So yesterday I heard of something happening at my children’s
school that led me to spend some time with my children in what I call a “teachable
moment”. Let me explain myself.
My children got off the bus telling about a bunch of kids
(elementary age) that where teaming up on another kid and making fun of him
simply because the boy had said that His parents had voted for Trump. From that point these other kids began to
tell the boy his parents were stupid, racist, crazy, and so on.. They brought this elementary boy to
tears. Several things troubled me about this;
the greatest thing that troubled me was that this is something that was modeled
in their lives by someone else. Think
about that. Disrespect is taught. Add this situation to what
they see on TV/news with the protests, led me to a point after dinner last
night that I sat down and talked to my girls about several things:
1.
Respect the office of President (or any elected official
/ those in authority).
This can be a tough one, but just
the office itself deserves the respect of the American people. I believe this and I teach my children this,
even if someone holds the office that you very much disagree with. I offered my children this example, I asked
them if at any time in the last 8 years did they ever hear me say anything
negative about President Obama, they responded no. Here was my point: I don’t agree with Him and never have with
much of his policy. I think as a person
he is good, I think he is an affluent speaker and intelligent man; however, he
and I disagree on a lot of things in life, religion, and policy. Never once have I ever said anything
negative, especially in front of my children, reason being you respect the President
and the office he holds. My parents
instilled this in me by example and I instill it into mine.
The Bible also teaches us in
Romans 13 “Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has
established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against
the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves.(1-2)”.
It is my duty as an American citizen as well as a Believer
in Jesus Christ to grant the governing officials the respect they deserve for
the office they have been granted. It
churns my stomach to see how people have such non-respect for the president
(current, former, and future), and it is being modeled and handed down to their
children. Shame on us and the media for
allowing this to happen. You don’t have
to agree with the President or Elected official in order to give them respect.
The statement is made that respect has to be earned, an elected official earned that by the vote of the American people, even if I strongly disagree with them and/or their character.Yes, I had to answer a lot of questions from my children about Donald Trump, things that He said, things that people said, and actions / accusations that where made. They asked me about war, the wall, and how the country is divided. I explained to them that we are always one decision away from War, that there are always other countries and entities wanting to wage war with our country mostly because we are by far the most powerful country in the world. I then explained to them about the wall and illegal immigration. How their grandmother was an immigrant and became a citizen the right way. I further explained about the country's division and how neither Trump nor Clinton got half of America to vote for them, we are strongly divided as a country and that was long before Trump or Clinton either one.
2.
Respect your fellow man.
We are diverse people living in a diverse world. We live in by far the greatest country in
this world. People are different, quirky,
and (well) diverse. No matter whom they
are or where they come from a person deserves respect for their beliefs or lack
thereof. Our country was based on
freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of
religion, freedom from slavery, and freedom (and right) to bear arms is what
makes our country best. Respect people’s
rights to be free. I don’t have to
understand what people believe, their lifestyle, or why they believe it, if
they respect me for what I believe, I will return the respect.
17 Do not
repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of
everybody. 18 If it is
possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans
12:17-18)
Do what is right, be respectful (if
it is possible), do everything you can to live at peace with everyone.
3.
Respect the United States Flag and what it
represents.
I have to be totally honest, this really bothers me. I get that people are exercising their right
to freedom of protest by standing on the flag, burning the flag, and whatever
else they are doing. However, the flag
is much more than just a flag, it is what it represents. The sacrifice made by many, the freedom it
represents, and the hope that it brings, and yet it is so disrespectful to
stand, burn, or throw it down. I was
raised better than that, and my children will be raised and taught better than
that. There are other ways to go about
protesting other than totally disrespecting the flag and the men and women who
died protecting the great country that it represents.
If somewhere in your mind you can register that it is ok to
burn the flag, vandalize, or burn down small businesses in protest then you are
part of the problem and not part of the solution.
I have no control over the way people are or act outside of
my home, but I will continue to teach my children the above and hope that they
can have an influence on those around them.
Chris L. Reese
Proud American Citizen
Follower of the Most High God and Son Jesus Christ
Proud American Citizen
Follower of the Most High God and Son Jesus Christ
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