Kids Ain't No Mistake! - 7QTF

RJ @Meant2Dad
Apr 9, 2015
3 min read

Atta way, Pope Francis!

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I totally agree that kids are the greatest blessing that can be given a man and a woman! I'm sure many have read the Pope's April 8th General Audience text. If you haven't, it's a short read. Also, it wasn't surprising that the Holy Father focused on the "suffering that children experience."(Picture credit to: "Pope Francis in March 2013 (cropped)" by presidencia.gov.ar. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

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I almost wish he would have been more specific when he called out what we affectionately in today's society call #1stworldprobs. Then again, maybe I don't want to be reminded of the things adults do that affect defenseless kiddos like: human trafficking; the effects of drug, alcohol or gambling addictions; crime; war; verbal, emotional or physical abuse; abortion...

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Living in Florida, where it seems they film parts of every episode of C.O.P.S., or where we can't begin to count the number of websites that track dumb criminals in the news, (trust me just Google - dumb crimes, Florida or some similar variation), no really, I do love Florida though. #LOVEFL. Insert shameless state promotion. I'd never want to move. Would have to be really enticing. So come visit Florida. Continue to boost our economy. Ha! The joys of Florida - another post for another day. There are some weeks though, when it feels like every other day the media broadcasts some horrific case of child abuse, neglect, and a few times a year there's some legal case about the unthinkable parent or family member who murdered their child. No, I won't link to any of that and really depress anyone.

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So Pope Francis said, "Even in wealthy countries, they (children) suffer due to family crises and living conditions which are at times inhumane. In every case, their childhood is violated in body and soul." Violated, ya got that? Violated! That word, by definition alone, rises something to the level of interference, illegality, or abuse. Jesus in Matthew 19: 13-15 called us to bring the children to him and to not interfere with that. The kingdom belongs to the children and back in Matthew 18 Jesus told us to be like children and humble ourselves like them, or else no Heaven for us. I'm not sure Jesus or the Pope could have been clearer. Ever think about every one of our actions or inactions affecting our kids' souls?

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(Boo, Squish, and J-Man in the 1st picture I'll show their future wives someday if that's the path they take.)

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Those three smiling faces, soon to be four smiling faces... I just can't imagine me or Steph not caring for them like the Pope calls us to do, no matter what the cost. I'll add to that with one word, forever. Believe me, I can't count the number of times when time gets rearranged or money gets shifted for a different purpose because it's "for the kids." If you have kids, I'm sure you've all been there. I don't consider myself an extraordinary parent, and our fearless faith leader is right when he says there are many of them out there sacrificing for the betterment of their children's minds, bodies, and souls. I applaud every single one of you who is a single parent, those of you who have a child with health issues or special needs. To those with a spouse in the military, and if you care for children at home or on base, I salute you both for your service to country, God, and family with the utmost respect.

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