Several events that occurred this week, coupled with watching yesterday’s recording of Steve Harvey ‘ s talk show , has me literally in tears!! During the show, Steve and a psychotherapist dealt beautifully with a situation between Angie Stone (recording artist) and her adult daughter. The pivotal point of years of anger and resentment resulted in a physical altercation between mother and daughter. Parent and child??? Really?? This should NEVER happen! My heart broke for those two, as the one connection that was so evident was LOVE, however they couldn’t get past the pain to let it flourish. The psychotherapist made some comments that should hit home for all of us: 1. People get stuck where they’ve been hurt the most. 2. Anger is a secondary emotion
Certainly not blaming Angie for their issues, but Parents, love and support your children, “not with presents, but with presence.” Reach for those things that are the root causes of anxiety, anger, pain and resentment! Don’t slap a band-aid on problems — deal with them!!! Not having dealt with pain could certainly be why they look elsewhere for relief, for therapy, for love and affection. We have to promote LOVING and providing avenues for self-worth, not just providing material things!
As many of you know, my take is that poverty and parenting are two of the things that are causing sub-par academics, and lackluster social and personal relationships. The poverty piece is a societal situation that has to be worked through, as anyone can end up there. However, we are equipped with everything we need to provide good parenting, through the greatest parent, God!!!! It doesn’t require money! It requires commitment!
Through the tears of watching this episode of Steve Harvey and reflecting on the sadness of the events of this week, I am so thankful to God for the relationship that I have with Kelsey. She didn’t have all the material things that she wanted, but what she got and still gets is unconditional love, sometimes very tough love, from imperfect, but supportive parents.
Parenting continues through love and commitment to those children who didn’t ask to be here. It isn’t age specific, as it continues through their adulthood. It is our responsibility, it is our charge, it is imperative that we become ministers of love and parenthood and to inspire and empower others!!! Whew…my two cents worth!!! Sorry for the dissertation… 🙂
Join me in praying for healing for our children and our families, in Jesus’ name. “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Peace & Blessings,
Lisa B.