15 I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me
Boldness and grace hand in hand. This is exactly what parents need today, the perfect combination of boldness and grace. The Media has in many ways stripped parents of their ability to be bold with their children, to expect great things including respect. We have been told that ‘stuff’ is the answer to our inner emptiness. We are told we NEED that 3200 square foot home with two new SUV’s. In order to do that, women often feel forced to enter the workforce against their internal pull toward that little smiling face just beginning to blossom into personality. And so the split begins. We pass on to someone else the joy of parenting and trade if for the hustle for stuff. How many wives who have chosen to stay home and raise the next generation of leaders have felt devalued in that vital role? How many have fought the pressure to ‘become someone’ in the workforce, to make their mark on the world, to prove they are ‘as good as a man’, or the woman portrayed as having it all in the media. Paul felt compelled because of the grace he had experienced directly from God to speak boldly. He was the proverbial neighbor banging on the door of the house engulfed in flames. He was rescuing from eternal peril and knew it. Let’s be bold in proclaiming the truth that we don’t fit in, that our priorities in this world are different, that being together as a family is important, that reaching out to others is essential, that children can be loved and disciplined at the same time, that parents can be in love with each other and treasure their relationship and remain faithful. Let’s make bold statements about God’s grace with our lives.
The Arnold Journey 