Monday, September 10, 2012

I LOVE John Rosemond!

Listening to John Rosemond speak at the It's a Mom Thing event this past weekend, I kept wondering, why does this sound so familiar? Why do I keep feeling like I'm having instant recall? Now, several days later, I recall why Rosemond so touched me. I have been saying the exact same thing for 20 years! Now, he did it in such a unique, entertaining and absolutely engaging way that I hope and pray God gives him millions of opportunities to keep preaching this truth over and over. This morning, I remembered what one of my fav friends said to me during one of the event breaks. She told me that about 15 years ago in one of my parenting classes, I had said something that she had never forgotten. Now being quoted by someone about something you said even a few days ago can be a little unnerving. Especially since I, myself, have an impossible time remembering what I said even a few hours ago. But to have someone remember something from that long ago - well, I wasn't sure what I was going to hear. But this is what she said. "I remember when I asked you what was the most important thing to know as a parent, you said, keep the focus on the two of you, meaning my husband and me." She said "And I have just kept remembering that." Okay. That makes me so grateful for John Rosemond.  That he has taken a very unpopular stance in a culture that is not only Me-centric but whose family's are totally child-centric. He is also fighting back against the parenting psychology that has been the brain-child of popular writers and experts for over 40 years now in the U.S. That being a Mom is the toughest job you do. That if your child is going to turn out even half-way decent you have to devote your entire life to him/her. That if your child is going to be a success, well, that requires the tactics of a Navy Seal combined with the wisdom of Solomon and the courage of an NFL lineman. In other words, mothering is an impossible task. How frustrating for those of us who see our children as people of promise to be told that if we are doing anything other than providing one-on-one constant attention and finances and support that our child will be doomed to failure. In the meantime, what is happening to our marriages? Oh, marriage. Well, that can wait. After all, we have children to raise!  And that brings me back to my recall experience. It's so comfirming to hear that Rosemond is immensely popular. So much that over 200 newspapers publish his parenting column. He is invited to speak at over 200 events each year. He has authored and published 15 books - with another one soon to be out. His book, Parenting by the Book, is ranked 24 on a top 100 list of popular authors on Amazon.  I am thrilled that he has become that popular while preaching such an unpopular theology. Because what he teaches is basic theology. He teaches, like I have taught for 20 years, that God first gave families, the husband and wife relationship. And if that relationship is intact, kids will do best. So your work on your relationship with your spouse deserves and needs more time and attention then the one with your kids. I will keep on doing my part to help families to get this right.  I certainly am glad that this ambassador for God's way for families is out there too.  You go, John Rosemond. Go with God.

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