Homeschool vs. Public School – Can We Get A Little Love?
For those of you who follow my blog, you know I am home educating.
You also may know that I am kind of hard core about it. To say the least.
However…
If we study and pray over the same scriptures and come to a different conclusion on home education (or anything else for that matter), to God be the glory.
May we surround one another with bucket-fulls of grace.
May we not make one another the enemy.
May we not think we are better or more acceptable to God because of our convictions.
May we be obedient to what the Lord has revealed to us in His faithful mercy.
May we love one another in the full measure of grace, with a sincere heart, doing “nothing from factional motives [through contentiousness, strife, selfishness, or for unworthy ends] or prompted by conceit and empty arrogance. Instead, in the true spirit of humility (lowliness of mind) let each regard the others as better than and superior to himself [thinking more highly of one another than you do of yourselves].” Philippians 2:3.
My dear sisters, I will continue to encourage women in the ways I am led, because that is my act of obedience. However, it is not my place to give anyone a burden of guilt that is not from the Lord.
So,
when you see posts by me about home education, hang with me.
We’re all on a journey.
I like plodding through the dirt alongside you.
Photo Credit: Dirt Path,by Jack Bordoni
Very nice :)
So eloquently said…as with all of your posts.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I look forward to reading your blog each day.
:)Jodi
Girl, I love you!! More than you can ever know … and even with that "hard core homeschooling mentality" you are still one of the most grace-filled, Jesus-loving people in my life! And your friendship ~ that allows me to be me ~ is one of the things that "jazzes" me!!
Amen to you sister. Same goal…just different journeys sometimes.
Thank you for this honesty. I have refrained from writing any blog posts about homeschooling despite the fact that I have gotten many many emails from women who ask me to write more details about it.
I am passionate about it for MY family…but I fear pushing women away over this very issue. Maybe I need to have more courage – I think that is why I love your site Sarah Mae – you have the courage to say the things many of us do not have the courage to say (but we think *wink*)
God bless you as you write – you are exceptional in everyway!
Courtney http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com
This is the second post I've read about homeschool this morning. Edie at Life in Grace shares a little of her journey.
Seems there will always be public school vs. homeschool. I really dislike the conflict. It's a personal choice after all. We all need to extend grace to one another. Off to read your link. Thanks.
We are all on a journey. I love that you say that. I'm homeschooling my Kindergartner, but God hasn't revealed what is best for next year. It's such a process!
My world includes one in private, one in public and one at home….and truthfully, after teaching in public schools for two decades, I have enjoyed homeschooling our 13 year old since she was 6. There is such a reconnect in our world, even with our high school boys, now that Mom is home most of the time. Our daughter's education has become owned by all of us, and the learning truly is a 356 day program…We didn't have a noble reason to begin, or felt a calling, we simply knew a gifted child with severe dyslexia and dysgraphia wasn't able to use her mind or her gifts in the regular classroom….she was being left behind… Little did we know that she would bring us all to the table of delightful learning when she brought us home to her classroom.
God is God and we are not…and I am thankful for the new directions His ways take me each day….when I'm not wholeheartedly fighting Him every step of the way…
Thankfully God made many paths in this world…and as long as He shows me which ones to follow, I'll go where ever He goes..
Thank you for posting that Sarah Mae. I am not a home-schooler and I am not a stay at home mom but I am a sister in Christ. I have been set to question where our unity as believers is after a couple of posts but keep coming back because I see that your heart is for Christ. I appreciate that you acknowledge we can have differences in how we 'make our homes' when we are all trying to raising prince and princesses for the Kingdom of Christ as well as develop into the Godly women and disciplined believers we are called to be. Although some say it takes sacrifice to stay at home there are only so many sacrifices you can make when you need health care or a job to replace that of an unemployed spouse. I returned to work recently as a way to offer a safety net for my family in these turbulent economic times (my husband is in the financial industry). Fortunately I was at home with my children before our second headed to K this fall. We need to remember so many others just don't have a choice – economic conditions (Financial Peace plan or not, I've seen too many that still had their feet knocked out from under them) often determine where 8 hours of the day will be spent and we should offer encouragement not condemnation.
in Him,
Sonia
I love what you wrote today!! Our relationship with the Lord is so personal, no one can say what He has called from one family to the next. That is just between them and God. My kids attend magnet public schools and was the best choice for our children because of the higher academic curriculum.
But I so enjoy reading blogs on homeschooling and often use their advice and resources with my own children. So, I teach my children with homeschool techniques on things I want then to know outside of school. I feel that the parent, whether home or public school is always the FIRST teacher, no matter what.
Very well said. Homeschooling is not for everyone, but neither is public school. We each have to reach inside ourselves and figure out which option is best for us and which direction God is pointing us in.
Blessings to you!
.-= Susan´s last blog post … Please Pray … =-.
Yeah, to be honest in the begining I use to look down on public school kids as being the "badder," but after being home w/my children and teaching them ALL that I've taught them, and being here for them ALL the time…through sacrifices, teaching them bible and obeidience…I'm now convinced that we ALL are born and sin and shaped in iniquity (hope that's spelled right)!
I still love homeschooling, but only b/c of it being the "best" for "my" family. I use to also be so upset when people would ask me about my children interacting w/other children, but now I see that being so valid. In the early days, my children were only allowed to interact w/like minded family and friends. I realized for us that wasn't good b/c I wasn't seeing how they would handle themselves when they were not among us and those who thought like us. So after they got a little older I started allowing them to go to different functions that weren't always so Christian. I thank God that they'd had the foundation that they had b/c they would come to me and talk to me about the things they saw and experienced. They began making choices not b/c it was Dad and Mom's views but due to their own convictions. They have taught me so much and through me wanting the best for them I've opened my mind to things that were so closed in the begining.
The other day my 12 year old came inside and grabbed his bible. He was witnessing to a kid outside. They do this often now, but if they had only been around Christians friends they would not have had the opportunity.
Last year I took my son (my husband and I did) to a lot of the public high school football games. I wanted him to see how some of those girls dress and act. I wanted to really see how he would react (b/c he'll go off to college soon). He was floored and kept turning his head in embarassement the way they carried themselves more than how they were dress. We didn't talk about what he thought for a while, but one day when I was on the computer blogging, lol, he came to me and talked to me about this girl he liked and what he saw in here. We don't allow him to have a girlfriend although he's 16 we lean more to courtship. I told him that I didn't like the little girl, but I was afraid if I said too much against her it would draw him to her more, so I told him to pray and what I thought he should ask God and then for him to add what he wanted too. About three wks later he came and told me how God answered his prayer. I could tell he'd been crying b/c the Lord showed him the girl for what she really was.
My point is before God showed me how closed I was being and how it was hurting them, in the long run, I would have told him things that would have been so different and I surely wouldn't have given him the choice.
Also, he's homeschooled and this little girl is in public school. She lives in the neighborhood. I had no idea he and this little girl had been talking…thankfully he felt convicted and told me. I say this b/c for me I thought by homeschooling them they wouldnt be exposed to certain things. And it's true they're not, but I was suprised to learn just how much homeschool kids are exposed to that we homeschool parents have no idea about, this is for the older children…not the younger ones.
Homeschooling is for me. I love it and I thank God for allowing this to be my lot. I just realize that I needed to prepare my children to be able to handle kids that weren't like them…now they have more of a healthy balance and I see them really standing on their own…truly making right choices for them instead of it being so much for me.
So sorry for rambling and I hope I was clear ladies.
Excellent! We too are a home educating family (you knew that). I have two blogs..my "personal" one and a homeschool blog.
I keep it separate because I write reviews for curric. and I wanted an "everything homeschool" place to land from time to time.
My Pursuing What Is Excellent blog hardly mentions homeschooling (but it does mention family stuff). Not for the reason of exclusion, but I have other things on my heart that I want to share that I don't want one blog over-shadowing the other. Does that make sense?
I put a button (link) on each of my blogs to direct any readers to the other.
God is working in every aspect of my home and that (two blogs) is the best way for me to display that.
Much love <3
.-= Kela´s last blog post … Fear is NOT Normal! =-.
The question we should all ask, no matter the issue, is "what says the scripture?" Then we seek and we study and we pray and then we walk forward in the liberty and confidence of the Lord.
Thank you all for your wonderful comments! :)
Thank you for that Sarah Mae. Well said.
I too believe that homeschooling is the option that God wants for our family. Being that I have been in the circle of folks for quite some time I find, too often, that people end up getting BEAT UP over issues like this one. It is truely sad to see this happening. Rather than thought-provoking discussion, when disagreements arise over issues like this, there is a lack of loving exhortation that occurs. All discussion like this one should be an exhortation to move people to ask the Lord to examine one's heart! To really pray and make sure they are doing the Lord's will for thier lives. SO sad that in the end times Christians are focusing more on beating up on each other with scripture rather than coming to each other as Jesus did. IN LOVE. People like to quote the fact that Jesus did get angry, and rebuked people openly, but most of his anger was directed at the Pharisees for looking to the law rather than someone's heart. How often have I seen people ripped to shreads with words and defend their hurtful words with the fact that Jesus did this too. SOmehow I think most forget that Jesus was perfect and his words were never tainted by agenda, or fault finding but true repentance was his goal! Time is so short! Believers need to be focusing on bringing people to Christ through their loving conduct. Getting hung up on other issues is a diversion that satan uses to divide and conquer! This video from Joshua Harris is a great encouragement to believers no matter what educational purpose they chose! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHtpoPNlqyI
Good job Sarah Mae!
.-= Theresa´s last blog post … Hello Lord =-.
Yay Sarah Mae, remembering Heb. 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. We may differ in educational mode, but I choose encouragement. My the Lord bless you as you teach your children.
.-= Stephanie – TeamBabetz´s last blog post … Seeking Counsel =-.
Your words are so full of grace, Sarah Mae.
I look forward to seeing what you have to write on homeschooling.
.-= Christin´s last blog post … Guest Posting Q & A =-.
Beautiful! Very well said :)
.-= Mirinda´s last blog post … Bye Bye 2009, Hello 2010!!! =-.
Well said, my friend!
There is only One we will ultimately answer to – and in the meantime let's spur one another on in love and good works, not in guilt! :)
.-= Kristi_runwatch´s last blog post … Intentional in 2010 =-.
Thank you for posting this. Today was my 7 yr olds first day of public school. I homeschooled my oldest through the middle of 3rd grade, but I didn't even go two years with my second. I was pretty hardcore about homeschooling a few years ago. It is no longer a good fit for our family. It needs more focus than I am able to give right now, & I don't know if I will ever take it on again. I appreciate the extenson of grace to those whose hearts and situations you don't know, and pray that more and more homeschoolers I know can extend that same grace, rather than pitying my children that I have given up. Love you, SarahMae!
.-= Frelle´s last blog post … listen to your broccoli writing exercise =-.
Just like the Lord doesn't tell all of us to be missionaries to China, He doesn't tell all of us to homeschool. It took a couple of years before I realized that. When someone who had been homeschooling would me they were putting their kids in public school I would silently *tsk* and wonder about their spiritual life. How arrogant!
Who am I to tell someone else what God's will is for their life, or the lives of their children? We do homeschool, because we know that at this moment we are supposed to. But who's to say that down the road God won't tell us to send Kiddo to our local school?
I love Teri Lynn already and I'm so glad to get to read this perspective from her. I surely hope I get to meet her at Relevant! : )
.-= Heathahlee´s last blog post … A Hero Once More….My Husband Rocks! =-.
Here here! I am a rabid homeschooler. I could eat it up. However, many of my best friends are public-schoolers and in my family I have teachers and school administrators. There are good people and bad people on both sides of the coin. Stereotypes are so awful.
The best thing is to love your kids. Listen to the Lord. Understand and pray for each other. And show LOVE in all you say and do.
1 John 4:7-8 Let us love one another!
.-= sprittibee´s last blog post … Blue Eyes Brown =-.
"rabid homeschooler" snort!
I like how Heathahlee used being a missionary as an example – so fitting if we think about the world around us as a mission field. Each is called to a different place and it may not even be permanent. Our kids go to public school but our oldest 2 will be homeschooled next year. This comes from someone who shuddered at the thought of homeschooling (not that in itself but that I would take it on). But things changed because we allowed God to direct us. How many people choose because of their 'own' convictions rather than what God places in their hearts.
I'm nervous for the new direction but confident because God gives us the power and ability to do what He wants. If I ignore this and send them where God doesn't want them then it will fall apart. This also applies to the fact that we'll still have 3 in public school. If we pull them and that is not what God wants then it won't work. It's not about us or even about our children, it's about God and his glory.
Our kids have been schooling for God and their classmates know it. I hope to let them see that He is giving them another field to work that is no better or worse than the one worked by their siblings. China, Africa or home… (home, public or private…) God is everywhere!
your great!!
Amen to that! My husband and I both feel pretty strongly about sending our kids to public school. Sending our kids. Not yours, not our friends, not the Cosby kids. We know where God has led us. I love to see how God can use us in that school. I love to hear how my kindergartner shares his faith in school. At our teacher conference she told us that she overheard our son in line telling another kid, "You know God is really important. Like the most important thing of all." When I asked my son about that he said, "Yeah mom. I really have been praying about that. And finally that is what I came up with." Oh be still my soul. I just wonder where the public schools (and the people in them) would be if all believers abandoned ship. But thankfully God has called us all to different educations.
And despite that people think kids pick up bad stuff at public school – my son has only come home saying the "F" word five times and only twice insisted that evolution is the only truth. Kidding, kidding. Did I get ya?
Wendy…hehehe…
Beautifully written.
.-= Sisterlisa´s last blog post … My Carpenter =-.
AMEN! Homeschooling is not a gift of every mother. I know it certainly is not for me. I admire those who can do it, and who do it well. My husband comes from a long line of public teachers and college educators, its in our blood. The public school we attend is awesome, and I know my children are in fantastic surroundings. Some of us are called to be the light in public schools and offer hope and encouragement to those who don't know what Christ looks like. As a Christian teacher, my husband has had many opportunities to be an example to his students. He is making a difference in student's lives. This has been a long debated issue, and like many other choices we make as christians, I hope we can set it aside and give encouragement to EVERY mother.
.-= Cherie´s last blog post … Longlasting Help for Haiti =-.
Hey Sarah, I sure love coming to your house for a cup of coffee, as a matter of fact, I look forward to coming over every morning sitting and chatting w/you and the other women. I surely appreciate you all and the ministry that we're able to have in conversation.
Blessings xoxoxo to you all.
.-= Angela´s last blog post … Why I love Elisabeth Elliot, part 1 =-.
Thanks for sharing her post. I did check it out and left a comment. God's plan for all of us looks a little different but the goals are the same: glorify God through obedience to him and lead others to do the same through a personal relationship with him.
If there were no Christians in public school I do not think we could be fulfilling the "great commission" very well- Mark 16:15 Jesus said …"Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
I Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Public schools need missionaries as much as any other place ;)
There is no 1-right answer for everyone regarding where to get your schooling.
.-= Tracy @ Hall of Fame Moms´s last blog post … Another great Giant Eagle trip. =-.
I've been a fan of both public and private education – I experienced both. And now – as a mother, I'm feeling a huge pull on my heart in the direction of homeschooling. (Who me, God? I can barely get my coffee in my cup in the mornings and you think I can handle TEACHING my girls about life? Oh yeah, you gave them to me, so you have some confidence in my ability… to fall right down on you when I'm scared and can't take it anymore, right?) Sending our children to public or private school, or keeping them at home to be an active participant in their education in NO WAY changes OUR ROLES as parents to TEACH them about Faith and life. Period.
If we send our kids into the educational world, we still have every responsibility to TEACH them at home about the Lord – not just with words, but with our lives. I think homeschooling – at least in my mind – brings it to a level that demands much more of the parent in respect to their Faith Walk and Faith Talk. Not that a homeschooling parent is *better* in some way – but Faith or lack thereof, cannot really be hidden while homeschooling… And can I just add, I think that where my heart is leading to homeschooling, it is a challenge to consider aligning my Walk with my Talk in a way that honors God on a minute-by-minute scale.
This is a discussion my husband and I are entering – not one that has been decided. I can say, that wherever my husband leads us in this area, I will absolutely look at my role as Mother in a completely new light simply because of the serious consideration we are giving to home schooling our daughters.
.-= Debbie´s last blog post … Good Health – to be continued =-.
Hi Sarah,
I dont have a solid opinion as I dont have any kids yet. But I totally agree that we should show grace to one another especially when we disagree. Unrelated note, I need to share something with you about the coffee talk. How can I contact you personaly?
thx
I went to public school K-6th grade, then a private church school, and then finally was homeschooled during high school. Having experienced all sides of the educational system, I can say that homeschooling was the best for me, in the end. My siblings have all grown up homeschooled, and they do not, as is commonly supposed, have trouble with socialising, nor is their education sub-par. One of my sisters scored very high on the SAT, and is in the honor's class at her university.
Having said that, the Bible says for every man to be fully persuaded in his own mind. If you want your child to have the advantages attending a public school has, then be fully persuaded. If you believe homeschooling is the only way to go, then be fully persuaded. Just remember that one person's convictions and persuasions may be different from your own. Not wrong, just different. Be seasoned with grace. :)
Sarah, I couldn't stop thinking about this post and Terri Lynne's post on public school. So moved I blogged my experience on it and linked it back to you and Terri Lynne. I'm so glad you brought this up, obviously it was needed. It's been on my heart ever since and the best way to get it out is to put it down, on paper (or blog). Thanks.
.-= Tammy@if meadows speak…´s last blog post … Homeschooling Grace–Lacking Love In Public Places =-.
[...] Like a Warm Cup of Coffee – Homeschool vs. Public School – Can We Get a Little Love? [...]
Even though circumstances in my life became such that I could no longer home school my children after 2001 I will always be glad I was able to take such a keen role in their earlier education. Even now my children say they would have preferred to home school throughout their education. I totally support any parent who wants to home school their children and applaud those who are able to do so.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog post … Help for Haiti =-.
Excellent post as always Sarah Mae! I enjoy hearing about what your family is doing and you always post your thoughts and beliefs (which happen to be very similar to mine) with grace!
Great post! :)
I think in this day and age of relativism, Christians have gone to the opposite extreme and now want ABSOLUTES for issues that are not absolutely black or absolutely white. Yes, there are fixed commands in scripture, but not every issue is like that (until we twist it to fit our own agenda).
Creating a cookie cutter model usually produces false arrogance and pride because WE are doing things THE (one) right way. I've seen it over & over again in homeschooling circles, and I've been guilty of it. :(
That's why truth and grace go hand in hand! God give us all an ample dose of BOTH! :-) Let us cling to the Word and remember that Jesus gave us His Spirit for a reason! :)
:) Ami
~who is also a rabid homeschooler ;)
I'm a victim of homeschooling done wrong, I admit, my bias is VERY against homeschooling mostly, altho I belive it can be(altho rarely is) done well.
Now the authors of many of the blogs I follow do hs, and i just tell myself each of them is the exception doing it right.
such a great reminder!
When you go home schooling it doesn't mean you have less friends and receive less love. There are still out there who loves you more than you could imagine. Although in public school you can meet a lot of people, it is not an assurance that all of them will be your friends. Nice post!. XD