09-17-2007

Freedom’s Future, Reason 5 of Why I Homeschool

By Renae

The Grandmother’s Birthday, Waldmuller, 1856

The world today is riddled with arbitrary standards and vague morality. Cynicism, skepticism, and hatred swell as wars and rumors of wars circulate the media. However gloomy the forecast appears, America is still a land touted for freedom. Will this freedom exist in future generations?

While there is no guarantee of success, hope compels me to plant seeds of liberty in the hearts of my children. It takes tremendous faith and sacrifice to pour my life into three children. Because they are valuable, my love will never be in vain, but sometimes the weight of the unknown presses my resolve. Can one individual really impact the circumstances of life now, let alone one hundred years from now?

Then I am reminded of the individuals God used to change the fate of entire nations. Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt. William Wilberforce labored for years to abolish slavery in England. George Washington encouraged a new nation of Americans to fight and win the Revolutionary War. Harriet Tubman escaped slavery and then risked her life rescuing others. It is doubtful history books will record my name, but, perhaps, my influence will endure. This gives me hope.

I hope the ideas pondered today will flourish tomorrow. I hope my children will follow their conscience, obeying God rather than men. I hope they will live in true liberty. May their children and grandchildren do the same.

Complete series:

1. Safe and Smart
2. Who is Responsible for Education
3. No Degree Required
4. Fulfilling the Purpose of Education
5. Freedom’s Future

Related posts:

  1. Fulfilling the Purpose of Education, Reason 4 of Why I Homeschool
  2. No Degree Required, Reason 3 Why I Homeschool
  3. Who is Responsible for Education? Reason 2 of Why I Homeschool

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8 Comments

  1. Lydia 09-18-2007, 9:04 pm

    Maybe only another homeschooling mother can understand the sacrifices you make and the pressure of the responsibility. People always seem to question, “Are you going to be okay with being responsible for them?” Like there should be some oversight… somebody watching us. I have to remind myself that their parents *are* the best people to be responsible. That any other choice seems kind of insane.

  2. Renae 09-19-2007, 8:28 am

    Lydia,
    Thank you for understanding. It is nice to know I am not alone in this home school adventure. I look forward to reading more about yours. Most parents sacrifice for their children, but educating at home has its unique challenges.

    Parents are ultimately responsible for their children whether they acknowledge it or not. We accept that fact and act accordingly. Let’s hope the reward is greater than we can even imagine!

  3. Andrea 09-19-2007, 12:22 pm

    “Parents are ultimately responsible for their children whether they acknowledge it or not.”

    Sadly, it’s been my experience that many parents don’t even *know* it. They are trained to believe that someone else is - the shcoolteacher, the doctor, even the Sunday School teacher or pastor. That some “expert” ultimately knows their child better than anyone.

  4. Jenn 09-19-2007, 2:25 pm

    Thanks for the encouraging post Renae!
    In my very early stages of homeschooling I have already questioned, “Is this worth it? Can I do this every day?”

    I know, of course, that “yes” it is worth it and “yes” by God’s grace I can do this.

    Jenn

  5. Renae 09-19-2007, 3:39 pm

    Andrea,
    There has definitely been a shift in thinking. Somewhere along the way parents abdicated their authority and confidence.

    It is easier to blame the “professionals” if children are struggling. Parents don’t want any of the blame and all of the praise.

    Jenn,
    Thanks for letting me know this post encouraged you. It encourages me to keep writing.

    Honestly, I think home school gets easier. Maybe it’s because I’ve relaxed or because Bug is more self governed. I’ll know for sure next year when Sunshine starts lessons. :)

  6. Dana 09-19-2007, 10:02 pm

    OK, you already know I agree, but I thought I’d tell you anyway.

    As a culture, we take our great liberty for granted. And we have developed a trust in our government that is a little unnerving.

  7. Renae 09-20-2007, 4:09 pm

    Dana,
    If you agree, I must be right. :)

    It is interesting that you mention our trust of the government. I think it is because we have no where else to turn. We have removed the ten commandments from our education and with it any basis for morality. No wonder we are scared. We need the government to dictate our lives, because we don’t even know right from wrong.

  8. Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants 10-3-2007, 9:01 pm

    What a well written post about reasons for homeschooling. Well done, and quite inspirational. I’m just sorry I’m two weeks late reading it. D’oh!

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