Baby Steps

When a baby is born she needs the protection of her parents. She needs them to feed her, change her, provide for her, and show her that she is loved. To make sure she has a warm place to live, food in her stomach and clothes on her back. It will take her time to learn to crawl, talk, walk, eat, write and navigate through the world she was born into. She will be completely dependent on the grown ups around her who have already figured these things out and can guide her. They will need to teach her how to learn from her mistakes; as well as when to pick herself up and when to ask for a hand. They will teach her to avoid danger and be there to pick up the pieces when she doesn’t listen.
They will give her a sense of worth and teach her to value God, family, her
community and herself. Without this strong group of adults to surround her, protect guide her she might grow up with a distorted view of herself of God of the world. She might think that she is on her own figuring things out as they come. Not having a strong foundation or roots to keep her grounded being swayed and moved by the winds and storms that will come her way.
No family intends on not providing these things. Every family wants to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. Everyone wants to do their part to keep their loved one safe, to prepare her for the cold reality of the world. Yet many families fall short and leaving their loved ones in disarray continuing the cycle of emptiness.
How do you deal with that? How has your family helped or hindered your growth?