Where is the Family?

Recently, my husband came for a classroom visit. After he left, one of my students asked, “Mrs. Powell, how long have you been married?” 

“Four years.” I responded.

“Do you got kids?”

“Not yet.”

“How many step-kids you got?”

My heart stopped as I realized the assumption that came with this question. As I looked at this sixth grader, I could have cried. Today’s views of marriage and family have become so perverted that this sixth grader believed that if I were married, I must have step-kids.  Wow.

Today, I read an article posted by Voddie Baucham Ministries entitled “Nobody Gets Married Anymore Mister.” This article, wrote by an English teacher, speaks to the breakdown of marriage and family.  It is lengthy, but I encourage you to read it: http://www.rightsidenews.com/2011013112709/life-and-science/culture-wars/nobody-gets-married-any-more-mister.html

So much of what was said in this article resonated with me.  I see Junior High School students who are also parents. I have children in my classes who don’t know their father.  I have children whose last names have “changed” twice since August. I see heartbreaking situations everyday. 

I wonder, "How can I teach these products of broken homes?" I know these kids are smart and have the ability to learn. They try so hard to do what I ask. But, many times they just can't; Their heads are filled with so much drama that solving two-step equations just goes in one ear and out the other.

I am by no means a huge advocate for public schools. In fact, my husband and I have considered homeschooling our kids. However, I can’t help but think that all the federal and state funding, all the push for academic success, is misdirected. I wish we were so dedicated in preserving and promoting marriage and family.  And, I don't think this is the job of the government, I believe it is the job of the Church. 

I desperately hope that we, the Church, will recognize this need and boldly teach the importance and permanence of marriage and family.