Don't Rely On The 'Village' To Raise Your Children

They say, It takes a village to raise a child*. Well, the problem is, you never know who's in that village and what they're teaching.

I can't abandon my principal responsibility as a parent to raise my children in the ways of the Lord. It is my only unique leadership role in life. And a very serious one. It cannot be replaced by any other. Every other leadership role, be it pastor, director, business owner, and so on, will pass. If I have 'succeeded' everywhere else but have failed at home, have I really succeeded?

So, if you've been a bit disconnected from your children lately and feel you haven't done your part, there's hope. Start today. If they're young, re-evaluate the foundations you've been setting and start building on the truth clearly found in the Word of God. If they're older, repent and reconnect. Be there for them. And create the environment and emotional atmosphere where they want to be there for you.

The 'village' has too many unknowns. It can certainly be helpful and I know from experience that there have been a handful of people in my life, outside of my family, who have made a significant imprint on my life, for the better. But, still, there's no place like home.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deut. 6:6,7
*It is said that this phrase is attributed to an Igbo and Yoruba proverb. The origin is a mystery. Some people believe it originated in an ancient African proverb; others believe it came from a Native American Tribe (quora.com)