Apr. 10, 2008 - Newspaper Column
A few days ago I said that I had the opportunity to write an article for our local newspaper about homeschooling and the recent court decision in California that puts that at risk. Well...they printed it today! I'm very pleased. The article I submitted was a bit long, but it doesn't appear that they have edited it much, and my original intent remains intact. If you are interested, click here to read it.
I give praise to God for giving me the opportunity and the courage to speak about something so dear to my heart.
If the Lord is impressing upon your heart the need to do this in your community, please listen to Him. I believe Christian homeschooling families are a tool He is using to get the attention of our culture. We can no longer hide in the shadows and pray no one will bother us. We must be confident in the calling God has given us, and not be shy about why we are being counter-cultural to the government school system. There are ways to be firm in our convictions that are also respectful and loving. I would never encourage a dialogue of accusation and hate, but rather, quiet, confident facts. Not everyone will agree with us, and by opening up, we invite criticism. But hey! As new and veteran homeschoolers, we realize that criticism comes with the territory, so this is nothing new. Maybe your willingness to be a voice in your local area will encourage some other Christian family who is considering homeschooling to take that leap of faith.
Comments
Apr. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mijubrifarms
Kari,
It's nice to hear that there are more and more courageous ones that are willing to stand up for the rest of us. I liked your point about being kind and gentle when we do. Too many HSers hide in corners of the world and the few that do come out, usually come out shooting bullets of hate and critisism at the rest of the world. This only adds to the "streotype" that we're all "wierd". I think intelligent, kind words go a long way. Thanks again.
Oh, and I'm impressed that you can raise 7 kids and still find time to blog. I only have 2, and they're pretty much grown, and have a hard time finding the time!
Apr. 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mumumomma
You have a terrific talent for writing. As for the article, it was very articulate, and hopefully will help non-homeschoolers understand a little bit of what hsing is really about.
I'm so glad you pointed out that the main concern is loss of parental rights.
We have 4-5 yrs. left of hsing,(w/ my youngest), and if hsing is made illegal, I suppose I will be on the "most wanted" list!
Seriously, it would be a long battle for the gov. to round up all hsing families. Then, private education would eventually be attacked, and we have to remember in the Christian and Catholic sector of private ed., we have an ali.
Let's pray the outcome is in our favor.
Keep writing those great articles, we (hser's) need some good "Erin's", at this time. :)
