Comments on: A tale of four famous Christian siblings: When Christian children shipwreck, there’s still hope

By: Anita

Anita — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:34:21 +0000

Thanks UK Viewer and Leah. I guess we all just have to rely on God's grace. If such luminaries had so many child-rearing failures–what chance do we have, except in prayer, and relying on the grace of God. And I guess trying to follow him the best we can!!

By: Leah Atha

Leah Atha — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:41:40 +0000

On a similar note, I read excerpts from two books by Frank Schaeffer, son of Francis & Edith, who were often in the public eye. I've heard it said that children have a "built in hypocrisy meter" and it seems that what he viewed as hypocritical about his parents, stuck with him.

In this post and the excerpts, I was reminded of the importance of Christian character in my life and not just "spiritual knowledge that puffs up". To clarify, I'm not condemning Graham or Shaeffer for being "puffed up". :)

By: UKViewer

UKViewer — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:36:30 +0000

Anita,

This seems to be a story that you read about Celebrity families, rather than the children of a Christian Pastor.

But rebellion happens in most teen's, for a short period, but they eventually get over it and turn out as reasonable adults.

From my own experience, despite a broken family, I made choices as a teen that I would take a path that avoided the things you describe here. I signed up to the Army at 17 and stayed for 43 years. As a young man, it provided a safe and disciplined environment, where you could learn and grow and achieve. Sure we had some failures, but for the most part, people from the worst background could turn their life around and make a fresh start.

While I'm not saying that all should join the Army, it seems to me that families need to have some sort of framework that provides loving, nurture and development mixed with a light touch of discipline, which guides but doesn't oblige through fear or force.

Above all, praying together as a family, attending worship together, socialising together and playing together to build bonds of love and trust between the whole family.

If there is love and God in a marriage, his grace will be there alongside. If it's absent, what chance do the children have - little I suggest.

By: Anita

Anita — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:35:58 +0000

Thanks, Edward. My husband also suggested that I add that quote, but I didn't want to get into second-guessing that Christian giant. Have now done so, using your link. I think it's helpful advice for parents in the trenches as we are.
Thanks!

By: Edward Green

Edward Green — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:08:34 +0000

'Graham also said that if he could go back and do anything differently he would “spend more time at home with my family, and I'd study more and preach less.”'

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/01/24/billy-grahams-regret-i-would-have-steered-clear-of-politics/