"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).
As a homeschooling parent, have you ever known the frustration of being stereotyped? Unfairly, mainstream America has deemed us unfashionable, overly protective, dogmatically religious, and socially backwards. Like other stereotypes that develop from negative assumptions, homeschooling parents suffer from unjust labels with unfounded perceptions of their true character. Added to this misconception is the fact that homeschooled children are also stereotyped.
Breaking loose from these hurtful stereotypes is difficult, but as Christian homeschooling families, we can change how the world views us. Instead of becoming defensive and argumentative when homeschooling adversaries slander our name, we can show God's love through our Christ-like character and actions. Whether we're shopping at the mall, attending a community event, or eating at a restaurant, we can erase incorrect images with courtesy, respect, and genuine concern for others. In addition, godly homeschoolers can best illustrate one reason for teaching our own children by displaying a servant's heart that looks for ways to help others in need. Christ Himself said it best in the Sermon on the Mount: "Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44b).
Do you struggle with vengeful thoughts when others look down on you for homeschooling? Don't let the homeschool stereotype discourage you. Prove those labels wrong, and respond to the negative remarks with the love of Christ. After all, isn't that the most important message we're trying to teach our children as we homeschool? "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3).(AOP)
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4 comments:
Hi Cristina,
Thank you for your support of the Daily Focus.
We would ask that you not post the entire article to your website. If you would be so kind as to use a short excerpt and then post a link to the full devotional on the AOP homeschooling blog (http://www.aophomeschooling.com/blog) it would be greatly appreciated!
Have a fantastic week,
AOP
Thank you for all the great things you offer at AOP, I will surely do as asked.
Christina I appreciate the sentiments expressed. However, can the same not be said of homeschoolers?
Read any homeschool article in which public schools are mentioned and just note the generalized statements that are made - nothing but stereotypes that are regurgitated from article to article!
I am a homeschooler myself but I am trying not to think that homeschooling is the only kind of education that is good, etc
Grandpapa
www.homeschool-portal.com
Public schools have their place, many homeschoolers don't have anything per se with the schools, or the teachers, the problem is with the system. The stereotypes are because of the public school in us, the conveyor belt that is so hard to jump off.
Let's be fair, when somebody hears that a child goes to p.s. will say something like "Oh, ok." If it's a homeschooler you get bombarded with a lot of questions or you'll get "the look".
But you bring up a good point, if we choose to homeschool, we should not have a attitude of superiority when we talk with public school parents. An important lesson, thank you.
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