Growing up with a choice...

Growing up my parents gave me a choice, almost like a freedom. Do I want to believe in God or not? They gave me the decision and freedom to choose my beliefs. Growing up I was never forced into christian music, I was never forced into church. I was never forced into modest clothing. I was never forced into watching The Brady bunch or the little house in the prairie, instead of mtv or a pg-13 movie. I was given a choice on what I wanted. My parents brought me to church on my own will. If I wanted to go , I'd ask my dad to wake me up. If I had a question about the bible I'd ask my parents. My parents read me bible stories growing up. They would always play the Gaither's and watch tv sermons. But I didn't have to pay attention if I didn't want to.  I guess the point is I'm glad I was never forced, because I believe if I was forced I would run away from God. I saw God on my own and met him on my own. All my parents did was show me that God is there. My parents showed me the light of God. They didn't say you can't watch Laguna beach because there's kids making out, or you can't listen to Eminem because there is horrible language. They let me make my own choices. I am super thankful for that to this day and I will raise my children the exact same way. I have learned that when children have a voice in what they believe and freedom to make there own choices. They turn out just fine, All parents need to do is be a "light". Show your child God's love by being a loving person. If they see you as a parent helping other people, attending church, reading your bible and always smiling. Your child will begin to wonder what's going on with you. & They will begin to ask questions like I did. When your child is forced they begin to sin because they don't see "love", They see a strict home full of criticism and judgement. I may not be a parent yet, but I have learned a lot from seeing my Godchild and little cousin's grow. Giving a child freedom and a choice is a beautiful thing and it will make your child love you and love the world and that to me is important! Thank you mommy and daddy!