First Baptist Church of Herndon

Who is in your village?

Linda Soller | Jun 30, 2014

There is a frequently cited African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” My question to you is, who is in your village? As part of our “Beginning to End” series in the Drop-In class, we discussed that parenting is forever. We were talking about the skills associated with parenting, which are regularly used by people who aren’t parents at all. You know who we mean, teachers, scout leaders, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and relatives. Those people who share our life and help us grow. Recently at a meeting for my work, as an ice breaker, I asked a group of employees to tell us either a “fun fact”, or answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There were a few surprised looks, as everyone in the room was technically an adult. Strangely enough most of the people chose to answer the question instead of sharing a “fun fact”. Hopefully we all keep growing throughout our lives.

Just the other day on the morning news they discussed the topic of children returning to live at home after college. They referred to them as boomerang children. Sent out in to the world, only to come flying back. The panel of experts presented why they think this is happening so frequently, and what is good and bad about it. Seems to me the pros and cons are very family specific, but the one thing the experts agreed on was that there needed to be rules. The parents are still the parents, and it’s still their house. The young woman being interviewed said she understood that her return to home isn’t how her parents envisioned their future, but she was learning a lot by living there and seeing things through adult eyes.

The Bible is full of family stories. When I asked the Drop-In class what examples of parenting came to mind they responded with David (as a child and as a father), Jesus’ mother Mary, the Centurion, Naomi and Ruth, and naturally the story of the Prodigal Son, to name a few. In each case there were examples of different styles of parenting. There were stories of sacrifice and great love. There were stories of selfishness and selflessness. What’s always wonderful about the Bible is that the lessons still apply, even without social media, or electronics. The challenges that face parents remain the same. How do you meet the needs of the child? Can you truly protect, train, comfort, correct, and love them in the way God intended? There’s no instruction manual with children, and so we turn to the village.

Within a village there’s expanded experience, and knowledge. When your energy is low there’s someone who is feeling strong. When there’s sadness there are those who can comfort and encourage. When there’s joy there’s always someone willing to celebrate. When you find your village you will know because it’ll feel like home. I have actually grown up in our church.  Some of those mentors and teachers of my childhood have attended the classes I’ve taught, this time as students. The traditions of years past are not forgotten, and a connection runs through generations. We often hear from visitors that they feel so welcomed when they first arrive. In a way it’s like the welcoming of a new husband or wife to a family, the welcoming home of that boomerang child, or that welcome of a dear friend yet to be. You are, who you are, because of all those people who influenced your decisions, reactions, dreams, and journeys. Look around you, consider your life, and tell me, “Who is in your village?”

Have a great week!  :o)    Linda