Sunday, October 05, 2008

Family Moment Monday-- Getting involved!!


Motherhood for Dummies hosts Family Moment Monday. It "consists of people who are sharing crafts, activities, lessons, ideas, service projects or anything else that you can learn/do/enjoy as a family in your post." Check out her site for other great ideas about family life.

I realize that political activity can be rather controversial, especially these days. But the lesson I want to talk about is applicable regardless of your political views.


My family participated in a Life Chain this weekend. Yes, it is a pro-life event encouraging people to choose life.
We also have a very controversial proposal on the ballot that deals very specifically with unborn rights. (I will be posting more about this proposal soon.)

OK. So that's where we are from a political perspective on the life issues.

Regardless of your family's politics I think there is a lot to be gained by being involved in issues as a family.

1. Your kids learn that there are values worth fighting for, that there are things more important than the ordinary details of our lives. It's especially beneficial for teens to see that life is not all about them. There are causes and ideals that transcend today's irritations and fears.

2. It helps you to teach your kids about what's important and what you believe is the truth. A lot of discussion can happen through these activities. The kids think and ask questions. You get to be the one to explain and clarify, not the world at large.

3. It builds family unity and family bonds. There is a certain energy that is aroused by trying to do what you can to bring about good. When a family does this, there is a feeling of togetherness, a feeling that no one is going it alone. We all want the good and we will stand together for it.

4. It helps them to become better citizens. By example we are showing that every little act to improve our country or our world is valuable. They see that it is rewarding to be involved, to stand for what you believe is right.

5. Because these activities involve other people who we already know or will come to know, it helps kids (and adults!) to realize that we are indeed part of a larger community, that we are
arm in arm with others who also want to fight for the truth as they see it. It becomes empowering in a very good way.

Anyway, these are the benefits I have seen in our family.

5 comments:

Munchkins and Music said...

I think that if you feel strong about something your family believes in, this is a great way to get involved!

Lyndsie Miles said...

That does sound like a very good thing to do. Chris and I always want to teach our children to stand for what we believe is right... and not just sit on the sidelines and look at things happening.
What a good thing to do with your kids!

Kalona said...

I love to see young people involved, (especially in pro-life activities)! And I certainly agree with our five points.

Suzanne said...

Me too! Teresa and a good friend's son went with me to take our church banner to the big pro-life Mass at the cathedral in Indy at the Archdiocese Mass... Also, we had a life chain that was held on the street right in front of our parish and the family prayed there too!
Yes, indeed..do these things with our families! AMEN

Kellan said...

Well said! I think you have a great family and you are a very FINE mother!

Take care - Kellan