while we have gone to a conveniently located, wee baptist church here in town the last two sunday mornings, I am reluctant to visit again tomorrow.  how quickly my fervor is squelched due to my insatiable need to speak honestly and expect honest answers.  I kid you not ... if you have never yet had the priviledge to witness my talent in this area for yourself, you will not fully comprehend how many hopes I can have dashed in only one conversation.  hopes, that is, of actually finding someone who not only respects what I "do', but also comes across as at least a tiny bit supportive (read: not repulsed).

last weekend was the local hick-fair and we enjoyed it very much.  we had an opportunity to meet and converse with the pastor of the church we had attended the prior week.  the pastor was on vacation so a visiting guy spoke.  I liked the pastor well enough as he is on the young side and seemed to laugh a little at enough of the things I said to make much hope arise in me, that is until ...

you know, I have to say it still baffles me how many Christian folk actually take the time to confront me about my homeschooling practices.  seriously.  why would someone who knows and believes and follows Christ even wonder to themselves, let alone out loud, why I homeschool? 

this young pastor, and father of one child, actually questioned why I would homeschool in the first place, not to mention even consider homeschooling past grade eight. not only did he not agree with our education choice, but he did not comprehend it either.  I am also quite convinced that everything I said to him in response went in one ear and completely out the other.  which is not to say that I believe every single child on this planet ought to be homeschooled ... (pausing to imagine this concept) ... but it would be nice, truly nice, to find just one pastor around these here parts that did not look at me like I was doing something utterly ridiculous and incomprehensible.

perhaps it is conviction

Posted by ClagettsFLStyle

I too feel the same way about people asking why we homeschool, but I honestly think it's almost a defensive thing. When you tell them that God laid it on your heart or that you want to have the opportunity to raise godly children or whatever your reason is , I think it sets off a defensive in them because they aren't doing it themselves. I truly believe that only God can call someone to homeschooling and if He doesn't - then they shouldn't because it makes us look bad.. LOL.

Posted by sagerats

I know just what you are saying. We once went to a church where the pastor didn't believe in homeschooling and more then half of the congregation worked in public schools. We weren't the only homeschoolers there, but it sure was an interesting mix. We now attend a church where everyone homeschools. That is nice!

Abiding in the Vine!

Posted by QueenoftheHill

I hear ladies at my church complain that they feel pressured to homeschool and feel like they are regarded as "less" for not choosing that option.

I try not to use Partyoffive's favorite line on them: "Yeah, but you are a better mother for sending them to school." ;-)

Guess the perfect congregation is one where half do and half don't!

Posted by ApplesofGold

Oh, I'm sorry about that. It's discouraging when we come across so many naysayers-especially when they don't know anything about it. Because, if they did know anything about it, they'd agree with you-even if they so choose not to do it.
Hugs! Holly

Posted by JenIG

you will see that I'm consistently consistent in my consistent peer pressure in my attempts to induce you to move down HERE and come to MY church.

Posted by bestsister

Thought I'd check back today for the happy update that said you'd found the PERFECT church, incredulous that your bestsister missed it in her hunt and that we indeed do not need to drive to another county to be fed and led and satisfied...alas...the hunt continues. Would this be a bad time to see if Neal wants to go to the men's retreat with Chris?

Posted by garringer9

I was just viewing blogs randomly and ran across yours. I am so sorry to hear of your struggles.
Do you have a support group in your area? Where doyour friends go to church...I am sure you have already visited these thoughts but just in case...
Please stop by my blog and say hi. If I can be of any support let me know. Lori

Posted by SmallWorld

What is UP with JenIg trying to lure you to HER church? Geez! She's a sneaky thing. But that's OK. If it gets you down here, we'll even invite you over on Sundays for lunch....

Posted by Anonymous

Hey there...I wonder why folks seem to think they can get in your business, KWIM??? I am sorry you have not found a church...you are MORE than welcome to come to my (homeschool friendly) church...Pastor Mark even encouraged parents to homeschool...and if they didn't want to do the math and stuff, the kids can go to public school, but parents are still responsible to teach their kids a lot of other stuff in the home!!

It isn't that far of a drive...and we have awesome youth (new youth pastor coming on Thanksgiving weekend!!).... Cindy Taylor...just down the road in London