home meetglynnis books speakingtopics resources contact

Thursday, October 23, 2008

I just read a quote by Martin Luther King Jr. that has me all stirred up inside:

"Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?'
Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?'
Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?'
But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?'

And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."

As a woman who is both a wife and a mother, I deal with these questions all the time - especially where my children are concerned. I struggle with over-protecting the five blessings God has given me. I've learned that protection and over-protection are separated by a very grey line.

Many conscientious parents cross that line into over-protection without even knowing it. I know I found (and still find at times) myself on the other side of that line. What happens when we over-protect is we raise kids who ask that first question more than they ask the last question.

We live in a world that is harshly opposed to many values that Christians hold dear. The sanctity of life at every stage and God's design for marriage are two examples. The truth is that standing up for our beliefs is seldom safe, politic (shrewdly practical) , or popular. But in order to stand firm we will need courage and conviction.

The truth is, courage and conviction are only strengthened when practiced. Courage is developed on the battlefields of life. Conviction is developed in the face of temptation. In order to raise brave kids, they have to face these challenges. We have to allow them to face these challenges.

Knowing when a child is ready is the hard part of this equation. I would never put a child in harm's way in order to test his bravery. But my children will never be courageous unless they face fear and walk forward through it.

God has planted a conscience in our hearts and that is His Holy Spirit. I believe we must teach our children at an early age to pray about their decisions and trust that God will prompt them to do what's right. Then, sometimes, we must stand back and allow our kids to do something that's not completely safe, not wisely practical and not popular - in order to do what's right.

Very importantly, we should especially allow them to follow their conscience now, while they are still under our protection, so we can have their back when things get tough.

I'm for raising a generation of Davids, who will face the giants when all others quake in fear!

In His Love,
Glynnis

9 comments:

Luanne said...

Thought-provoking quote. Thanks for sharing it. Oh, to have my kids walk that way. Oh--to have myself walk in that way--it starts with me. Thanks for the encouragement!

Joyful said...

Wonderful post! Oh that line IS thin! Having a 16 year old son, the holding on and letting go is a daily battle. Yet, with University less than 2 years away, I have to keep reminding myself that I must allow him to make his own decisions now and be there, as you said, to "have (his) back when things get tough".

Wonderful encouragement this morning. So glad that when I'm not with my son, God is still holding his hand, and I can rest in His care and protection over him.

Blessings,
Joy

Sharon Sloan said...

Love this! All so true! Courage and convication...strengthen it by doing it!

I pray daily that God's Holy Spirit would dwell in my children's hearts and minds, speak to them and guide them. They have to trust and develop their relationship with God. I, as mom, have to trust God with them.

Thanks, Glynnis! I am going to read this again!

Sharon Sloan said...

Love this! All so true! Courage and convication...strengthen it by doing it!

I pray daily that God's Holy Spirit would dwell in my children's hearts and minds, speak to them and guide them. They have to trust and develop their relationship with God. I, as mom, have to trust God with them.

Thanks, Glynnis! I am going to read this again!

Unknown said...

I always enjoy stopping by your blog. Loved the post and feel such a kindred spirit of "walking the tight rope" as a parent who longs to have kids with conviction! Thanks, also, for stopping by and sharing about the picture. I HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN OF THE TREE AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE VERSE IN ISAIAH! Love you so much, Tammy

Amy Carroll said...

This is such a strenthening thought today. I'm praying for my boys to be Davids!

Amy

Anonymous said...

How refreshing you are! You are like a drink for this thirsty woman!

I love you Glynnis!

I have been writing on everyone's blog this same comment today:

I have had many conversations with my grown children about this election and the importance of engaging in the voting process. It is a critical time. For the first time since I have had the privilege of voting we may see the rights that we have come to cherish slowly slip away.

If one party gets control of all 3 legislative branches, with the media firmly entrenched in their camp, the checks and balance system will be threatened.

Our God is mighty and He will prevail through any turmoil we might face. However, he has called us to stand up and stand firm. The shifting sands may cause our nation to stumble but our faith is secure on the Solid Rock.

Amy L Brooke said...

This post reminded me of a book I just read called Just Courage by Gary A Haugen. The question He says that God is asking us is if we want to be safe or if we want to be brave? It's a hard one to answer.

Hope things are going well.

I loved seeing my article in P31. Very exciting.

Hope things are going well.

Anonymous said...

hey my sweet friend, as I read this I remember our conversations about those beautiful 5 children of yours and you know what??? They have a very courageous mom who love them and lets them take those steps to all be Davids. I love you for that.