My children are being nurtured in a Catholic environment, and I take pride in that. While some may perceive the faith as harboring prejudice or intolerance, that’s far from our family’s reality. We embrace everyone, honoring both the Angels and Saints, and I stand firm in my beliefs.
I have four children whom I aim to raise as open-minded individuals. They attend a Catholic school that teaches the fundamental belief that all people are created in God’s image. In our home, this translates to acceptance regardless of skin color, sexual orientation, gender, or any other differences — we believe everyone is part of God’s family and deserving of love.
Recently, my children were asked to bring in family photos for a school project. The resulting display showcased a beautiful array of races, cultures, and identities, illustrating how diverse families can coexist joyfully within our parish. Our school community is a testament to love and faith, and I am proud to be a part of it.
In our family, we recognize the beauty of diversity. With over seven billion people on this planet, it’s remarkable to consider that each person has a unique fingerprint — a reminder that everyone possesses individual talents and qualities that God intended for them. To each of these individuals, our family proclaims, “You are valued.”
I am fortunate to have an inclusive circle of friends from various backgrounds and orientations. Social media has enhanced this experience, allowing me to witness and appreciate the unique traditions and stories of my friends, whether it’s a cherished family recipe or cultural attire. I find it all to be incredibly enriching.
The world my children are growing up in is vastly different from my own. In my youth, being different often led to unfair treatment, stemming from a lack of understanding. While discrimination still exists today, I strive to cultivate tolerance starting in my own household. We have a long road ahead, but teaching my children that all of God’s creations are beautiful and equal is a positive step forward.
In our home, prayer is an integral part of our lives. We express gratitude for our blessings and pray for peace in our world and unity in our country. We also pray for all of God’s children, asking that they experience love and grace.
From the moment my children entered this world, we began molding them into compassionate individuals. Children are born without prejudice; they learn to judge based on the environment around them. As a parent, I feel it’s my duty to guide them toward finding the good in others and respecting their uniqueness. They are surrounded by both love and hatred, and it’s our responsibility to nurture the love.
Alongside teaching my children to appreciate diversity, I’m also instilling in them a sense of self-love. They will encounter a myriad of experiences and individuals that will shape who they become. I believe wholeheartedly that my children were gifted to me by God for a reason — to broaden my understanding and help me grow as a person. I am proud to raise them in a world that includes God, and my faith is a guiding force in nurturing them into kind-hearted individuals. For this, I am immensely grateful.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s pride in raising her children within a Catholic faith while promoting inclusivity and acceptance of diversity. She emphasizes the importance of teaching her children to appreciate all individuals, regardless of their differences, and highlights the nurturing, prayerful environment of her home. The author reflects on the lessons learned from her diverse friendships and the responsibility to foster love and respect in her children.