Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Being Warriors

I try not to be a "doom and gloom" kind of person. I do admit that the world we live in is so different from the way it used to be. I used to close my eyes to it, thinking that it would get better but times "they are getting hard".

Last Friday, I talked a man off of the ledge. He was suicidal and somehow, called my number at work, by mistake. I spent over 30 minutes convincing him that there was hope. I told him that if he chose to end his life, then it would be on my shoulders for not helping him to see that there was hope. I spoke to him today and he is getting help. (I will continue to check on him.)

We need to stand up to all that is going on in our homes, in our families, our friends and in our neighborhoods. We need to say, "This isn't going to happen in my house." It's so easy to dismiss things as "Not a big deal" but it is...a big deal, that is. 

My bonus baby is almost 15 (in a couple of more weeks). I have forgotten how hard it is to be a teen and to raise teens. When my daughters were in their teens, I wasn't afraid to say, "Nope, that's not acceptable!" but today, it seems like parents are afraid to put their foot down.

We can't expect kids to treasure family time if we are so plugged into electronics and the tv that we have no clue  what is going on around us.

We can't expect our kids to make good choices in friends if we are so busy enabling the people around us, being afraid to really say what we think.

We can't expect our kids to eat right and get out and enjoy the world around them, if we make poor eating choices and buy the junky foods that they crave.

We can't expect them to love reading when we don't pick up books to read ourselves.

Kids learn what they live and what they learn mainly comes from those around them.

But, who is in control??? 

We have got to take a stand and stop trying to be "parent of the year".

Speak up when their friends aren't treating them respectfully.

Speak up when they aren't living out their potential.

Speak up when they are disrespectful and inconsiderate.

Love on them when they need to know they are loved but speak truths in their lives too.

Build a support system that will be there when times are tough. 

Set boundaries and not allow those boundaries to be crossed.

Never be afraid to admit when you are afraid.

Be a warrior! 



15 comments:

XmasDolly said...

Well, hello stranger! I'd say how are you, but I can see that number one you're a hero and not only to your kids! God bless you for being the person that you are and gave that man a little hope. Hope enough and faith enough that life can go on! I am proud to know you my friend (as I hope we are friends). Have a wonderful day and I will leave you with this. I always told my kids that I don't ask for respect I demand it because I have earned it, and when I stop then you can disrespect me. I have never been disrespected since & it was only one time from one child & I have four. Hugs, Marie

Mari said...

I was happy to see a post pop up from you!
Yay for you for being there when that man called the wrong number. I believe that was God's plan - no wrong numbers in his eyes!
You're right about parents not being parents. I like your be a warrior statement!

Brian Miller said...

amen...i agree...we need not be the best liked parent because that is fleeting and there are far more important things....i am glad you were there for them..

Jill said...

Amen and well said! Parents need to parent and society needs to wake up! Bless you for helping that. Man off the ledge...depression is such a serious issue...

Jill

Sweet Tea said...

It's so good to "hear" you with fire in your words again. I think it must mean you are feeling better. I couldn't agree with you more. You're totally right on point. Amen and Amen.

Veronica Lee said...

That man was really lucky to have called you by mistake!

And well said, Simone! Yes, someday our kids will thank us for being 'brutal' to them!

((hugs))

Connie said...

You are so right in your thinking. Parents, now days, want to be "their friend". Most have a lot of friends what they need is a parent. Pray daily for our kids!

Terra said...

I think God put you and the man on the ledge together so you could talk him down, and give him hope. How wonderful to be used like that.
I agree with your words here about "speaking up."

Anita said...

You helped someone who was suicidal! What are the chances of "that" happenig?!

God knew which angel to send... you. :)

I sense that you're a good mom again, the second time around. Continued prayers and best wishes to all of you.

Unknown said...

All I can say is "Wow"! What a blessing he dialed 'the wrong number'. The Lord knew it was the right number!
By the way, thanks for stopping by and leaving those kinds words.

Petula said...

Talk about divine intervention. You were definitely his angel that day.

*nodding* - well written.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Wow, Simone! So glad YOU were the one that got the phone call in error. Sending prayers to the caller and hoping for the best.

And AMEN to being a parent and a warrior! It's soooo important.

Hope you're feeling great. Glad to see you posting.

xo jj

Lin said...

Life is hard these days. MUCH harder than it was before. I see so many people, especially young people, struggling. And it's hard to witness.

I'm not sure what it is going to take, but we all need to be more strong in this society. We need to be conscious of what is right and do it--not just what is easy because we are all very tired. VERY. Tired. I think that is why we let so much go--especially with our kids.

How lucky that man was to dial your number. Imagine if he got someone else? Wow. I think you are his angel.

Jenny said...

Wow.

Some powerful things going on with you and shared here.

Going against our nature to simply nurture without life preparation is such a hard one for parents.

But it's the right thing.

I guess right doesn't always mean EASY, though!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Template by BloggerCandy.com | Header Image by Freepik