A different time

I was raised in a different time.  Children were to be seen and not heard.  If your behavior was bad at home you could expect to be spanked, with the hand, a belt or hair brush.  If you were sassy you could  have your mouth washed out with comet cleanser or slapped across the face.

My parents never had any classes on mental health or relationships.  They were children of their time.  Respect was demanded and discipline was swift and merciless.

I think the thing that most of us carried into our adult lives was the constant use of shame and guilt.  It was just a common method of trying to control a person.  Here is one of my papers from second grade where the well meaning teacher wrote in the dreaded red ink pen.  "you should be ashamed of yourself."  Why?  Because I got an F?

I am so glad that we live in a different world.  I have always tried to resist delivering shame to my children, but I know that some gets thru.  I apologize for that, sincerely.

I am also very glad that God does not use shame and guilt on us.  Sure some preachers are always guilting people but that is them not God.  Jesus never shamed anyone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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I am leading some trips in 2018. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....

Holy Land via Jordan

March 5-14 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl18-brinkman-030518j-17768#eotours

Wesley's Ireland

October 8-17, 2018

http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/wesley-in-ireland-2018-with-rev-jeff-brinkman#eotours