Who is your Village?

Have you heard the old African saying phrase it takes a village to raise a child? The saying was brought to the headlines when Hilary Clinton referred to it in the title for her book It Takes a Village: And Other Lessons Children Teach Us. Some people, including Bob Dole, felt this was too broad; he felt we should look to the family to raise a child. Whether it is the village or the family, the legacy we are giving our children is important. Psalm 78:5 tells us:  He gave His holy law to Jacob, His teaching to the people of Israel, which He instructed our fathers to pass down to their children.

Cheryl Gowin, Counselor and Dennis Gowin Director of Hope for Tomorrow Counseling Center. Any feedback, comments, or if you have issues or questions you would like presented in future columns, please feel to contact us at dgowin@hopefortomorrowcounseling.org.

Recently Alveda King spoke at a gathering about her family. Her story started with her great-grand father, a slave and a preacher. She talked about how her grandfather, also a preacher, was a source of guidance for the entire family. Of course you know her uncle, Martin Luther King Jr. Her father was also a preacher. She shared many examples of how these members of her family tree had provided strong guidance that helped shape future generations.

Another event also presented a great picture of the wisdom passed down through a Godly family tree. It was at a baby shower held in the Church that had been the family church for several generations. The Mom-to-be sat at the shower opening presents. With each present, people offered guidance. Oh yes, you will need this when … This will help you when … Great-grand mothers, grandmothers, aunts and great aunts; advice was coming from four generations. All four generations were displaying the teachings presented in Proverbs 22:6 teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it.

As I saw the growing mound of onesies, diapers, wet wipes, diaper bags, dresses, bottle warmers, blankets, bibs, car seats and all sort of items needed to care for this coming daughter, I thought the greatest gift for this child will be being surrounded by a loving family. My next thought was for all those people who aren’t lucky enough to be surrounded by such a supporting family. How do they cope with the stresses of a new baby?

In Titus 2:3-4. Paul gives the guidance that older women should teach the younger women what is good and how to live. This is a resource that all women should draw on, not just between family members. The principle is that with age and experience come wisdom, and many older women have discovered secrets of godly living in relation to husbands, children and neighbors and in the workplace. These women could help save younger women a lot of unnecessary grief and struggles when the unavoidable trials of life come.

The Bible presents us with the process that God gives direction and wisdom; we are to pass that on to others. This process has to be two directional to work. The first is that we should be mentors to those with which we have contact. We need to make ourselves available to those around us. The second direction is that we need to look to our elders for guidance. Regardless of the type of family of origin from which you come, you can build a family tree that provides you with the support and guidance that is needed in life. Look to and for those around you who can provide you with the loving support and Godly direction you need in your life.