NWIC President on . . .
Somewhere Along The Way ....
Times are such that we must be concerned about others... Our survival depends on it.
Sharecroppers Daughter
As a child of sharecroppers growing up in Tyronza, Arkansas, this time of year was especially welcomed. The high labor season was behind us and we kids looked forward to the Holiday's ahead.
There were always many valuable life lessons imparted from my parents but especially those shared with us around the potbelly stove that warmed the rooms of four-room house where our family of eight lived. The Books of Psalms and Proverbs were by far Daddy's most quotable source as he taught his six children the “Golden Rules” as he called it.
At the time, of course, we kids were oblivious to the long-term effect of these often-repeated quotes. It was a fun time. We listened and obeyed simply because these words came through our parents. It never occurred to us to question their truth.
Interestingly, it is those very parent messages that continue to sustain me in life. Though my parents are long deceased, it is my pleasure to continue to honor their imparted wisdom. Calling upon these "gems" as I taught them to my daughter, is the substance required when challenged by life circumstances and obstacles. It is with much ease that I pull strength from these programmed parent messages to get me through. These messages are not extraordinary but basic and practical messages suitable to the homespun lifestyle of my sharecropper parent.
Building the Foundation
The world and its people have changed considerably since those memorable times. When I look around at the behavior of young people today, and yes even their parents, I feel rather alienesque. Certainly, I am of a different generation. I, like so many others, embrace and marvel at the wonders of technology that seem to have so effortlessly put the world at our fingertips.
With all of this ease and access to information and resources, I am concerned that we as parents have dropped the ball when it comes to care, nurturing, and guidance of our children. With all of this technology, with all of this easy access, with all of the to do things we can add to our lists we must not forget to teach our children basic foundational life values. Values that cross generations no matter how rich or impoverished.
Somewhere along the way, families have put aside these basic life skills that honor good behavior, family values, education, spiritual knowledge, and achievement. Instead, our children are learning to be callous, rude, disrespectful, selfish, prideful, vain, and just plain obnoxious. Of course, in the real world, when you step out of the boundaries of the "hood" this attitude gets you nowhere. It is the latter behaviors that take our children down the road of self-destruction. As parents, we must become consciously aware of our contribution to the decline of the wellbeing of our children which results in our child's decline to live a life of joy and potential.
What do we do about this?
Engage and involve parents and the community! By so doing you can help a parent and save a child.
The Northwest Indiana Chapter of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. is committed to the Preservation of the Black Family, encouraging healthy behaviors in young people, and addressing education, health, family, and economic issues that impact the wellbeing of women and their families in our community
You can join us in support of these initiatives through membership, volunteering, and donations. Contact us by phone at 219-472-1591, by email at incontact@nhbw-indiana.com or by becoming an NWIC member.
Times are such that we must be concerned about others... Our survival depends on it.
Sharecroppers Daughter
As a child of sharecroppers growing up in Tyronza, Arkansas, this time of year was especially welcomed. The high labor season was behind us and we kids looked forward to the Holiday's ahead.
There were always many valuable life lessons imparted from my parents but especially those shared with us around the potbelly stove that warmed the rooms of four-room house where our family of eight lived. The Books of Psalms and Proverbs were by far Daddy's most quotable source as he taught his six children the “Golden Rules” as he called it.
At the time, of course, we kids were oblivious to the long-term effect of these often-repeated quotes. It was a fun time. We listened and obeyed simply because these words came through our parents. It never occurred to us to question their truth.
Interestingly, it is those very parent messages that continue to sustain me in life. Though my parents are long deceased, it is my pleasure to continue to honor their imparted wisdom. Calling upon these "gems" as I taught them to my daughter, is the substance required when challenged by life circumstances and obstacles. It is with much ease that I pull strength from these programmed parent messages to get me through. These messages are not extraordinary but basic and practical messages suitable to the homespun lifestyle of my sharecropper parent.
Building the Foundation
The world and its people have changed considerably since those memorable times. When I look around at the behavior of young people today, and yes even their parents, I feel rather alienesque. Certainly, I am of a different generation. I, like so many others, embrace and marvel at the wonders of technology that seem to have so effortlessly put the world at our fingertips.
With all of this ease and access to information and resources, I am concerned that we as parents have dropped the ball when it comes to care, nurturing, and guidance of our children. With all of this technology, with all of this easy access, with all of the to do things we can add to our lists we must not forget to teach our children basic foundational life values. Values that cross generations no matter how rich or impoverished.
Somewhere along the way, families have put aside these basic life skills that honor good behavior, family values, education, spiritual knowledge, and achievement. Instead, our children are learning to be callous, rude, disrespectful, selfish, prideful, vain, and just plain obnoxious. Of course, in the real world, when you step out of the boundaries of the "hood" this attitude gets you nowhere. It is the latter behaviors that take our children down the road of self-destruction. As parents, we must become consciously aware of our contribution to the decline of the wellbeing of our children which results in our child's decline to live a life of joy and potential.
What do we do about this?
Engage and involve parents and the community! By so doing you can help a parent and save a child.
The Northwest Indiana Chapter of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. is committed to the Preservation of the Black Family, encouraging healthy behaviors in young people, and addressing education, health, family, and economic issues that impact the wellbeing of women and their families in our community
You can join us in support of these initiatives through membership, volunteering, and donations. Contact us by phone at 219-472-1591, by email at incontact@nhbw-indiana.com or by becoming an NWIC member.
Put Your Nose In A Book Campaign!
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Do something about Child Abuse and Neglect.
Report it 24/7/365!
Child Protective Services
Hotline: 1-800-800-5556.
Child Protective Services
Hotline: 1-800-800-5556.
| "Little Gems" from the Sharecroppers Daughter |
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| · | Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you |
| · | Show respect to your elders |
| · | For those who have much, much is required |
| · | Help your neighbor |
| · | Give thanks for what you have |
| · | Trust God. Pray and give thanks to God for all things great and small |
| · | Discipline is not punishment. It is correction. |
| · | Let nothing come between you and your family |
| · | You can do whatever you set your mind too |
| · | Go to school get a good education |
| · | Respect yourself and others will respect you |
Laura Smith-Wynn
NWIC President
NWIC President
| · | It is your life and up to you to make it the best |
| · | Knowledge is power. Get it and use it wisely. |
| · | Life requires discipline. Laughter is good for your health |
| · | You were born a good person. Stay that way. |
Come all!
Saturday 3/20/2010 Main Library Gary
1:30pm-3:30p
Saturday 3/20/2010 Main Library Gary
1:30pm-3:30p
| National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. A 501(c)3 nonprofit. Copyrighted 2009 Northwest Indiana Chapter. All rights reserved. |
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