Below is an article I received today in "Daily Focus" from Alpha-Omega Publications.
I know some of you who visit my blog homeschool as I do. I found this to be a word of encouragement! Hope you do too!
Unfair Labels
Monday / March 12, 2007
What labels have been placed on your children because they homeschool? During our years of homeschooling, my children faced innuendos that ranged from mental retardation to religious fanatic. Today, the media still portrays homeschoolers as naive, unfashionably-dressed nerds. Even though studies prove the contrary, public educators also insist that homeschoolers are deprived of proper socialization. Why does the phrase “homeschooling” bring out such nastiness in people?
Unfair labels are nothing new. When Christ lived on earth, He suffered with being misunderstood by the multitudes, Jewish leaders, and even His friends and family. Unfair labels of trouble maker, demon-possessed, and foolish fanatic were placed on Him as He told the world about the Kingdom of God and His love. Although the label placed above Christ’s head on the cross was intended to mock Him more, it was the one label that the world got right when it read, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Luke 23:38b)
So how do you live in a negative, anti-homeschooling world and not become negative yourself? As Christian homeschoolers, it seems we receive a double whammy from the world – unfair labels for our faith and unfair labels for our homeschooling. As hurtful as these labels can be, Christ can help us forgive and move beyond the painful remarks when they come. Jesus’ example of love on the cross shows us the way when He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:24)
Lord,
Strengthen me to stand against the world’s opinion of homeschoolers and teach me to love as You loved when You died on the cross. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7 comments:
I linked to this post on my blog. My brother and his wife homeschool their kids and they seem to be just fine and well adjusted.
I actually saw on Fox News(love direct TV) where major universities are revamping there entrance applications and seeking out home schoolers.
Thanks for the comments you left on my blog. I was wondering who this Shane guy was! Until I seen your explanation in his comment section LOL :) Thats TOO funny. I left you both a comment on his blog.
God bless
Love,
Candy
We went through that during our homeschooling years. Even some people at our church disapproved. But now, with our oldest daughter graduating from college and the youngest a junior in college--both always on the Dean's List, their attitudes have changed. Just wish our girls hadn't had to endure all that criticism all those years!
My eldest sister has always homeschooled with great results. My middle sister is starting homeschooling...we'll see how it goes.
Came across this site via a Google Alert on Alpha Omega Publications. Tell Josh that an old teacher says hello.
Curtis E. Jacob
Great article!! We are on our 14th year of homeschooling and I can *so* appreciate this article. Thanks for sharing, Pam...and thanks for stopping by my blog! : )
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