"I want my children to grow up with the understanding that
life does not begin and end with comfort.
I want them to understand
that this world is bigger than the country
in which they were born;
bigger than the culture,
bigger than the beliefs they know like the backs of their hands.
And I want them to search.
I want my children to understand that questions
are the only way to grow.
And that there is more to education
than nouns, the periodic table, and y=mx+b.
I want them to understand that people pleasing,
in reality,
pleases no one,
because it wears you out and everyone always wants something more.
I want them to understand that the Muslim person
sitting next to them on the train
could be a lifelong friend.
I want them to understand
that the atheist at school
isn't a detached opponent to evangelize,
but rather a tangible person to love.
I will encourage them to read the Quran,
so that they can relate to those
who treasure the Quran
as we treasure the Holy Bible.
I will encourage them to learn Spanish and Russian and Arabic.
I want my children to grow up
with the understanding that this life is incredibly painful
and that it is okay to be absolutely beside yourself
with doubts and fears.
I want them to understand that I have been there
and I will not tell them to
'just pray more, God is faithful'.
But I want them to understand
that our God is indeed faithful
and that my life is a testament to that.
I want them to understand that they are privileged
and in turn that every comfort in this life
is an undeserved gift--
grace upon grace.
I want my children to understand
that depression and addiction are not things to be romanticized,
nor glorified.
But I want them to understand
that if they find themselves at the corner of suicidal tendencies
and desperation,
I will meet them there in five seconds flat.
I want them to understand
that praying isn't some mundane mantra we say at dinner time out of obligation.
I want my children to grow up with the understanding
that this life will paralyze them if they let it,
but that they can choose to allow fear of the unknown
to inspire them
and propel them forward."
(H.R.)
