There is a little boy in our neighborhood who is neglected. His mom is a single mom in the Army with 6 kids. When she is home she let's her kids run around outside all day without ever checking up on them. When she is at work her 12 year old daughter watches the others. Apparently the military doesn't find this too neglectful. The other day after playing outside all day the boy went into his house around 2 in the afternoon and came out with a jar of peanut butter and a spoon. My son Brandon said "why didn't you make him a sandwich?" Of course I already fed him, but I realized once again SUCCESS. This is how I judge success. By the statement Brandon made I realized he cared for what happened to the kid that drives him and the rest of the neighborhood crazy. I have always prayed only 1 prayer for my children and that is that they become Christians. I could care less whether they are lawyers or work at Burger King, I could care less whether they have a lot of money or a little, I could care less whether they go to college or not. I only care that they are happy and that they are Christians. To me this is the only success that matters. All I have ever wanted to be is a wife and a mother. I really don't care about
having a career or a great job or any other thing like that. This has
made me happy. I think if being happy means you love the Lord with all
of your heart, than this is all I want. I used to think that I would
get a job as I got older, but now I am thinking more on the lines of
volunteer work. Me and my son Jr. belong to Kid's Care and we get to do
a lot of volunteer work with the orphaned kids here in Hawaii and other
charity groups. This has been the most fun I have ever had. I even like
certain famous people based on how much charity work they do and how
much money they give. Two of my favorites being Angelina Jolie and
Madonna. Not because I like Angelina's acting or Madonna's singing,
which I do, but because both stars seem to understand success
may actually lie in the giving part, not the living part. Maybe I'm
odd, but to me success has nothing to do with money and everything to
do with being a Christian who loves the Lord. That's my story and I
wouldn't change a thing.
Footnote: I was talking with my dad who was asking isn't this neglect? In the eyes of the law, not really because Nate is fed, clothed, and has a place to sleep, but I was also thinking something even more profound. Isn't it better that we the neighbors have taken Nate under our wing and make sure that him and his siblings are played with, cared for, and fed? Isn't this what helping each other is all about? Maybe Nate's mom can't afford a sitter. There are 6 kids and no father. Maybe she is just too tired when she get's home to pay much attention to him. She does look quite young, so maybe she just didn't get a chance to be a kid herself. Or maybe she just doesn't know how to be a mom. I really think Nate and the others have a better chance of us as a neighborhood pulling together for them then him just being dumped in the system. Maybe someday Nate will do the same for someone else, just because it was done for him. Reading "It takes a Village," by Hillary Clinton is one of the best books on this subject you can read. Even if her politics are not to your liking the message of this book show's how working together can change the face of a nation.
6 comments:
Can you hear me nodding my head in agreement Christina. I believe your life and the lives of your neighbors are a living testimony to this mother of Christ's love. The time may come when you get to share the gospel with her as she sees you livingit out.
I also totally agree about success. One of our sons has done so amazingly well in the business world it just blows me away. My husband and I are very careful to tell him we are proud of him - not because of his success in his career, but because he is a fine Christian man. He is a wonderful husband, father and son - and those are the things that make him successful in our eyes. I just absolutley love your post!!
This was such a beautiful post Christina! What you and your neighbors are doing for this little boy and his family is amazing. You've realized that maybe this mom just needs some help. I can't imagine the stress she must be under trying to raise 6 kids by herself. Trying to be the mom, the dad, the primary care-giver and money-maker, and having the added stress that every soldier carries inside! Not to mention knowing that people around her judge her without ever having to live a moment in her shoes. I'm sure she loves her children with all her heart! I've been a single mom myself and I know the lonliness and heartache that comes with trying to do it all yourself. You feel like nobody cares and you're all alone, and sometimes you just start to feeling "What's the point, why even try?" I don't think calling child protective services and ripping these children away from their home is the answer. I think what this mom needs is to know that she's not alone, and there are people in the community who care about her and her children and are willing to help all that they can. People like you and your neighbors!!!! :) Thank you for sharing this with all of us and reminding us that we can all make a difference in the life of someone else, even if it's just by making them a peanut butter sandwich once in a while!!! :) You are a true living example of God's love!!! God Bless You And Your Family, Christina!!!!
I don't know, Christina. It sure sounds like, at the very least, neglect, to me. There's no way a 12-year-old girl should be in charge of five children. Thank goodness there are people like you to take him under your wing. But it's awfully sad.
What a wonderfully inspiring post. You are a great Mom. I hope my kids turn out like yours too :)
I'm so proud of you...what a great neighbor. She is too young to watch all of those kids..too much for her age. But...if mom cant get a sitter ...can you really imagine? You know how much it cost for Christmas for your 7 kids and a grand baby????? Well, she had to do it too......really I cant imagine...she is doing the only she knows to do...work and pay bills...probably doesnt have enough energy for anything else.....just be a friend and neighbor like the bible says......good for you Chris....that is great...your crown just got bigger in heaven.
"to me success has nothing to do with money and everything to
do with being a Christian who loves the Lord" Amen!
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