A Christmas message: Empowered families stay safe and healthy
This headline inspired me to write this article! “Boys as young as 12 years old were among those who made up a prolific organized retail theft ring in San Francisco, police said.”
We have heard these stories as American society gradually changed! Look at today’s youthful behavior compared to 50 years ago. We now have street violence, looting, carjacking, gangs, drug abuse, and suicide as self-destructive behaviors increase. Today, Americans and their families are at risk! Over the years, we expected government programs, psychologists, and counselors to fix us. So… what went wrong?
Some young people turned to crime and drugs because they never learned how to develop the 3Cs—courage, Character, and self-protective Conscience—or find a path to freedom for themselves, which comes from within. As citizens became more dependent on the government, politicians needed more Money to “fix” the broken. We were in a downward spiral as churches closed their doors. Local governments added programs with taxpayer money, which often ends up in corrupt pockets. Drugs, crime, and homelessness became big business!
How can we, as a nation, return to the joy of Christmas? Hartford Institute for Religious Research estimates that there are 350,000 churches in the U.S.
Most Americans know that we have incredible inner power if we know how to build happy, healthy lives. Here are two critical ways church leaders empower families.
1. The Bible teaches families and children about personal responsibility, doing unto others, respecting yourself, and loving your neighbor. Families grow stronger and listen to their conscience as they learn how to stay “centered” so they don’t become victims or grow to be bullies. Humans are born imperfect, but they have the power to change and live a centered life with supportive families and friends.
2. A church family offers a support network of caring people who empower families and help children learn how to stay spiritually centered. An extended family will listen and will not bully, fly into a rage, or become abusive to each other. Without the ability to discern the difference between good and bad influences, many young people can be misled and pay a huge price in the future.
Personal responsibility, family, and neighborhood support are critical to bringing families together this Christmas season and in the years ahead.
Families can discover what needs to change to make life worth living. Everyone has the power and ability to reduce anger and develop self-control, self-worth, and self-confidence.
If you are struggling as a family or single parent, you can find people who care about you. If you are sick, have a family crisis, need help finding answers, or need help solving problems, your extended church family will be there for you.
Christmas is a great time to strengthen families and find encouragement with people who will support and care about you and your family! We wish you a very Merry Christmas!
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