I heard on the radio a familiar saying, "Don't do anything for your children that they can do for themselves." As a parent, I understand why this makes sense. We enable our children to become self-determinant and self-sufficient when they see they can do for themselves. That's how they learn to walk, eat, potty, etc. When mommy and daddy (although too often it's one or the other) step out of little Mayah or Selas' way.
I think many parents would agree with that assertion. Again, it makes sense. But why doesn't that same principle apply to adults? Shouldn't adults be held more responsible and more accountable for our actions than children. In theory, yes; but pleas, deals, cop outs, bailouts, and handouts all suggest otherwise. In our society, it's the adults who breed dependency instead of self-reliance. We look to so many others to solve our problems for us, or worse, to take our blame. Parents blame TV for children's actions. I don't agree with everything that's on the air and partially favor censorship, but I know that I'm responsible for what my children watch...period.
Others believe the government should take care of us; as if it's an entity. The "government" is a group of people paving the way for a babysitter mentality. Is that what grown men and women need? Babysitters, handing us pacifiers each time we cry out our needs? Why do we continue reaching for bottles of milk, when we need meat?
We're asking, and in some cases expecting others to do for us what we can do for ourselves. Sometimes it's harder than we planned. Sometimes it's near (notice the emphasis) impossible. But we can do for ourselves, now more so than ever before. Our current president is living proof. Let's shed our excuses and start doing for ourselves what we can do for ourselves.
With Love,
Brendan
2 comments:
I'd be interested in hearing your practical and specific description of what would represent "meat" and the same description of some items you consider "milk". I like where you're going with your writing, it's just that your blogging is currently too general. If I'm going to spend time and energy reading your blog each day (and I'm sure others will eventually agree), I'd like for you to move beyond the "milk" of general cliches about personal responsibility and non-specific biblical references and into the "meat" of what is really on your mind. I already know you're a decent writer. Don't continue to prove it to me by cleverly writing your piece in such a way that it won't possibly offend. How else can we learn, or even understand, or grow in any way without a challenge every now and then. Talented writers should not only entertain us, but challenge us, make us think, make us counter, or validate our current feelings. It's as if you're holding back your talents to wax philosophical with safe descriptions on non-insulting topics. Why did you write this? What is your point? I would personally like to hear it...even if for some reason I might (brace yourself) disagree. You're giving me milk as if I'm not ready to accept the meat of what you're really saying. That's more insulting for me as a reader. You have time, so use it say something. Are you disgruntled with the election of Barack Obama or are you disgruntled with why other people say they elected him...or both...or both plus something else...or neither. If this is going to be a blog by you and about you, give me the privilege of truly getting to hear from you.
With Love,
Rashad
Point taken. Get your steak knife.
Post a Comment