To Catholics, the role of godparent is a big deal. This is a person who is going to walk with your child spiritually through their entire life. So it shocked me about the decision the Pope announced last week, mainly because the role of the godparent is so important in a young person’s life.
Let me be clear, my role as a Christian is to show God’s love to all people. I wholeheartedly believe I am doing that. However, I am also God’s messenger, and as such I must shed light on the dark places of this earth.
So, back to the Pope’s announcement to allow people who are transgender or who have transitioned access to be godparents. As a Catholic mom, wife, and educator here are the reasons I feel this is a misstep for the Catholic Church.
Formation of faith
In Catholicism, as children grow up, the adults around them instruct them on the things of God. We send our children to catechism, which is a word used to describe the study of the Catholic religion. So for years typically kindergarten (or earlier) until 8th grade children are receiving instruction about their catholic faith. The people who walk alongside them during this process are the priest, their parents, catechist teachers (which I have been for a number of years), and their godparents. You can see that there is a multitude of counsel for this young person, which is great. This brings me to my next point. Who is allowed access to our children?
Who is allowed access?
As a parent, you get the sole responsibility of allowing people to access your child. I believe we are supposed to lead by example. For instance, some friends and family members we had when we didn’t have children might have gone by the wayside when our children were born because we want our children to be influenced by certain people (that’s how my husband and I role anyway). I believe there is a lot of wisdom in being selective of who you allow your children to be around. So as a parent, you have to ask yourself who is allowed access.
Standing on the Truth
I want my children to grow up standing on the word of God and believing what it says for them and their lives. For that reason I have to stand on God’s word, Geneses 1:27 says “God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them male and female He created them. So the fact that the lines of gender identity are getting convoluted is concerning to me. My opinion is that I can’t have anyone instructing children in the things of God when they are questioning their own gender identity.
So when it comes to the Pope’s announcement I have to stand firm on God’s word. Am I saying there is no place for trans people in the Catholic church? Absolutely not, I believe we are all sinners, saved by grace and working out our salvation. I do, however, believe that trans people, or anyone for that matter who is questioning their own gender identity should not be able to give wise spiritual counsel to our most impressionable population, our children.
God’s word matters
The most overlooked part of the Pope’s recent announcements is that he does not consult the Bible in his decisions. I believe that is a grave misstep in our faith. In all things, we must consult and lead with the truth (God’s word). As Christians, if you aren’t already doing so read your Bible so that you will know the word of God for yourself. When we do this we not only see the black and white text on the page God begins to speak the Rhema word to His children.
This is solely my opinion based on what I know of the bible, but I’d love for you to weigh in. Drop a comment in the comment section.
Inclusion, equity, and diversity is needed in our schools, homes, and community. When done successfully, we teach children how to celebrate their identity.
According to the article “Racial Identity, Academic Identity, and Academic Outcomes for Students of Color,” “Aspects of an academic identity and an academic self-concept are strongly related to and have an effect on the academic performance of students. Awareness of race and the ways in which structural/institutional racism affects students of color is key to helping them achieve their full academic potential.” (Howard, 2010)
With that said, all students (especially students of color) need things related directly to them in order to succeed to their full potential. My aim is to aid you and your child with the tools needed to service their continued success.
Here are five ways you can teach inclusion, equity, and diversity in your school, home, or community:
1. Be Aware of Unconscious Bias
Unconscious biases are social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing.
Examples include the following:
Teachers have preconceived notions about one group of students vs. another.
Teachers saying, “You have good English skills for someone coming from…”
Staff members say, “You live in that part of town? I would never go there,” if the child lives in a part of town that is deemed by society as crime-ridden.
When unconscious biases are made, it makes the person on the receiving end feel alienated. Thus, children are less likely to participate in classroom activities.
2. Be Proactive vs. Reactive
When you see an implicit or unconscious bias occur, you must say something. The more people are allowed to perpetuate unconscious biases in the classroom, the more internal damage a student might experience. Our job is to operate in a proactive mode rather than reacting or putting out fires. The way to lessen the fires within your program is to say something if you see it and teach the staff and children how to lead with inclusion, equity, and diversity.
3. Who are you exposing your children to?
According to Meissner & Brigham, 2001, children as early as three months old can distinguish between their own race faces but not other races. This information shows that, at an early age, children are able to differentiate between caregivers, parents, and family members of the same race. If you are only exposing your children to the same race of people, there may be ramifications that lead to non-exposure. Exposing your children to other races creates trust among other races for your child. Exposing your child to diversity creates a level of comfort among people who look different from what they do. Supporting the need for diversity in childcare settings for staff and children is important for your child even at an early age.
4. Anti-Biased Books
There are many children’s books that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. Books that show children of color in a positive light. BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) authors have been promoting these messages of the importance of love for everyone’s differences and uniqueness. Books like You Come from Greatness, Hues of You, Callie the Service Dog, and Crowns of Glory are just a few to have in your program.
5. Anti-Biased Curriculum
Let’s get away from our Black History Month consisting of a coloring sheet of Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks. Let’s celebrate Black History outside of the month of February by displaying pictures on the walls of your home or classroom of positive role models, bringing in or visiting cultural community events, and teaching children the truth about history.
In conclusion, inclusion, equity, and diversity in school, home, and community help children become collaborative learners. These practices help educators, parents, and community members strive toward a common goal, one that embodies celebrating every child’s identity.
African-Americans have a long-standing history of fighting to be free. Juneteenth is a celebration honoring the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Major Gordon General Granger told the people of Galveston, Texas, that the Civil war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. This historic day is known as Juneteenth in the United States of America. Unfortunately, since the beginning of slavery African-Americans, in America endured the wrath of unfathomable treatment. Even when the emancipation proclamation was signed, it was another two years before any enslave were told of their freedom. This left the enslaved to endure more horrific treatment at the hands of their masters. African-Americans in the U.S have long suffered from the 1921 Tulsa, Oklahoma, massacre to the civil rights movements.
Curbing Racism
Today, the whole world can see the evils of racism at work. Although African-Americans have experienced legal freedom, some of us are still held captive in systemic oppression. Churches like St. Anthony Parish in Sacramento, California, equip their parishioners with facilitating talks over race. FR. Martin Luther King of the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon, says, “It is imperative that we get the conversation going with talks over race within the church.” He describes his home parish as predominantly upper-class white. Where he explains, his parish is 99 percent white and 1 percent black, where he is the only person of color. Problems of racism, “don’t just go away because there are no people of color in the neighborhood you live in. Racism is a global problem, which is shaping the world economically, socially, and legally”.
History in the Making
Since Juneteenth is part of African-American history, the U.S federal government has listened to the voices of the people, The wait is finally over, on June 17, 2021, President Biden made Juneteenth a Federal holiday. President Biden says, “this will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president”. Through suffering, “we begin to heal and grow stronger”, Biden says.
Are you stuck trying to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list? No worries, I’ve got you covered. Cratejoy just launched its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales where you can find unique gifts for everyone on your list.
From one time orders to a year’s worth of deliveries, your friends and family are going to love the unique selection of boxes including snacks and cocktails, fashion, board games, books and more. With more than 2,500 gift boxes broken out by interest, theme, and type of person, shopping for everyone has never been faster or easier.
Click here to visit Cratejoy and get your shopping done in one place at one time so you can focus on having “me time”, not holiday stress.
Each month’s We Craft Box features a unique theme and story about the crafts. When it arrives at your doorstep it’s a complete creative unit! All the materials needed are inside the box and can be shared between two children! With 3 crafts and easy to follow photo directions families can enjoy a stress-free creative experience together!
The details:
Next shipment is December 1st!
Send as a gift! The first gift box is delivered with a personal message from you!
All materials included (except for scissors) and can be shared between 2 children!
Great gifts for kids – targeted roughly for ages 3-9 years
Creative, imaginative, and artistic activities for the family – the gift that keeps on giving all year long!
Butterfly-Box
We deliver hand-selected items to help you live out your faith in the world around you. We also realize that with the business of life, your intimacy with Christ can suffer, so we bring quiet moments with God to you!
The Details:
Hand-selected items thoughtfully chosen for you.
Ten percent of our net proceeds are donated to BEAM Kenya who advocates fro the emotional, spiritual and educational needs of impoverished children in Kenya through their robust scholarship program.
5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items.
Christian products chosen to bring reminders of Jesus into your home monthly.
Each month will be designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.
VictoryBox
Join
the premier monthly men’s accessories box and receive from 3 to 5 high quality
men’s fashion accessories and lifestyle products each month. Plus, receive free
accessories when pre-paying for a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription. VictoryBoxes
include a combination of ties, socks, tie clips, lapel pins, grooming products,
bracelets, and more!
The Details:
3-Month Prepaid Subscription: Customers subscribing for a three month, prepaid subscription will receive a free upgrade to a Premium Box for their first month. Premium boxes include a minimum of five men’s accessories, which may include ties, socks, tie clips, lapel pins, grooming products, bracelets, and more!
6-Month Prepaid Subscription: Customers subscribing for a six month, prepaid subscription will receive a free upgrade to a Premium Box for their first and fourth month.
12-Month Prepaid Subscription: Customers subscribing for a twelve month, prepaid subscription will receive a free VictoryBox. Please note that the cost of a twelve month, prepaid subscription is equal to the cost of eleven, individual VictoryBoxes.
Reading Bug Box
“The
Best Children’s Book Subscription!” Perfectly personalized to every
child’s age, interests and reading level by the expert staff of our independent
Children’s Bookstore. Encourage a finicky reader, inspire an avid reader, or
promote parent-child read-aloud bonding, and let the book selections in your
Reading Bug Box grow as your child grows.
The Details:
Baby Bug Box: Recommended for ages 0-30 months. A curated selection of 3 great board books each month.
Reading Bug Box: For ages 0 to 13 years. A personalized selection of 3 or 4 books matched to the recipient’s age and interests, plus gifts to encourage and inspire.
Reading Bug Box for 2: For ages 0 to 13 years. A personalized Reading Bug Box for 2 children at the same address.
Price of contents always exceeds purchase price
Reading Bug Box grows as your child grows, developing their skills and expanding their interests
Coloring And Classics
Free
your mind! By combining adult coloring books, activity books and hard cover
books to read, Coloring and Classics brings the big three together:
imagination, problem solving and creativity so you always have a choice when
you refocus yourself. Starter box includes colored pencils! Each box is 2 to 3
times the value of what you pay.
The Details:
Contains an adult coloring book plus an adult activity book plus a hard cover book from your chosen genre!
Confetti
Collection is a new subscription box delivering happiness right to your door!
Perfect to treat yourself – or for gifting to a friend – each box is filled
with surprise selections of items that you are sure to love. To maintain the
element of surprise, we ship a variety of boxes within each theme. You never
know exactly what you’ll get!
The Details:
8 – 10 coordinated items sent to you every other month
Customers who select the Every Two Months plan will be billed every 60 days
Be inspired with a joyful mix of fun surprises
Order now – limited quantities available!
Voted 2019 Best Box Under $25
Dog Mom Box
A subscription box for dog moms! Each box will come with carefully picked items geared to the dog mom and for the doggy! We support small businesses so we strive to include wonderfully curated products! This is the perfect box for you if you are overly obsessed with your pupper (s)! Each box comes with 5-7 items!
The Details:
Dog Mom Swag!
Dog Mom anything & everything!
Delicious doggy treats
Exciting toy for your doggy!
We support small businesses!!
Grill Masters Club
Your
Grill Master’s Club box comes with the best curated grilling and BBQ goods from
all over the country. A certified BBQ judge selects award winning products that
are essential for your cookouts. We take time to research, taste test, and vet
every supplier we work with. Join today and truly become a Grill Master!
The Details:
Four full sized, taste tested, Grill Master approved BBQ products
Items include: rubs, spices, sauces, wood chips, grilling accessories, and more fro all over the world
An insert with product information and a featured recipe to test your new products with
The largest BBQ FB community to share your stories and see how other pitmasters used the products
Special discounts, recipes, videos, guides and much more.
Tea, Simplicity Teas: Tea
with intentions
Join
the tea of the month club. Life is too short to drink bad tea. Your first box
comes with a unique tea infuser. Great way to try & discover new teas.
Multiple packages to choose from to fit your drinking needs! Makes a great
gift! Join the 8,000+ people who love us!
The Details:
#1 rated in customer satisfaction from tea lovers like you
Beautifully and thoughtfully created – makes the perfect gift!
All organic teas- comes with brewing and tasting instructions
Comes with reusable loose leaf tea infuser
Unique flavor profiles, blends, and discover new favorites!
TheraBox – Self Care Subscription Box
Each
box includes 1 research inspired therapeutic activity to wire your brain for
more joy plus 6 to 8 self-care wellness goodies to reduce stress & enhance
your life! We aim to inspire more love & happiness in every box through
mindfully curated products to feed your mind, body & soul. For all finders
& seekers of an inspired life❤️ #TreatYoself!
The Details:
1 happiness activity plus 6 – 8 self care wellness goodies (i.e., aromatherapy, natural/organic bath, body, skincare products, and other lifestyle goodies!)
Over $100+ in retail value in every box!
Curated by therapists to increase happiness & reduce stress
Unbox happiness monthly! Filled with all things mindful, thoughtful, and beautiful to help you de-stress and live an inspired life!
#TreatYoself or a loved one to some self care & relaxation!
My favorite things DIY Holiday edition showcases 5 DIY holiday crafts for the whole family!
Quick tutorials with individual links to each DIY mamas site.
DIT holiday Crochet
If crochet is your thing you’ll love keepingthecritters.com Ronni teaches you step-by-step how to start and finish your crochet project. Ronni is never short on ideas from kid’s costumes and fall decor. She has simplified crochet for even the non-crochet mama.
DIY holiday craft earings
Stephanie at Ruralruby.com offers a great post called 10 Christmas Gifts You Can Make. This post covers everything from earings to hairbows to picture gifts. Stephanie’s gifts are low cost, easy to repeat and can be done with the whole family in mind.
DIY Holiday craft nativity scene
You can’t forget a baby manger this season. This simple manger craft by Merri comes with the perfect size free pattern. The kids will have a blast creating and talking about the story of what the season is all about. You can find the free manger pattern here.
DIY holiday crafts for kids
Maybe you could make the holiday season fun with a unicorn party! Carolyn at partywithunicorns.com offers many ideas for throwing the best kid parties. She also has DIY tutorials and free printables that any age child could do. So when you have all the kids over and school is out through a unicorn party!
DIY Gift giving on a budget
Need to get your home ready for the holiday season? Enlist the help of your kids and head on over to mamaandmore.com where Kaylee has so many ideas for sprucing up your home. Kaylee writes about gift-giving on a budget with kids. Engage your kids in activities during the time off for the holiday season. Further, you don’t break the bank during the holiday season.
I hope you liked this DIY crafters holiday edition of My Favorite Things! What about you, what was your favorite DIY crafter tip or tutorial? Leave a comment below.
Are you a crafter looking to be featured on the next favorite things? Drop me an email, always looking for great ideas.
