Not perfect, yet humble, loving, caring, & patient ... seeking biblical principles

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be celebrated in the coming weeks, and I am pleased that we have these special remembrances for these important individuals in our society. Those of us who have been blessed with loving parents are grateful for their contributions to our lives, and that gratitude should be expressed.

Most of us who are parents will admit in all honesty that we have made mistakes. Dr. James Dobson has said, “There is hardly a parent alive who does not have some regrets and painful memories of failures as a mother or father. Children are infinitely complex, and we cannot be perfect parents anymore than there can be perfect human beings.” No, there are no perfect parents, but the parents who are humble, seeking to follow Biblical principles, loving, caring, and patient will find that children will normally be very resilient and forgiving of our mistakes, and that helps to make parenting a very rewarding experience.

Unfortunately, there are many parents who are not following Godly principles and, in fact, are abusing, neglecting, or abandoning their children. This week I was reviewing the results of a recent survey that reveals that Alabama has a much higher rate of physical and sexual abuse than the nation at large. I believe the Christian community has a responsibility to demonstrate the redemptive message of Christ and provide services designed to break the cycle of abuse and neglect that is in so many families. Sixteen years ago The Children’s Homes created Pathways Professional Counseling to strengthen families and provide intervention for families and children in crisis. In 2009 we served 2,654 individuals through this counseling ministry.

Through ourFamily Care Ministry we also provide services for homeless mothers who are committed to providing for their children, but need help with an immediate crisis situation.

Our best efforts at prevention will not eliminate the need for loving and caring foster homes, and house mothers or fathers who will serve through our campuses, group homes, and emergency shelters. I am so grateful for these dedicated men and women who have committed their lives to serving as substitute parents. If you know of individuals who are serving in these important roles, I encourage you to affirm them and pray for them.

Many of you who are reading this article are faithful to support the ministries of Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries through your financial support. On behalf of the children and families who benefit from that support, I want to say a hearty, “Thank you.” If your church is not supporting this ministry, please consider encouraging them to participate in our Annual Children’s Homes Offering, and then give to support that offering. This time of year would also be an excellent time to give in memory or in honor of your mother or father.