When Jim asked me to write this column, I appreciated the vote of confidence, but maybe the title should have been “Things My Mother Taught Me.” You see, my mother could be classified as the Proverbs 31 woman of the Bible. I was raised by Godly parents who both taught me many life lessons that helped me grow into adulthood as a responsible, likable young lady. I was taught to have friends, you must be friendly, likable, caring and kindhearted to everyone. Therefore, I was voted Girl Class Favorite by my Senior Class. I had rather not say what year that was. Ha. Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver or gold.”

I was taught to dress modestly and act like a lady. My mother assured me that a good reputation was a “crown” worthy of wearing and to expect boys to honor my choice to save myself for that “Lucky” guy I would someday marry. Many pregnancies could be avoided if there were more mother-daughter talks. Mothers might start by teaching by example how to dress modestly, what and what not to wear and how to act. You might have raised boys as I did, and they need to be taught to respect girls and what qualities to look for in them. I once refused to let one of my sons date a certain girl who did not have a good reputation in school. That did not set too well at the time, but he got over it and he found a wonderful Christian lady to whom he is still married.

Many children come home to an empty house and to no one to welcome them home. This might leave some children to their own devices, maybe hooking up with less desirable friends, experimenting with drugs and unsolicited sex, as they might be pulled into the wrong circle of friends. The Bible warns us of such things. It says in Proverbs 22:15, “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” It also says in Proverbs 29:15, “A child left to himself brings his mother to shame.” Many grandparents have stepped in to help raise their grandchildren. Praise the Lord for Christian grandparents who can instill Godly principles and values to them. It seems our society is becoming a one-parent nation, many times without a father figure in the home.

Here is a message loud and clear that our government needs to hear. Our government needs to develop incentives to encourage a two-parent household that will encourage couples to marry and together raise their children. Children need a father figure to reinforce discipline and instructions to them. This is a case of where some women need to wake up. When you live with someone out of wedlock, you are the loser in this kind of relationship. Many unwanted pregnancies come out of this kind of sinful living. Many lives have been tarnished and damaged because of reckless behavior that might have been prevented if a parent, grandparent or someone would have had a talk with them, discouraged premarital sex and explained the consequences of bad choices. Our children need adult supervision and guidance, even more these days.

Here is the bottom line, beginning with two very important verses of scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” All of us need to take more responsibility in raising our children, as they are America’s hope. This column was written by Janis Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.

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(Jim Davidson is an author, public speaker, syndicated columnist, and Founder of the Bookcase for Every Child project. Since its inception in the Log Cabin Democrat in 1995, Jim’s column has been self-syndicated in over 375 newspapers in 35 states. For a personalized copy of “Your Future Begins Today” send $20, which includes postage and handling, to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)