I'm a 59 year old, single father of five, three which are grown and God finally blessed me not only with one, but two girls. I had always wanted a girl. The difference between boys and girls is indescribable! I've raised my 13 year old since she was about 3 months old and not realizing that one day she'd be a teenager, I thought that when I got rid of the Mama, I was getting rid of the drama... again... I thought!
The single most important thing a parent is obligated to teach their children is about God. We spend a little time with God,( although not enough), pray before meals and attend church on a somewhat regular basis. My girls say, "yes mam and no sir". I'm constantly complimented on their manners because unfortunately, that is no longer the norm. Children today, for the most part are being raised with little or no respect. That's not the children's fault but rather the parents.
We live in a small town in Texas and the great majority of the children in our society have not an ounce of respect. When I was a child if you talked back to your parents or acted up at school you were disciplined by your parents as you should have been. Families sat down for dinner and began to eat only after a prayer to bless the food. Then we all used to talk about our day and spread the love. That was normal back then but unfortunately, that is no longer the case.
Back then the Police were there to protect the citizens. However, today it just as much our civil duty to help protect them. When I read that one of our officers was gunned down from behind by a coward I was appalled. Not to mention what recently happened in Dallas and now also in Louisiana.
My youngest daughter, Valerie, recently told me that her sister, Kelli, is constantly being touched by boy's at school in an inappropriate manner. I had met with the principal with regards to this very issue months earlier and he assured me he would take care of it. I explained that if he wasn't able to then he needed to call the parents into his office and I would.
I sat my girls down and explained to them that they were not in school to be disrespected by anyone and if they did not put a stop to this, I would.
The girls have been involved in martial arts for several years now. In fact Kelli has won 2 state championships, 2 national championships and competed in the Jr. Olympics in 2012. In addition, she destroyed her opponent in a world championship in 2014 but they gave it to her opponent because Kelli didn't have a United States Karate Alliance patch on her sleeve.
Her opponent repeatedly punched her in the face and that's an illegal hit in the 11 year old blue belt division as it should be. However, the referee refused to warn the girl. The first time they're supposed to get a warning and the second time disqualified. I counted 12 punches to the face that there was no question about.
Just another example of the times we are living in. Teaching children that it's ok to cheat...IT'S NOT!
When you look around if you haven't noticed the moral fiber of our world has decayed to the point of complete rot, well then you might just be living under a rock. Transgender bathrooms...really folks... When I was a teenager I would have turned gay overnight!
I'm not nor will I ever be a prejudice person. I believe it's people's right and personal business to live the way they see fit. I love them all just the same. However, I do pray for some more than others. After all, prayer is the most powerful tool we have.
When I was talking with my daughter about what happened at the world championships she told me that if she has to cheat to win, she'd rather not win! What a profound statement from an 11 year old. When I told her to do whatever she had to in order for the boys at school disrespecting her to stop she told me that she was afraid of hurting one of the boys because he had a medical condition. I agreed and told her how proud I was of her to display that kind of wisdom.
No, I'm not the perfect parent, actually far from it. However, it is my true belief that we are living in the end times and when it comes to eternity there are no redo's.
It shouldn't always be about the money but rather what are you doing to help the poor, the widows and orphans? Personally, I must admit I for one haven't done enough but I realize that needs to change.
Hell is an awful place and eternity never ends.
We all need to get our lives right with God. Again, it is my true belief that we are very close to the end. It will come like a thief in the night so do yourself a favor and prepare yourself spiritually. Again, there are no redo's!
Be blessed and a blessing to those around you.
Christopher S Butler
