Homeschool Predicted To Grow

[Butterflyyy]

I haven't read the replies to this thread yet, but I wanted to share my brief opinion. Many people will probably disagree with me strongly on this; however, I am just speaking from experience. I don't want to argue or fight with anyone. I am 21 years old, recently graduated from college, and went to public school all of my life from pre-k to 12th grade. It was rough at times, and it was an interesting environment. I faced situations and encountered many people who were similar and different from me. At the end of the day, I am glad that I was able to meet people and socialize and spend my days interacting with people. I think this is really important for everyone to learn.

Sometimes this would be good, sometimes it would be not so good, but I look back on my time in public school and while there are some things I would change, one thing I wouldn't change is the opportunity I was given to witness to my fellow youth. Yes, public school is going to be VERY different for a Jesus-loving, Christ-following young woman or man. But I was 1) able to meet one of my best friends who has a heart on FIRE for God, 2) fellowship with beautiful young women I met through Jesus and 2) witness to the the people who were nonbelievers, faded from the faith, or acted in an ungodly way. I am not saying every parent should send their kid to public school, it is a personal choice, but I am saying that sometimes public school can actually be a place where a young person can be used to shine for Jesus and really show younger people what it means to love God.

My best friend and I started a club dedicated to giving back and made God a central part of it. We were warned and told not to incorporate Jesus into it because they told us it would "push people away"... but we did it anyways. And a countless amount of people came to Jesus and grew in the faith. It was a beautiful thing to experience. In classes, I would be able to share truths about Christianity during lessons on religion. I think homeschooling can be really beneficial for many parents and young people, but I don't think people should stray from sending their kids to public school just because it can be "ungodly" or "too worldly." No, we are not supposed to be of this world, but we need to know about it efficiently in order to understand HOW to connect with nonbelievers and witness to them. I hated high school, but I am thankful for the chances God gave me through public school to share His Name in a really unique atmosphere. We aren't meant to be sheltered and stay where we are comfortable; we are meant to be in difficult places and talk to difficult people and share the word of God where it is hardest. The world NEEDS us. The matter of education brings in a certain argument to the issue, and I get why parents [I am not a parent myself] would hesitate to throw their children into that place when they are in a time of growth and trying to find who they are. There can be peer pressure, and there can be rough times. So, I get it. I literally lost a group of friends because they made a joke about Jesus using marijuana and I asked them not to joke about that; they eventually got tired of me speaking on my faith and I disconnected from them.

I just wanted to share my story with you all, and provide a perspective from someone who went to public school but loves GOD immensely. God bless!

Hi Maryjohana

You have an amazing testimony... wonderful in fact. May I ask a question? Are both of your parents Christian and in a stable marriage? Also are you in a good church and have you grown up with Christian friends?
I hope you don't mind me asking all this... I have had a very different experience to you and the results so far have been disastrous. Since stopping home-schooling and putting my kids in mainstream school life has been horrendous; I have a 14 year old boy who has not been home since December and was smoking cannabis and so aggressive to me that I had to call the Police 50-60 times. My 12 year old used to stand up for Christ in school in his first year even to teachers but now he wants to be like his friends and says that his life is not to do with God; this was a boy who used to read his Bible and we read Cross & The Switchblade together and were close. His school is a liberal brainwashing camp full of secular culture and he is too young and weak to withstand it. It's heart-breaking to watch all of my kids go away from the Lord after going into school or college. As soon as my eldest boy went to college he was promiscuous and taking drugs. I realise a big factor is that their Dad walked out and chose a worldly life, and I deeply regret not trying harder to put them in one of the few truly Christian schools in my country even if that meant moving house. Even my daughter was corrupted somewhat when she went to college, but she also has been damaged by social isolation when we home- educated and, I agree, this is a very important thing to consider; although I don't think the solution to this is secular school.
Also could I ask whether your education at secular school was recent or some years ago please? The situation is changing rapidly and the material children are taught is increasingly corroding to their character even to the point of homosexual organisations being allowed into school to influence children. Years ago schools & colleges were a much safer place than they are now; although even 35 years ago when I was at school there was dreadful peer pressure.
I thank God you have been used in such an amazing way and wonder if you would share what influences caused you to remain faithful...
God bless
x 🦋

 

[Roughsoul1991]

I haven't read the replies to this thread yet, but I wanted to share my brief opinion. Many people will probably disagree with me strongly on this; however, I am just speaking from experience. I don't want to argue or fight with anyone. I am 21 years old, recently graduated from college, and went to public school all of my life from pre-k to 12th grade. It was rough at times, and it was an interesting environment. I faced situations and encountered many people who were similar and different from me. At the end of the day, I am glad that I was able to meet people and socialize and spend my days interacting with people. I think this is really important for everyone to learn.

Sometimes this would be good, sometimes it would be not so good, but I look back on my time in public school and while there are some things I would change, one thing I wouldn't change is the opportunity I was given to witness to my fellow youth. Yes, public school is going to be VERY different for a Jesus-loving, Christ-following young woman or man. But I was 1) able to meet one of my best friends who has a heart on FIRE for God, 2) fellowship with beautiful young women I met through Jesus and 2) witness to the the people who were nonbelievers, faded from the faith, or acted in an ungodly way. I am not saying every parent should send their kid to public school, it is a personal choice, but I am saying that sometimes public school can actually be a place where a young person can be used to shine for Jesus and really show younger people what it means to love God.

My best friend and I started a club dedicated to giving back and made God a central part of it. We were warned and told not to incorporate Jesus into it because they told us it would "push people away"... but we did it anyways. And a countless amount of people came to Jesus and grew in the faith. It was a beautiful thing to experience. In classes, I would be able to share truths about Christianity during lessons on religion. I think homeschooling can be really beneficial for many parents and young people, but I don't think people should stray from sending their kids to public school just because it can be "ungodly" or "too worldly." No, we are not supposed to be of this world, but we need to know about it efficiently in order to understand HOW to connect with nonbelievers and witness to them. I hated high school, but I am thankful for the chances God gave me through public school to share His Name in a really unique atmosphere. We aren't meant to be sheltered and stay where we are comfortable; we are meant to be in difficult places and talk to difficult people and share the word of God where it is hardest. The world NEEDS us. The matter of education brings in a certain argument to the issue, and I get why parents [I am not a parent myself] would hesitate to throw their children into that place when they are in a time of growth and trying to find who they are. There can be peer pressure, and there can be rough times. So, I get it. I literally lost a group of friends because they made a joke about Jesus using marijuana and I asked them not to joke about that; they eventually got tired of me speaking on my faith and I disconnected from them.

I just wanted to share my story with you all, and provide a perspective from someone who went to public school but loves GOD immensely. God bless!

If the kid is mature and trained enough to be an evangelist then by all means keep them in public grade school and send them to secular colleges. But the average trend is once the child leaves the home, they reject the faith of their parents.

Studies have shown that somewhere between 60 percent and 80 percent of previously engaged Christian youth become disengaged with their faith as they transition into college,” Campus Renewal announced in a “Campus Ministry Link” report published on its website.

There are of course many variables as to why this fade occurs but as a parent, our number 1 responsibility is to equip and prepare our children for not only accepting Jesus but also remaining faithful because yes there are kids who need Jesus but if our kids reject Jesus then was it worth the risk?

I and my brother both grew up Christian. Both went to public school. Surrounded by sex, drugs, and everything secular. It was extremely difficult and I had many failures and struggled in faith until my mid-twenties. My brother on the other hand had his doubts to completely erode his faith and now he fits good at a liberal arts college with liberal-minded people.

At that age, we weren't trained as a evangelist. Home schools now have many ways to still be social. They have come a long way due to popularity.

If someone really wants to make a difference then run for school board or keep the teacher unions in check.

 

[Magenta]

yes, they are private schools and many can be very pricey.

They are called "separate schools" in Canada, and parents pay extra taxes to send their children there

At least, that is what they were called when I was a kid They were Catholic schools

 

[Godsgirl83]

Homeschooling is not only a great option for the religious aspects of it, but also for students who don't cope well with traditional school settings/routines.


During the Covid-19 school shutdowns, there have been several families that found their children were struggling with the online distance learning (a majority of schools were thrown into doing this with no preparation, no planning, no support........)
Some children who did just fine in public school were unable to handle online/ distance learning and the parents found that pulling them from public school and registering as "homeschool" so that they could control the curriculum and pace worked MUCH better.

 

[Lanolin]

It isnt school thats the problem its more college as the children get older. after 13 the child is techincally and adult but the state does not recoginise them as adults until they turn 18. so there is all those years of 'in between' now called teenage years that are not quite adult, and not child. Adolescence.

Remember Jesus was teaching at 12 years old! WHere did he go to school...? His mum was worried that he didnt stick with her when they were visiting Jerusalem.

I think it is different for each family, often children have no choice what school they go to anyway. some who want to go cant, and some who do go dont learn anything. I think the danger with girls is misguided fathers who favour their sons over the girls education. Girls need intellectual stimualtion too and to be able to socialise and make friends. But it wasnt not long ago that girls were barred from any kind of education and had to stay at home cos they were FORCED to.

 

[maryjohanna]

If the kid is mature and trained enough to be an evangelist then by all means keep them in public grade school and send them to secular colleges. But the average trend is once the child leaves the home, they reject the faith of their parents.

Studies have shown that somewhere between 60 percent and 80 percent of previously engaged Christian youth become disengaged with their faith as they transition into college,” Campus Renewal announced in a “Campus Ministry Link” report published on its website.

There are of course many variables as to why this fade occurs but as a parent, our number 1 responsibility is to equip and prepare our children for not only accepting Jesus but also remaining faithful because yes there are kids who need Jesus but if our kids reject Jesus then was it worth the risk?

I and my brother both grew up Christian. Both went to public school. Surrounded by sex, drugs, and everything secular. It was extremely difficult and I had many failures and struggled in faith until my mid-twenties. My brother on the other hand had his doubts to completely erode his faith and now he fits good at a liberal arts college with liberal-minded people.

At that age, we weren't trained as a evangelist. Home schools now have many ways to still be social. They have come a long way due to popularity.

If someone really wants to make a difference then run for school board or keep the teacher unions in check.

I completely get your point and that is why I stated that I believe homeschooling can be a really beneficial and safe place for many, many people. I understand everyones public education experience may not be the same as mine, but I just wanted to share what could come out of it for someone. I almost felt strengthened walking away from it; there were many times that I slipped up, faced sin, and did wrong things during my time there, but God was able to convict me, pick me up, forgive me, and use me for the better for a lot of people. I am also not a parent, so I think it is different for me [as a recent graduate] to share my perspective than it is for a parent with kids to. It is definitely circumstantial. I just wanted people to know that they shouldn't be ashamed for sending their kids to public school as Christians, because things may come out of it that were never expected. Prayer is crucial in a situation like this. God bless!

 

[Billyd]

My son and daughter-in-law have virtual schooled my grandson since the first grade. Virtual school is funded by and monitored by the state. He usually gets behind in one subject, and has to attend virtual summer school. This year, however, he failed five subjects. By law he will be required to repeat the 10th grade, and attend public school.

I'm concerned about a lot of children who are being home schooled with no independent oversight. How many of them are actually passing their course work?

 

[Godsgirl83]

God was able to convict me, pick me up, forgive me, and use me for the better for a lot of people

I'm glad you shared your point of view and experiences here.
For many parents school was so long ago that it's easy to overlook the fact that things are changing so quickly and school isn't what it was when we went, (heck, seems I remember hearing that from older people my whole life only to grow up and see just how much truth there is to that, and I don't just mean with behaviors and social situations).
I have no doubt that during your time at school you planted spiritual seeds into peoples lives.

 

[Godsgirl83]

My son and daughter-in-law have virtual schooled my grandson since the first grade. Virtual school is funded by and monitored by the state. He usually gets behind in one subject, and has to attend virtual summer school. This year, however, he failed five subjects. By law he will be required to repeat the 10th grade, and attend public school.

I'm sorry to hear about your grandson. I wonder why the (seemingly) sudden drop in grades....... is there something going on in his life that distracted him? Or was the virtual schooling not fitting his learning style and needs?
My prayer is that he makes a smooth transition into public school and the major change it is from being at home.

I'm concerned about a lot of children who are being home schooled with no independent oversight. How many of them are actually passing their course work?

Every state has different laws for governing how homeschooling is overseen.
There are so many different ways to judge/see how coursework is being learned/passed.
Some states don't have many requirements for primary grades , but for high school may require turning in progress reports, and documenting educational hours etc.

Sadly, in homeschooling circles it is very common for child protection services to be called in with false accusations being made because people feel a child who is homeschooled is being neglected in their education.
This is another reason why (even if it's not a requirement in your state) it is VERY IMPORTANT to document, document, document a childs educational progress.

One of the benefits to homeschooling is the ability to be able to tailor the curriculum to the student. If a subject is more challenging for them, you can slow down, review as much as needed or even change how it's being done altogether ( if you start with company A for science but it isn't working out, you don't have to finish the year with it, you can change to company B's science curriculum)

 

[Lanolin]

its abit of a mixed bag but when public schools stuff up its usually because the mInistry of education in my country does its usual cookie cutter approach to schools and the richer schools end up with surplus of resources and the poorer schools end up with....nothing!
$67 million dollars worth of wi-fi modems sent to students who already had wifi at home...a complete waste of money when those that might need it got nothing. Not even a book.

and whoever thought learning online was that great well its not really. You need to actually spend some time OFF screen actually doing stuff rather than pushing buttons.
interpersonal skills are also needed in many jobs because most jobs actually involve face to face contact. Not through a screen.

 

[breno785au]

dont you have christian schools in the US? Just wondering.

Doesn't make an ounce of difference from what I've heard.

 

[Butterflyyy]

Doesn't make an ounce of difference from what I've heard.

What doesn't?

 

[Godsgirl83]

dont you have christian schools in the US? Just wondering.

Doesn't make an ounce of difference from what I've heard.

What doesn't?

@breno785au is spot on......
doesn't make much difference if it's a private Christian school or just private school in general.......
kids are going to be kids regardless of what type of school they are sent to.
Sure in a "Christian school" the number of kids who are "naughty" might be less assuming there is a majority of them coming from Christian homes. BUT you don't have to be "Christian" to send your kids to that type of school, therefore there will still be kids talking dirty, and pulling things up on their devices that are unacceptable, thus still creating the possibility of a "good" kid being exposed to the junk.
Same goes with the staff, private institutions can still have staff members who have no real business being "teachers" and from what I've looked into the qualifications and requirements for teachers is different in private institutions than public.
Just like you have some teachers in public school, you're going to run into (or at least hear of) teachers in private schools.

It really comes down to the parents (hopefully praying about this) determining what works best for the family and what is in the best interest of the child (ren).

 

[maryjohanna]

Hi Maryjohana

You have an amazing testimony... wonderful in fact. May I ask a question? Are both of your parents Christian and in a stable marriage? Also are you in a good church and have you grown up with Christian friends?
I hope you don't mind me asking all this... I have had a very different experience to you and the results so far have been disastrous. Since stopping home-schooling and putting my kids in mainstream school life has been horrendous; I have a 14 year old boy who has not been home since December and was smoking cannabis and so aggressive to me that I had to call the Police 50-60 times. My 12 year old used to stand up for Christ in school in his first year even to teachers but now he wants to be like his friends and says that his life is not to do with God; this was a boy who used to read his Bible and we read Cross & The Switchblade together and were close. His school is a liberal brainwashing camp full of secular culture and he is too young and weak to withstand it. It's heart-breaking to watch all of my kids go away from the Lord after going into school or college. As soon as my eldest boy went to college he was promiscuous and taking drugs. I realise a big factor is that their Dad walked out and chose a worldly life, and I deeply regret not trying harder to put them in one of the few truly Christian schools in my country even if that meant moving house. Even my daughter was corrupted somewhat when she went to college, but she also has been damaged by social isolation when we home- educated and, I agree, this is a very important thing to consider; although I don't think the solution to this is secular school.
Also could I ask whether your education at secular school was recent or some years ago please? The situation is changing rapidly and the material children are taught is increasingly corroding to their character even to the point of homosexual organisations being allowed into school to influence children. Years ago schools & colleges were a much safer place than they are now; although even 35 years ago when I was at school there was dreadful peer pressure.
I thank God you have been used in such an amazing way and wonder if you would share what influences caused you to remain faithful...
God bless
x 🦋

Hello @Butterflyyy !! It is so nice to hear from you and I have no issue whatsoever with answering these questions. So, this spring I graduated from college as a part of the class of 2020, and I graduated from high school in 2016. I actually came to really know the Lord during my freshman year of high school. I started dating someone who was Christian and raised in a faithful household; the time I spent with him and his family became time dedicated to talks about God. Pretty soon, Christ had drawn me in and I wanted nothing more than to fellowship with Him and share His Word with people my age; I found myself kind of lonely at the start of high school ~ I had a few friends, but most of them weren't walking with Jesus at all. I hung out with them, and I witnessed, but our faith beliefs were just different.

Soon enough, one of my best friends (to this day) came along, who just so happened to be Christian ~ we bonded in no time and she is the one I started the club with in high school. We were able to hold one another accountable and really lean on one another in Christ. BUT BUT BUT, this does not mean I never had times where I was tempted to or didn't succumb to the ways of most high school students. I never did drugs, I never drank, but certain things would try and test me for sure. With God's help, nothing overtook me. If anything, I was that girl known to post about Jesus on Instagram all the time and always talk about faith. I wasn't teased, but it definitely didn't make me the most likable, cool person. But, I was okay with it.

Here's the thing: looking back, I truly feel the reason I was like that was because my faith was so fresh. And that is sad to say that kind of, but I had just been reborn in the spirit when I was beginning high school, and I was so eager and ready to just be on the frontlines of God's army. I didn't care. I could see why someone who is raised all their life, every single day in a Christian household would be more likely to succumb to secular pressure because it is something different, it is something new..that they have not tasted before. For me, I was the opposite. While I wasn't out partying or smoking weed, I didn't have God before I began high school. So, God was my new way of life and that is what I pursued above all.

I BY NO MEANS was perfect and I am not; when I started college, my faith strayed some. It was there, but I distanced myself from Jesus, and not because I wanted to. I was just so caught up in the friends, and studying, and yes, drinking and things every college student wants to pursue - I sinned, but He never let me go and He forgave me. I am here and am thankful that He drew me back in, even when I had a period of time where I slipped up. The truth is there is no time where a Christian is going to be perfect and won't be tempted and fall for it. We are natural, human beings who will mess up regardless of where we are, who we are around, etc. I don't think we should be scared to walk right into hard places and be the light; This does not mean, though, that we should just throw ourselves into each and every environment of the world and give up on our efforts to avoid sin and defeat satan's greatest effort to destroy God's righteousness that resides within us. We are called not to partake in worldly matters, period. As a young person in this world, this issue is a gamble, for sure. And I can see why homeschooling would be the go to option for most Christian parents.

To answer your question about my home life, unfortunately, I grew up in a pretty mixed household. My mother was raised Catholic. She believes in Christ, the Resurrection, being saved through grace, and repentance for forgiveness of sins; she believes, but the active work to make God apart of her daily life and renew her each day is not something I see as present, but I cannot judge. My issue comes in with the Catholic part ~ there are certain doctrinal matters Catholicism upholds that I disagree with strongly and makes me feel weary. I was baptized, but never confirmed...and I have avoided that for a reason. My mother bears beautiful fruit, but she isn't as "devout" as someone may say I am. My dad, on the other hand, is actually what you'd call an "agnostic" ~ I have tried to witness and pray for my father for years and years. He believes that there may be God or some higher power, but he has serious issues believing in Scripture, the virgin birth, Noah's ark, events of that nature. Please pray for my dad because he is not saved. His heart is hardened and I worry for him every day. In relation to this question, though, I was in a tough spot. My parents weren't faced with the question of homeschooling or public school. My mom was close to sending me to private school, but my dad pushed for public, so that is where I went. My faith was something God really worked closely with me alone on ~ I didn't have anyone within my household to truly fellowship with; I was raised going to Sunday school, and believing in God, and going to mass, but I was never taught what it meant to truly KNOW Jesus as a person and LIVE the way He did. I was just taught the bare minimum of what was needed. You'd think my story would be the opposite considering this context, but hey! God has his own plans, right? Interestingly enough, I began going to a church a few years ago that I was absolutely in love with, but I noticed the crowd numbers began to increase and increase. There were signs of some prosperity gospel, people-pleasing messages going on ~ everyone just flocked so naturally to the church. I believe the pastor is a fantastic man, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it just was too "likable" for me. TO this day, I have yet to find a church family that the Holy Spirit has made me feel comfy with. I believe in time He will give that to me. As long as He is working on me Himself, that is what matters.

 

[maryjohanna]

@Butterflyyy
Here is my main feeling about all of this though: it is really circumstantial. This is just the way that the Lord CHOSE to work in MY life and use ME. My plan may or may not be the plan of other people my age. Some kids may not swim well in a public school atmosphere and that is okay to homeschool them; I would just suggest getting them involved in activities outside the home. Take them to a summer camp, go on group hikes, sign them up for some kind of lessons, etc. because people sill need to socialize and they need to learn the ropes and ways of the world. We need to be taught and learn the message of God's grace and redemptive abilities. The only way we learn those is if we face sin. He can't pick up up unless we have fallen. Seriously. Some people need to face the hardships and the sin to see clearly and understand. I am not a parent, so I cannot even begin to fathom the worry and stress that comes along with watching your child stray from the Word. But try to trust in God's plan and promise for them. PLEASE read and reflect upon 1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ it is one of my favorite Scriptures in times of immense struggle, sin, and pressure. It may not seem like it, but He has us... even during the hardest times. Thank you for asking these questions and I am sorry for writing a novel! LOL.

About your children, I will be praying for them, I truly will. Your children were blessings from God, and He has given them to you for a very specific reason. Don't be afraid to make the most out of your role as a mom; God is on your side... you cant go wrong! It is sounding like homeschool and more centralized discipline is what your kids need. Just know the Lord is there to comfort you in the midst of your regret and guilt; remember, you do not control the actions and behaviors of anybody else. That is not within your control. But, you can have an influence. I encourage you to use it for the better and do your best to shed as positive of a light on them as you possibly can. God bless you, sister. Please feel free to message me or continue this convo on this thread if you have any more questions or are curious about anything bc my story really is a strange one!

 

[tourist]

I went to public schools, I work as a librarian public schools, I even taught bible in public schools.
Here in nz you can be a christian in any environment and nobody is going to hate on you for having faith.

but some misguided person from australia will shoot 50 people dead in a mosque.

The United States has its share of loonies too as you are probably well aware.

 

[breno785au]

@breno785au is spot on......
doesn't make much difference if it's a private Christian school or just private school in general.......
kids are going to be kids regardless of what type of school they are sent to.
Sure in a "Christian school" the number of kids who are "naughty" might be less assuming there is a majority of them coming from Christian homes. BUT you don't have to be "Christian" to send your kids to that type of school, therefore there will still be kids talking dirty, and pulling things up on their devices that are unacceptable, thus still creating the possibility of a "good" kid being exposed to the junk.
Same goes with the staff, private institutions can still have staff members who have no real business being "teachers" and from what I've looked into the qualifications and requirements for teachers is different in private institutions than public.
Just like you have some teachers in public school, you're going to run into (or at least hear of) teachers in private schools.

It really comes down to the parents (hopefully praying about this) determining what works best for the family and what is in the best interest of the child (ren).

Exactly. If following God is not coming from the home, a Christian school will not help in any way.
All issues stem from the home. We cannot point the blame on any institution and wipe our hands clean of responsibility of how our children are raised.

 

[Butterflyyy]

Hello @Butterflyyy !! It is so nice to hear from you and I have no issue whatsoever with answering these questions. So, this spring I graduated from college as a part of the class of 2020, and I graduated from high school in 2016. I actually came to really know the Lord during my freshman year of high school. I started dating someone who was Christian and raised in a faithful household; the time I spent with him and his family became time dedicated to talks about God. Pretty soon, Christ had drawn me in and I wanted nothing more than to fellowship with Him and share His Word with people my age; I found myself kind of lonely at the start of high school ~ I had a few friends, but most of them weren't walking with Jesus at all. I hung out with them, and I witnessed, but our faith beliefs were just different.

Soon enough, one of my best friends (to this day) came along, who just so happened to be Christian ~ we bonded in no time and she is the one I started the club with in high school. We were able to hold one another accountable and really lean on one another in Christ. BUT BUT BUT, this does not mean I never had times where I was tempted to or didn't succumb to the ways of most high school students. I never did drugs, I never drank, but certain things would try and test me for sure. With God's help, nothing overtook me. If anything, I was that girl known to post about Jesus on Instagram all the time and always talk about faith. I wasn't teased, but it definitely didn't make me the most likable, cool person. But, I was okay with it.

Here's the thing: looking back, I truly feel the reason I was like that was because my faith was so fresh. And that is sad to say that kind of, but I had just been reborn in the spirit when I was beginning high school, and I was so eager and ready to just be on the frontlines of God's army. I didn't care. I could see why someone who is raised all their life, every single day in a Christian household would be more likely to succumb to secular pressure because it is something different, it is something new..that they have not tasted before. For me, I was the opposite. While I wasn't out partying or smoking weed, I didn't have God before I began high school. So, God was my new way of life and that is what I pursued above all.

I BY NO MEANS was perfect and I am not; when I started college, my faith strayed some. It was there, but I distanced myself from Jesus, and not because I wanted to. I was just so caught up in the friends, and studying, and yes, drinking and things every college student wants to pursue - I sinned, but He never let me go and He forgave me. I am here and am thankful that He drew me back in, even when I had a period of time where I slipped up. The truth is there is no time where a Christian is going to be perfect and won't be tempted and fall for it. We are natural, human beings who will mess up regardless of where we are, who we are around, etc. I don't think we should be scared to walk right into hard places and be the light; This does not mean, though, that we should just throw ourselves into each and every environment of the world and give up on our efforts to avoid sin and defeat satan's greatest effort to destroy God's righteousness that resides within us. We are called not to partake in worldly matters, period. As a young person in this world, this issue is a gamble, for sure. And I can see why homeschooling would be the go to option for most Christian parents.

To answer your question about my home life, unfortunately, I grew up in a pretty mixed household. My mother was raised Catholic. She believes in Christ, the Resurrection, being saved through grace, and repentance for forgiveness of sins; she believes, but the active work to make God apart of her daily life and renew her each day is not something I see as present, but I cannot judge. My issue comes in with the Catholic part ~ there are certain doctrinal matters Catholicism upholds that I disagree with strongly and makes me feel weary. I was baptized, but never confirmed...and I have avoided that for a reason. My mother bears beautiful fruit, but she isn't as "devout" as someone may say I am. My dad, on the other hand, is actually what you'd call an "agnostic" ~ I have tried to witness and pray for my father for years and years. He believes that there may be God or some higher power, but he has serious issues believing in Scripture, the virgin birth, Noah's ark, events of that nature. Please pray for my dad because he is not saved. His heart is hardened and I worry for him every day. In relation to this question, though, I was in a tough spot. My parents weren't faced with the question of homeschooling or public school. My mom was close to sending me to private school, but my dad pushed for public, so that is where I went. My faith was something God really worked closely with me alone on ~ I didn't have anyone within my household to truly fellowship with; I was raised going to Sunday school, and believing in God, and going to mass, but I was never taught what it meant to truly KNOW Jesus as a person and LIVE the way He did. I was just taught the bare minimum of what was needed. You'd think my story would be the opposite considering this context, but hey! God has his own plans, right? Interestingly enough, I began going to a church a few years ago that I was absolutely in love with, but I noticed the crowd numbers began to increase and increase. There were signs of some prosperity gospel, people-pleasing messages going on ~ everyone just flocked so naturally to the church. I believe the pastor is a fantastic man, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it just was too "likable" for me. TO this day, I have yet to find a church family that the Holy Spirit has made me feel comfy with. I believe in time He will give that to me. As long as He is working on me Himself, that is what matters.

Wow...thank you for an amazing reply! 💕...
My Dad used to argue with me about evolution etc. and my Mum prayed faithfully for 14 years for him... and when we stopped discussing that stuff with him lol he got saved... God did it🙏❤️xx

 

[Butterflyyy]

@Butterflyyy
Here is my main feeling about all of this though: it is really circumstantial. This is just the way that the Lord CHOSE to work in MY life and use ME. My plan may or may not be the plan of other people my age. Some kids may not swim well in a public school atmosphere and that is okay to homeschool them; I would just suggest getting them involved in activities outside the home. Take them to a summer camp, go on group hikes, sign them up for some kind of lessons, etc. because people sill need to socialize and they need to learn the ropes and ways of the world. We need to be taught and learn the message of God's grace and redemptive abilities. The only way we learn those is if we face sin. He can't pick up up unless we have fallen. Seriously. Some people need to face the hardships and the sin to see clearly and understand. I am not a parent, so I cannot even begin to fathom the worry and stress that comes along with watching your child stray from the Word. But try to trust in God's plan and promise for them. PLEASE read and reflect upon 1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ it is one of my favorite Scriptures in times of immense struggle, sin, and pressure. It may not seem like it, but He has us... even during the hardest times. Thank you for asking these questions and I am sorry for writing a novel! LOL.

About your children, I will be praying for them, I truly will. Your children were blessings from God, and He has given them to you for a very specific reason. Don't be afraid to make the most out of your role as a mom; God is on your side... you cant go wrong! It is sounding like homeschool and more centralized discipline is what your kids need. Just know the Lord is there to comfort you in the midst of your regret and guilt; remember, you do not control the actions and behaviors of anybody else. That is not within your control. But, you can have an influence. I encourage you to use it for the better and do your best to shed as positive of a light on them as you possibly can. God bless you, sister. Please feel free to message me or continue this convo on this thread if you have any more questions or are curious about anything bc my story really is a strange one!

Thank you for your honesty in the last two posts MaryJo❤️ Thank you for your prayers and encouragement...
God bless you xx

 

[Butterflyyy]

...I visited a lot of churches until I settled in one and felt at home; but God had a purpose in me visiting different ones, I made a lot of Christian friends and acquaintances and I got a good idea of what different churches were like in my area, and sometimes I had to leave because of error in that church that the leadership refused to address; which was difficult but it was the Lord's will.
I wanted to encourage you to continue to pray and seek fellowship because the times I have been out of fellowship have been times I have suffered loss and been vulnerable to attack. I'm so thankful that I have a Pastor who cares for me and fellow believers I can depend on for prayer and support. This life has been littered with battles I cannot fight on my own.
Praying for you dear sister... and your Dad x x x