A fellow parishioner decided when her kids were very young that they needed to learn charity. She taught them to give something to every person who asked. Each time that they were approached by the disabled vet outside the drug store, the homeless man on the street, the uniformed woman from the food-providing agency, the Salvation Army man with the Christmas kettle—anyone asking for help or for their aid in helping others—they would give a little something. I asked, “What if the person’s a fake or will spend the dollar on alcohol or drugs?” Her answer was another question: “What if they really do spend it on food for themselves or their family?” This woman was teaching her children an important fact. That is, it’s our job to be charitable; it’s God’s job to decide who He sends our way and why.
Tag Archive for teaching
“A Child Shall Lead Them”
I’m posting this at exactly 10:00 my local time in solidarity with all those participating in the National Student Walkout. Whether or not we’re for greater gun control, we have to respect what these kids are doing. They’re leaving school–most for a short period of time–to gather for one minute of silence honoring and remembering each of the 17 students gunned down a month ago today at Florida’s Stillman Douglas School. They aren’t rioting, fighting, or destroying property, just being peaceful, serious, and respectful as they exercise their right to free speech. What a lesson for adult protesters!
They’re participating in democracy, trying to make changes they believe important. They’re not asking that people give up their guns or making vague demands. They clearly are asking for three things: 1) ban assault weapons, 2) universal background checks, and 3) laws to disarm those who show signs of violence. This clarity is another lesson adult protesters can learn from.
And they’re reminding Congress members that many of them will vote in the upcoming elections, and future voters among them will remember what Congress does–or doesn’t do.
I’m proud of our youth for doing this, and for those who disagree who, rather than interfere, simply don’t participate. And for schools who allow this teaching moment, a teaching moment for youth and adults alike.