Originally posted to my Homeschool Alumni blog.
http://westernconservatory.com/products/homeschool-dropouts
I just ran across this trailer in the round table. I have a few things to say about it.
A large reason these people are seeing so many homeschool "dropout" is because the very same people that are saying we need to "take back the culture" (namely Vision forum and the like in the Trailer) Are also the same ones teaching the extreme version of isolationism, sheltering, and parental control. DUH! THE KIDS GREW UP AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO ENGAGE THE CULTURE!!!(sorry that was an out burst of anger) These kids know deep down inside that they are lacking in social skills, that they lack vision (because God forbid they have a different vision then their parents) and are unequipped to "engage the culture".
I want to make a point, that years ago the movement "leaders" (some of the same ones in the movie) kept saying that kids in the church were falling away from the faith because the parents were giving their children over to the state to raise. The example Of Eli in 1 Samuel was used all the time. "Eli was a great guy but stank at being a parent. Look at what happened to him!" "The responsibility rests with the parents!!" was the message shouted from the "leaders". Now according to the trailer these same people are blaming it on the kids, the "Dropouts". "They don't appreciate what their parents did for them!" "They don't have a homeschool vision!" and so on. You know what I think? If these "kids" (most are grown now) saw their parents repent of their over sheltering, controlling, superior, holier then thou attitudes many of these kids would come back. If they knew that THEY were more important to their parents than how they "made the family look" trust would begin to be rebuilt. If these parents would repent of their legalism and performance mentality and rightfully valued their relationships with their kids we wouldn't be having so many problem. The problem is not with the "dropouts" the problem is with the parents for blindly following the teachings of inexperienced "leaders", for not checking themselves against scripture for idolizing the family and fearing man rather then God. This is not a "homeschool" issue this is a spiritual issue.
Michael Pearl wrote on this in his "Jumping Ship" articles. I like his take better. Even though I don't agree with every thing he teaches I think he is right on on this one.
2 comments:
You are exactly right sis. That legalistic approach kills everything in its path. Those "dropouts" may end up becoming a better Christian because they have gotten away from their controlling families. Too sad for them.......meaning the parents. They missed the boat and now their children are sailing on some other person's ship.
Dear HWB,
(this is Analene)
I have been reading and enjoying your blog posts very much. I hear your heart and it rings true!
One theme that seems common throughout your postings is a struggling to break out of boxes (or cages, as you refer to them).
It is a good question to ask "if all was stripped away, what would be left?"
"If I take a way church, do I still have Jesus?"
"If I take away courtship, do I still have the Holy Spirit?"
"If I take away dresses, do I still have purity?"
"If EVERYTHING is removed, is Jesus alone, enough?"
We believe we could answer yes, Yes, YES!
But the truth is in the refining fire; where the box sides are removed, and like Job, the things that appear to "make us who we are" are stripped away.
Can people see Jesus whether we wear pants or dresses? Can people see Jesus whether we homeschool or not? Can people see Jesus in ALL our relationships?
Can people see Jesus even if we don't go to
"church"?
Here's what I suspect, Shannon.
Boxes are less work than seeking the Holy Spirit at every moment and in our changing seasons.
If I identify (and that is a key word) with a movement, or a group, or a method, all I have to do is understand the rules of the game (so to speak), or the ingredients of the recipe and if I follow the recipe exactly, I can expect a calculated outcome.
There is a problem: God is living and dynamic. He wants OUR HEARTS, not our works.
Fancy that he created man for companionship and friendship.
Hm...
There is no formula. I am learning this lesson the hard way, but I cannot begin to expound on the FREEDOM there is in stripping away everything and finding that what is indeed left...
is Jesus.
Thank you LORD!!!
Love you,
me
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