Save Our Children: Create an Atmosphere of Love
by J.J. Michael
It seems that you can’t turn on the news or pick up a newspaper without reading about a heinous crime against or by children. My first reaction to these crimes is to pause and affirm that God is in this situation no matter what the outer appearance may be. I then pray for every soul that is involved that includes the victim as well as the perpetrator. In these situations there are not winners. Twenty years ago, I could not have prayed for the offender as well. Instead, I would have cried an eye for an eye. Many of you who have been avid readers of Pathtotruth.com ezine, know that I dedicate every November issue to my brother, Charles “Chuckie” Jones, who loved softball. What you don’t know is that my family and I figuratively belong to a unique club reserved for those who have lost a loved one to a violent crime—The Victim’s Family Club.
Chuckie was only 19, in November of 1978, when he was robbed of his life. The offenders were never brought to justice. Through many years of evolving spiritually, I have learned to forgive those who transgressed against him. The Law of Karma will determine their fate. They will not be able to escape from the Laws of the Universe.
I know that some of you will find this difficult to accept. But in order for us as a human race to evolve spiritually, we must learn how to forgive and hold a prayer vision of love for everyone. Additionally, there is always a spiritual lesson (s) for everyone to learn from these misdeeds against another soul. I believe that the lesson to be learned for all humankind is how to love self and others. The root cause of these crimes against and by our children is the lack of love. Somewhere during this great technological age, we lost or might I say, never grasped the fundamental or number one Law of God—love thyself and love they neighbor. It is time for us to teach love and better still demonstrate love.
We have passed laws, incarcerated offenders, tried juveniles as adults, and enforced capital punishment, but the crimes continue. The laws and the social service system we have in place are not enough. We also need to deal with this problem from a spiritual viewpoint. It is now time for us to become wayshowers of love. We don’t want another school massacre, a young child or young adult to die.
How can you help? If you have children, work with children or come in contact with children here are some points that will help you create an atmosphere of love. For those who do not have children or come in contact with children, you are still part of this village to raise a child.
There is something for everyone to do:
Children need to hear the words—I love you.
Children need to be hugged everyday.
Children need to feel part of the family.
Children’s rights need to be respected.
Children need boundaries and limitations.
Children need freedom to express themselves.
Children need a spiritual foundation.
Children need space to be themselves.
Children need to be listened to.
Children need to learn to share.
Children need to learn to give and receive.
Children need to be read to.
Children’s creativity needs to be nurtured.
Children need to play.
Children need to see adults demonstrate their words.
Children need to learn responsibility.
Children need to know that the adults are there for them.
Children need to have their basic survival needs met (food, shelter, clothing and education).
Children need to follow their own paths.
Children need to feel secure.
Children need to be able to express themselves verbally.
Children need to learn happiness in order to be happy adults.
I want to close down the Victim’s Family Club. Won’t you help me?