Socialization, the word causes me to quietly sigh, hold my breath and pray for patience.
“How will you socialize?” “Is this activity to socialize your daughter?” Real questions asked by strangers. The questions break my heart.
My heart breaks because of the underlying assumption .
Many assume “all” children should be socialized to the norms of a sin fallen word. Once they accept society’s norms they then conclude all children should be exactly alike. It’s what the world tells them. Why else would society in general agree to a common curriculum, same age grouping and standardized tests that require children to know the same thing on the exact same day. Our children are not widgets produced by a factory, nor should they conform to the world.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Children are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. They should be encircled with love, offered patience and provided a curriculum that meets their needs-not the needs of a state test. If our children are to be socialized then it should not be based upon the standard model that is pervasive in the media, it should be based upon the model of God’s love and provision for us.
So, I guess when asked the socialization question we should follow up with “Socialized to whose standards?”
Ask in love, ask in patience for you never know when a heart is ready to be opened to the Truth.
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (ESV)