Their Name Is Today by Johann Chistoph Arnold is an inspiring read for parents with children of all ages. The author
addresses issues that children are facing in our society that has been kept
quiet for too long. I appreciate this book because of the background and
experience of the author. Raised in South America with no TV, electronics or
media he was raised in a way that many homeschoolers only dream of providing
for their children here in America!
Bombarded with media, electronics and the
like, American children are forced to become a product of what they have seen
through their little eyes. If they are filled with hands-on experiences in
nature, then they can grow and thrive from these opportunities. If they are
surrounded by propaganda, advertisements and an outside agenda coming through
the media then it is no wonder that children these days have no problem
accepting homosexual behavior and violence as normal.
Whether it’s reading, Heather has two Mommies or watching the
recent Disney movie where a family
has two fathers, it is no secret that the enemy of our souls is trying to
pervert the minds of our children at a young age by pushing acceptance and
tolerance of sin.
The author, who is well-traveled, has visited many children
of other cultures. He discusses how children in many societies are considered a
national treasure, “They represent the future of an entire civilization.” He
argues that unfortunately, many parents in our society are focused more on
career readiness rather than forming the hearts and minds of children. Even
though I have chosen to homeschool, and spend most of my time with my children,
it’s easy to not be as engaged as I should be. Just being there means nothing if I don’t pay attention to what my
children or asking, saying or doing.
It’s so easy to focus more on what needs to
get done throughout the day rather than letting it go and just enjoying my
kids. Terrible, I know. Fortunately, this book has made me aware of this
parental flaw in my own personal life.
Since I read this book, I made sure I was more focused,
alert and open to the opportunities that would arise. For example, my son
looked out the window and said “wow, look at the moon!” Rather than just
pushing that comment aside I said, “neat, do you want to go outside and look at
it?” Only a few minutes before bedtime, in the pitch black, we all gathered
outside and enjoyed a beautiful moonlit evening. It was only for a few minutes,
yes, but a moment that will be etched in their little minds forever.
Also, since I read this book I was more aware
of the desires and requests of my children that were healthy. For example, my
middle son really wanted to go in the woods and enjoy the beautiful fall leaves
and hike around a bit. I was tired, and didn’t really want to go outside. Then
I realized that it was wonderful that he wasn’t asking to play video games or
watch TV, rather he wanted to be outside! I let go of everything I wanted to do
and we all went out. It’s not that my kids aren’t outside a lot because they
are but in the moment that I was tempted to just keep them indoors for my own
selfish reasons, I chose to get over myself!
This book is filled with stories, inspirational quotes and
challenges for parents of children of all ages. I highly recommend this book
for anyone who is looking to step outside of the box in their homeschool or
parenting styles! Rather than thinking your child has to fit into some sort of
mold or has to be numbed by medication this book leads you down a more
refreshing and intriguing path!
A noted speaker and writer on marriage, parenting, and end-of-life issues, Arnold is a senior pastor of the Bruderhof, a movement of Christian communities. With his wife, Verena, he has counseled thousands of individuals and families over the last forty years, as well as serving as an advisor at several innovative private schools. Arnold’s message has been shaped by encounters with great peacemakers such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, Cėsar Chavez, and John Paul II. Born in Great Britain in 1940 to German refugees, Arnold spent his boyhood years in South America, where his parents found asylum during the war; he immigrated to the US in 1955. He and his wife have eight children, forty-four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. They live in upstate New York.
Acclaim for the author:
“A much-needed message not only for South Africa, but for the whole world.” -Nelson Mandela, on Why Forgive (one of Arnold’s books)
“In this book we find a message needed today in every part of the world.” -Mother Teresa, from her forword to Sex, God, & Marriage (one of Arnold’s books)
“Written in a way that is easy to grasp…indeed, very beautifully.” - Pope Benedict XVI, on A Little Child Shall Lead Them (one of Arnold’s books)
Official Website: http://www.plough.
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I think my sis would like it
ReplyDeletesounds like a good one for teachers
ReplyDelete