Our Children are Our Future

I am fully aware that “The Greatest Love of All” was originally sang by George Benson, though I must admit that it was the 1986 recording on the song by the late Whitney Houston that made a tremendous impact on my life. In her strong, signature voice, Houston sang:

I believe the children are our future;

Teach them well and let them lead the way;

Show them all the beauty they possess inside;

Give them a sense of pride to make it easier;

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be.

Listening to this song at ten years old, I recognized it as a clarion call for adults to rise up to their rightful place as parents, teachers, leaders, and role models in shaping the next generation for the future that awaited them and in doing so, to have a hand in shaping the world. The song is a call to action--teach, show, give--that requires an investment on the part of adults into the lives of children so that one day they will take their places as leaders. The song asks the older generation to do their part so the generations coming behind them would not have the same difficulties and challenges they faced.

This song comes to mind as we approach Children and Education Sunday. Last week I made an appeal for each disciple to make an investment--a seed offering of $100, $50, $25, or whatever you can afford above and beyond your weekly tithes and offering--into the lives of our young people. With the rising cost of higher education and the burden of student loan debt, I believe, First Baptist, that we have an opportunity to Invest In a way that tangibly expresses that we believe our children are our future.

Growing in Christ,

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah