Parents must take a stand against crime and violence
Date Posted: Sunday, January 06, 2008Author: Pastor Maria Seaman
Faith
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Bermuda, we continue to live in perilous times. While the majority of Bermuda’s citizens really prefer to live in a peaceful place, there is a small minority who has decided that they will do whatever they want to do, even if it is killing another human being.
Let’s face it. Bermuda is at war! I remember about 12 years ago, there was major denial of the existence of gangs. Someone tell me, why is it that the disease has to be in full bloom before we admit that we have a problem to deal with.
So today, gang behaviour is in full bloom, and there is a loss as to how to deal with this. It has been suggested to me that there be a gun amnesty for those in possession of these weapons. While this sounds good, I prefer that there be another type of amnesty.
Here is my suggestion. I believe that Bermuda should have a child amnesty, for parents. Why this type of amnesty? Bermuda is filled with homes where parents know that their child is:
- Not working but has an expensive car.
- Not working but has the ability to give them money (towards rent, trips, appliances and other things).
- Not working but is being housed (taken care of) by the parent.
- Not working but has a bed, food, clothing and shelter; provided for by the parent.
- Not working and doesn’t desire to work a normal job because they work the streets.
- Not working and can “chill out” all day and then go out all night.
Parents, how many of you know that your child has a weapon, and you do nothing about it.? Okay, you have talked to them, but you and I know that talking will not change things.
Parents, have you ever considered that in a real sense you are an accessory to every crime that your child commits? Think about this:
- Every time your child sells drugs to another person’s child, and then comes home to rest, you are actually housing a known criminal. No, I do not know them and the authorities may not know them, but you do.
- Every time your child brandishes or uses a weapon and then comes home to chill, you are permitting a criminal to rest at your house.
I do not talk as one who is without knowledge in this area. I had a relative who broke into our home and stole important items. When the local police could not find out who it was and I received information on the matter, I helped make sure that my crime-minded relative was “put away”. Was it a good feeling? No! But if I did not do what I should, then the next time this person committed a crime against anyone, I would have a part in that. NO, not on my watch!
We need a child amnesty - a parent self-imposed one. The police cannot do it. Parents must make the stand, before another person is permanently removed from their family and from Bermuda. Let us be honest and understand that discipline begins at home.
As a pastor, I am praying for Bermuda, for our homes, for our parents and for our males. The devil knows the wonderful potential of these males, and he will stop at nothing to see that it is never revealed. What will we do?
Psalms 11:3-43 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.