Rundown
Theme of the Week: Parental Affirmative Action
Joey O'Connor
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing (Proverbs 12:18). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 15:5;16:24;17:22
One Saturday morning Scott, standing in his driveway, eyed his neighbor's son Steven riding his bike and wearing a baseball uniform. Scott didn't know that Steven played competitive sports or was on a baseball team.
"Hey, Steven, what position do you play?"
Steven is a nice kid. Always ready with a funny joke or two. He sat there on his bike, not answering right away. His dad stood in the driveway. Like Steven, his dad is a joker. Works a lot. Talks a lot.
Unsure if Steven had heard him the first time, Scott raised his voice a little. "Hey, Steven, what position do you play?"
This time, Steven heard the question. He turned, looked at Scott, and began to say, "Second—" when his dad cut him off with a verbal pickoff. Steven's dad stood in the driveway and delivered the pitch. A razored barb coming in low and fast on the inside. His exact words were, "Splinter-picker."
Steven reeled, not knowing what to say, head hanging in shame. What happens in the heart of a boy when his dad verbally ridicules him in front of another man? How long will Steven be picking splinters stuck deep in his heart?
—Joey O'Connor in The Longing
My Response: I'll resolve to avoid sarcasm or teasing that could be perceived as belittling.
Thought to Apply: Everybody wants to be somebody. The thing you have to do is give them confidence they can. You have to give a kid a dream.—GEORGE FOREMAN
Adapted from The Longing (Revell, 2004) by permission.
Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
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Lord, the pressures of raising a family can make me come across as a policeman more than a loving parent. Please help me to communicate the love I feel.
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