What is the single most important advice you can recall your parents or anyone else giving you? How has this advice helped you in life and would you continue to give this advice to future generations or do you feel it wouldn't apply?
Momma never said life would be easy and easy it is NOT! The best thing parents can do is guide and protect but not be overbearing or try to live you life for you. I have to sit back and wonder sometimes what the children today are being told. What values are being instilled in them and what their mentors are advising them of. Sometimes the best advice we get is from true friends who have our best interest at heart. So what piece of advice has been most important to you and what will you share with the world?
I think one thing that stuck with me was more action than words. My daddy never spanked me and said he believed he could talk to me if discipline was needed. Now days he always gives his infamous speech of how he never put his hands on me so let any man I deal with know that he better not either. That has made me maintain a certain level of respect for myself and know what type of man is deserving of my attention and affection. Now I didn't go unpunished ...believe me, my mom got down with switches from the lilac bush, belts and even a jean skirt one time lol.
ReplyDeleteShe beat me with a Pop-Up book one time!
ReplyDeleteGotta break this post into parts...
ReplyDeletePart 1:
My parents lead by word and example and if I would have listened to (obeyed) and followed them, I doubt very seriously that I would have had the difficulties I have faced for the last 25 years of my life. I tell my five children now that if they do not listen to my words of wisdom and instruction, and learn from my mistakes now, they will wish they did later; and maybe later will be too late!
I give my parents credit and props for their efforts. Among many other things, my father told me that if I kept goofing off in school, I would see all my friends pass me and go on to great jobs while I would be left back looking dumb...That has came to pass. My mother warned me that drinking was a serious risk due to alcoholism running on both sides of our family and sure enough, alcohol has been my biggest demon and downfall...
Part 2:
ReplyDeleteHere is an excerpt from my up and coming book, "No Future in Your Frontin'...The Task of Removing Masks". It's an Autobiography of Inspiration and Information that discusses acting other than self and the problems we invite by going against the grain of right instruction and guidance:
"I love my parents and do not think I could have been blessed with better parents. My father was and still is a provider, protector, and a no non-sense type of man. He was always stern, strict, and intimidating but yet loving and compassionate. He was and is a good man but not without faults. But to me, he was Father and Daddy and could do no real wrong. His intellect and articulation was thoroughly impressive and I learned a great deal from him. He would always correct our speech and grammar and teach us to be discreet and well mannered in public. I used to think he was a little too mean and rough on our friends and not too friendly to people. He was daunting to many and I would often cringe when he would ignore people or when he wouldn’t hesitate to put people in their place. Now I understand that he had lived his youth, had learned life’s lessons, and simply did not have time for the “Bull”…..He was all about family first, yet respectful and professional to those who deserved it, when it called for him to be. His strength was in not letting people pull the wool over his eyes, and not allowing his family to be pawns or victims of shady people and dealings. He gave us common and street sense and took us on vacations so we could know other people, experience other places, and see different things.
Part 3:
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side but same team, my mother was soft and gentle, humble and dutiful. She was and is such a devoted Woman of God that to call her a Christian would place limitations on Who and what she truly is. She raised us as Mother and Mommy, with unconditional love, care, attention, and sacrifice. My mother specialized in raising us thoroughly in scripture and spiritual wisdom. She was devoted to righteousness and the love and fear of God. Throughout my early years of growth, I would often view my mother as too soft or as weak, even. Now I realize that she was and is the strongest person I know for being able to submit with conviction to God’s Laws, Commandments, and to endure with all the pain, frustration, back stabbing, lies, rumors, and pure hatred she had to deal with from the very people she fellow-shipped with, in a community she was dedicated to serving and uplifting. My mother is a decorated soldier of God, strong beyond physical muscle, blessed with long-suffering and a nature of self-sacrifice and altruism. I see her bear her cross daily!
Despite the morals and values my parents instilled in me and my siblings, it was on us to absorb and apply what we had been taught, and to further develop and practice those principals. Where I was born, my environment, affected me greatly and at first it seemed to be the ideal place to raise a family….Maybe a family, but not me."
Part 4:
ReplyDeleteThat was a small homage to my parents compared to what they deserve and what I owe them. I am just now really grasping all the lessons they taught, and applying the morals and values they instilled in me. Through all my ups and downs, I have remained an excellent father to my children based on the type of father and mother I had and have. If I can give my children what my parents gave me and get them to grasp it now instead of later, their happiness and success will be guaranteed and pleasing to God as well.
It has to be more than making babies and then allowing the TV, Gaming Systems, DayCare, School, The Grandparents, and the Dollar Menu to raise and nurture our children. We have to be Father and Daddy, Mother and Mommy. Active and Interactive parents involved in raising our children properly. This is how I see it all. Peace!