I am re-reading this book called Too Small To Ignore written by Wes Stafford who is currently the president of Compassion International. The book tells his story of growing up in a small village in West Africa with his missionary parents. He writes about the differences between his own simple, modest yet so enjoyable childhood experience and the fast paced, technology filled childhood experiences of many of today's children in the Western world.
In his book he includes this poem which I have heard many times before, not for a while though. As I read it my heart grew hopeful, excited and filled with a sense of urgency to ensure that children are being taught the good things of this life. They truly are our future and it is the responsibility of this generation to help the next learn to dream, hope, care, respect, value each other....
I think that one of the reasons I am quite passionate about this right now is that very recently I was reminded of just how harsh life can become for children who do not learn the good things and live in the bad.
During the past 4 weeks I have had the opportunity to compare and contrast the differences in the lives of 7 young men who are between the ages of 15-18.
I watched 5 of them choose to make choices to better their lives and the lives of those around them. These young men have been taught tolerance, praise and acceptance (to name a few) and it is evident in the way they live out their lives. They chose over and over again to; let go of harmful habits, surrender ideas and ways of living that are based on lies, repent and ask forgiveness from God and others and, ultimately, they chose to give their lives wholeheartedly to Jesus, seeking His guidance, His affirmation, His plan for their lives day by day.
I also watched as the lives of 2 others have only continued to spiral in an out of control downward pattern. These young men have not been taught the good things in life. They have been taught criticism, shame and hostility. As a result, they live lives of violence and hatred. They believe every lie the enemy has ever thrown their way. They are hopeless. They seek the wisdom of money and they find safety and affirmation in gangs and guns. I believe that it could've been different for them if they had been taught the good things as children.
I also believe that this is not the end, they can learn new things. it won't be as easy as it would've been when they were 5, but it can be done. It will take great strength and courage and that is exactly what I pray for them.
So, that's what's on my heart right now....
"If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live."
Copyright © 1972 by Dorothy Law Nolte
