Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be.
I love this part of the song the Greatest Love of All. It was sung by Whitney Houston and was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed. I sang it at the closing ceremonies of a summer reading program with a group of teachers to be when I was learning to be a teacher in college. The message is carries of the need to believe, teach, show, and give to children is one I have carried in my heart since I first heard it.
When people look into the future they see hard economic times. Others see a damaged world due to global warning. The list of horrible things people predict could go on and on. Just reading through it would fill you with dread and sorrow.
When I look into the eyes of my son, I see hope. I see a boy that can change his world.
I don’t mean that I see someone who will become a president or world leader of any kind. I do mean that it is possible that this wonderful loving young boy can change his part of the world.
As his mom I truly feel the calling to help him learn to be a world changer from the inside out. Just as the song says, I need to try to show him the beauty he possesses inside and help him develop a sense of pride.
How do I plan to do that?
Try to help him cultivate a deep desire to care for others.
Help him discover the gifts that he has been blessed with and help him find ways to use them.
Provide him with a safe and secure place to share his thoughts and dreams
Look for opportunities for him to grow in the fruits of the spirit as they are listed in the Bible.
Show him by example what healthy self talk sounds like.
Display through my actions that world changing is not just a one time thing to do but, a life choice.
Share with him the pride I have in his actions and words.
Believe in his dreams and search out ways to make them happen.
Give him opportunities to lead and guide activities we are doing.
What are other ways I can do this?
This post is linked to Mama Kat’s Writing Workshop.
Heather says
I love this song as well. You work so hard with JDaniel I can’t believe he won’t be a world changer.
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
Beautifully written!!
EG Wow says
You’re a good mom so I suspect JDaniel is already learning to share the beauty he possesses inside. I just wish more children were as fortunate as JDaniel!
Arnebya says
This absolutely made my morning, thank you. This kind of hands on guidance of our children is what more of them need (and want). I think what you have here leaves virtually nothing for me to add regarding ways to help him along.
I quoted a piece of that song in a post this week too.
Rina@BentoSchoolLunches says
I LOVE this and well written! Now, Greatest Love Of All keeps playing in my head. I used to sing it with the nuns when I was in school before, decades ago!
Susan Case says
You need to put a Pinterest button on this. Beautiful. I’ll put it on my P board. You are such a wonderful example. I’ve been pondering what you said about people being so rushed they are forgetting what is important. Thank you.
Lola says
Great *M* post – wonderfully written!
Visiting from Mrs Matlock’s and looking forward to *seeing* you again,
XOXO Lola:)
Dara Nix says
Great post – but just to make a correction – the song was actually written by written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed! Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You”!
Dora "Dooritos" says
This touched my heart. You expressed a mom’s hopes very well. Visiting from Mama Kat’s writing workshop.
Not a Perfect Mom says
this is so sweet! and so true..
and funnily enough, I wrote about the same song today!
Tammy says
Beautiful post Deidre!!!! I just put together a post for Friday where I have this song in it too. My dad always thinks of me when he hears it. The message is so meaningful!
~ Noelle says
This is such a beautiful post…
More moms need to be like you…
Cam | Bibs and Baubles says
Standing Ovation!!! It’s so true our children represent so much hope!! I think your list has you well on your way to raising someone to make a mark in this world.
Kallay says
I love, love, LOVE this post. What an outstanding mother you are! <3 (and a lucky little man!)
Preschool Math Online says
i have never heard like this anywhere before..i loved it:)
Barbara says
Your son will do amazing things! You are giving him such a great foundation and are opening up his heart and mind!
Growing a Jeweled Rose says
What a beautiful and touching post. I love The Greatest Love of All, and used to sing it to my first born while rocking her to sleep. You are right, it is our job as parents to teach our children to love themself. It really is the greatest love of all, and certainly the most important. I really enjoyd this post!I am your newest follower! I would love for you to drop by my blog, check it out, and even follow along 😉
Raising a Happy Child says
I am sure JD will be a world changer. Just yesterday my daughter cracked me up by informing me that she will be a president one day and will tell the world, “No more wars!” Wouldn’t it be terrific for her dream to come true?
Mommy With Selective Memory says
This is a beautiful post thank you for sharing!!
LOVE MELISSA:) says
This was so beautifully written. It made me tear up! Love reading your blog:)
Heather McDougle says
This is beautifully written and awesome!
Renée says
love this 🙂
Blue Cotton Memory says
When you instill the beautiful things you list in your children, then it doesn’t matter what people “predict” about the future – their future will be full of the things that matter! Simply heart-filled!
Mama Kat says
I’m just glad your boy has someone to cultivate all those things in him! You’re a great mama!