One
of the most amazing things I learnt this 2017 and is still learning is “Parenting”.
I was privileged to see several things this year: the good, the bad, the
beautiful and the ugly. I realized that parenting plays a major role in the
outcome of our society. I realized that children who later become adults got
most of their traits and genes (genotype and phenotype) from their parents: Intelligent
parents most times (not 100%) breeds intelligent kids and dull parents hardly
breeds intelligent kids (except in rare occasions)
First,
let us see how important parenting is - to the child and the world!
Wikipedia
defines parenting as “the process of
promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual
development of a child from infancy to adulthood.”
However,
most people think parenting is just about giving birth. So I ask, how prepared
are you? The biggest and hardest task in life is parenting. Do you know why? If
you focus on being successful and achieved it without being a proper parent for
your kids, your kids will sell all of your amassed wealth. If you build a great
reputation without proper parenting, your kids will ruin it! If you try to get
anything and lose focus on proper parenting, you will lose them before you die
or few years after you are dead!
The
last thing our youth wants to learn is parenting. Moreover, it is not just
important, it is delicate. So I ask again, how prepared are you? I would be
taking most of my points from my unpublished book (would be out in few months)
as I dealt with parenting in chapter 11 of the book.
We
are all familiar with the story of Esther, who was an orphan, picked up by her
uncle Mordecai, became a queen and saved her generation!
“Overwhelmed by the superb life of Esther, one may
begin to ask who was behind this great personality of Queen Esther. Who planted
the seed of greatness in her? Who taught her the obedience, humility,
prayerfulness, and wisdom traits that we want to adopt? Who brought her into
the right ground to blossom?’ Mordecai did a great work in the upbringing of
Queen Esther. She would have probably been worse if Haman had brought her up.”
The
definition of Parenting can be seen in the story of Mordecai and Esther.
If
there is anything you are going to learn in 2018, ensure you learn parenting!
Our society today is what it is because parents are no longer doing proper
jobs. They are all after money, fame and properties.
“Mordecai had prepared Esther thoroughly before she
could attain queenship. So also Parents must prepare their sons and daughters
before they can embark on one of the most important and difficult callings in
life – marriage and parenthood. Too often times, a failed generation is because
of a failed upbringing. Charity, they say, begins at home.
Mordecai went to the extent of placing Esther in a
place where opportunity could find her. He did not leave her to struggle her way
through after training her. He placed her in a place of opportunity and ensured
that she never departed from the training (Proverbs 22:6). Mordecai was there
for Esther, he motivated her to take a great decision that empowered an
outstanding victory for both the present and future Jewish generations.
Parents and leaders: if your progenies cannot change
or benefit their generations then you are a failure. Also, count yourself a failure if you are a
great parent or leader without a suitable successor. Jesus, the greatest leader
that ever lived left disciples who could perform greater than he did (John
14:12).
Parents must understand parenthood (or parenting)
before venturing into bringing forth children. The reasons why we are in this
mess today is because some failed parents left their obligations to house helps
and nannies. The world would have been a better place if parents knew how to be
better parents.
Mordecai gave Esther everything a real father could
give a daughter in terms of proper discipline and training. He did it from a
clear heart. Consequently, he enjoyed the dividends of good parenting. You can
never sow corn and reap banana.
Leaders must understand that the problem of his flock
is not followership but leadership. A failed leader breeds failed followers.
We all must wake up to our responsibilities. To breed
daughters that will become like Esther in our present generation is not a fairy
tale. It is very possible. But we must be ready to put in all the hard work it
entails.
No one can do it alone. If you want children that
would influence their generations, parents must be ready to make the sacrifices
Mordecai did. Also, remember that the pay back will be great.”
Sheri
L. Dew said there is no greater name for a leader than mother or father. There
is no leadership more important than parenthood. Do not joke with parenting. It
is a calling given to everyone. It is a purpose waiting to be fulfilled.
Next,
may I ask you: How prepared are you for this task?
Do
you think you know enough to guide you through? The Bible teaches us to seek
knowledge. Remember, my people perish for lack of knowledge. There are some
things God wants you to learn by studying. Read books on parenting. Practise
parenting while you are single. Help other people cater for their children. Alexander
the Great said “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid
of an army of sheep led by a lion. Are you ready to be that lion leading your
kids a right? How prepared are you? This
generation is the one of information and data. Kids learn from everywhere. A
kid in Mowe, Ogun State may be learning from a star in New York, USA.
Therefore,
we have a bigger role to play, first in guiding the kids and guarding them! Even
Prophet Eli entered trouble because of his poor parenting. Our powerful Prophet
Samuel made similar error. My dear, you cannot be too spiritual to overlook
this! How prepared are you? Don't let your kids send you to hell.
Wake
up and learn parenting. It is the biggest influence you can have on the world.
If you are still single without a kid, you are
very lucky to have this lesson. If you are already a parent, it is never late.
Pastor E. A Adeboye (my daddy G. O) almost had a wayward son but he corrected
it immediately.
You
can correct it now by getting knowledge.
I
end with this quote from Barbara Johnson, “To be in your children's memories
tomorrow, you have to be in their lives today.”
Get
close to your kids. Learn from them. Teach them. Know their fears and worries.
Guard them and more importantly guide them!
(c)
Empowered Seeds
Grooming
Empowered Youth
...
Making kings and helping destinies
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