Living in the Spirit
Light a Candle for Children
September 19, 2014
Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:21-30
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. — Philippians 1:27-28
I feel pretty certain my mother read to me when I was in the womb. Since I am the youngest of three children, I might have just been overhearing what was being read to my brother and my sister. I honestly cannot remember the inability to read. My dad also loved to read but what I remember about him is my reading to him. If he were still alive, I bet he would like audio books. With that background, I must admit, I was stunned by today’s Oklahoma Fact (below) and my heart goes out to those parents who are not experiencing the joy of reading with their children.
Part of the explanation is that 6% of our adult population reads at less than a 9th grade level and 20% less than a 12th grade level*. Our educational failures beget educational failures. Part of the explanation is that a lot of parents are working two or more jobs to make ends meet and have little time to spend with their children. Seventeen percent of the children at the school with which my church has a relationship, are English as a second language students whose parents may be literate and may read to their children in their native language but do not read English.
In our scripture today, Paul encourages us to strive side by side with others and not be intimidated by our opponents. Illiteracy is an opponent that needs to be destroyed. Helping parents learn to read will help them qualify for better employment, but just as important will help them help their children learn to read.
Oklahoma Fact: in 2013, 13% of Children ages 1 to 5 had family members read to them less than 3 days per week**
Prayer: Rabboni, teach us to teach others so that all may know the fullness of your Kingdom on earth. Amen.
* http://www.odl.state.ok.us/literacy/statistics/
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.