What Culture Are You Raising Your Children In?

I read a newspaper article that stated 50-75% of commercial bee colonies have died off. Many of us city folk don’t realize how serious this is. “Every third bite of food is pollinated by bees–more than $15 billion worth of food a year, according to ‘The Beekeeper’s Handbook.'”

This made me wonder-what about the culture in which we are raising our children? Will they survive or will they survive but not thrive because of the brokenness in their young lives? I do not want to spread doom. I’m a believer and choose to believe in overcoming rather than giving in or giving up. But must admit the obstacles have become increasingly difficult for single moms and the children they love.

Perhaps the thing to do here is to think of the sweetness of the child. Children are capable of adapting and recovering so well. They look to us and if we concentrate on the ‘honey’ of life they will follow. “One honeybee will produce approximately 1/12 teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.” Yet without honeybees our sources of food are threatened.

Think of the power behind one hug from mom or one heartfelt compliment every day. Moms this is in your hands. You have the influence to change the taste of their day. And remember you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Following was taken from Beaumont Enterprise March 22, 2009, Source: Cornell University

DID YOU KNOW

Honey

• Is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including water.
• Speeds the healing process and combats infections.
• Never spoils.
• It would take about 1 ounce of honey to fuel a honeybee’s flight around the world.

Interesting how hugs or like honey, isn’t it?

Gail holds a degree from Lamar University in Speech and a Master’s from the University of Texas. She married Sam after raising three children as a single mother. She was an educator in regular and special education for eighteen years, finishing her professional career as a Braille teacher. In 2007 She founded SMORE for Women. SMORE is a nonprofit association whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, & Empowered. She is a Women’s Transition Coach and her stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines.