I love words (which should be of no surprise to those of you who follow this blog- I use a lot of them!).  The words we choose, the phrases that have become engrained in our cultures mean so much.

“To raise a child.”  It is such a common statement.  But what does it mean?  Why not “build a child,” “complete a child,” “construct a child,” or something else that describes the work and effort that goes into supporting a young person?

To raise is to lift, to elevate, to prop up…And that is the job of parents.  Such a simple phrase, chosen so perfectly for what parents do.

Parents lift children up, both physically when they are small and metaphorically, emotionally, educationally, socially, spiritually through the rest of their lives.

Parents elevate children from one stage to the next, building upon the past successes, climbing the stairs together to the next phase of life, the next lesson, the next experience.

Parents prop up their children when needed, holding them when their legs feel weak and weary.

Parents wrap around their children to create a safe space, ensure a smooth passage through the channels of life, a protective layer as they navigate the world. 

To raise a child is to show them that their world can be beautiful, they can be strong, they can be graceful, and they can be part of the human family.  To raise a child is to help them achieve their highest level of competence and uniqueness.  To raise a child is to lift them to the light so that they shine their brightest.

To those lifting children, to those elevating them to the next level, to those raising them, thank you for your hearts, your hopes, and your healing hearts. 

If you hope to raise a child to their highest point of success, please reach out to us today. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJxrX42WcjQ

Happy Valentine’s week, friends.

www.jri.og/fostercare