn to the Word of God for my answers. This feels like a slippery slope to me.

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  9. I just popped over to read a bit about the book and some of the chapter titles. From a cursory glance, I can tell this isn't for me. For what it's worth...

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  10. One of the little girls I babysat growing up,,,,,,,grew up herself. She got married and then ON purpose didn't have kids. She is a school counselor and said she had plenty of kids. I think of her often and the joys she missed out on.

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  11. Morning Rebecca,
    Amen, well put...............I would hate to even try and imagine life without my
    children and our new grandchild, the joy they bring is beyond words.
    Much of what this lady says is indeed true of our society and it is sad indeed!
    but that is more than likely from a non Christian perspective, but unfortunately,
    even some believers are going the way of the world, but there are many more who
    follow God's teaching and are indeed change agents in our world. Praise God!
    No God - No Hope I always say, cause Jesus is the Hope of the world...........
    Praise His Name..........where would we be without Him........no where good that is for sure!
    and what a lovely group of Heritage you and your hubby have from the Lord! Super!

    blessings sweet friend,
    Nellie

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  12. Your photo of the beautiful children shows JOY and the writer's words and thoughts are SAD. We can choose, thank goodness. Our church and the church are wonderful family supports.

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)