The Seed of Mind-Changing Thoughts

I originally posted this on my old blog @ Xanga, but I think it is still relevant to the whole transformation I am currently undergoing. My mind has to be in tact in order for me to give my daughter what she needs from me as a mother and as her educator. This past summer I had started (and still haven't finished to much of my regret), a wonderful book. Here was the blog inspired by my readings.

I am currently indulging myself in the book titled: Classic African American Women's Narratives, which I find to be so disturbingly relevant to today. The book edited by William L. Andrews, spans narratives composed by pioneer African American female writers during the late 1800s. Being newly freed of the physical bondage of slavery, these women sought to evoke the spirits of other freed and enslaved women alike in a way to bring about a bold and daring self-confidence. They wanted for women to know their responsibility in the divine concatenation of revolution. An idealist myself, I find a distinct degree of relation to the shared mission of these various authors. I too feel the need to call out to our women to dig deep for that self-esteem that has been buried under centuries of oppression; to rise up and not only challenge society's influence and morality for our children, but to also be a seed in the foundation of progress. I firmly believe that everyone is capable of doing something incredibly revolutionary; being that we are created in the image of the Creator Himself which means we are modeled in supernatural greatness. For me, I find the struggle is not obtain the tools and skills necessary to bring about positive changes, but yet understanding and affirming your own identity and purpose in the struggle. As the narratives aim to touch the sentiments of women into soul searching, I want to stir the satisfaction of the mothers of africa for their sons and daughters alike. I believe that with God first, purpose second, and education a close third, there is nothing impossible for any single being to accomplish. Purpose again being the most difficult of the three to attain, is and has always I fear been the downfall of our past and present generations. When slavery took captivity of thousands of native African civilians, purpose began to dwindle into a near nonexistence. Without a reason to live, what reason do you have to change? Why would anyone care sincerely about, much less study and act upon a plan, which I believe to be divine, constructed to promote our community into fulfillment? Comfort is all too easily clenched and favored by the average African American, that we have begin to grow content with the mediocrity that has been pacifying us since the Civil Rights Movement. The need for change seems to be the only thing consistent and relevant from today and yesterday. It makes me wonder if things are really much different than the times in which these authors wrote with such passion and despair.

Looking back on my original post, little did I know at the time, but God had already placed the seed in me to begin looking for alternative routes for education. Initally, I wanted to start a private school with the efforts of like minds, but you know how that tends to go. Nevertheless, my dream for an ideal and Godly education has not ceased. In fact, my passion to pursue it has only intensified, thus homeschool. As an african-american mother, I definitely feel the need to sow so much positive self-image and Godly-habits and practices, that homeschool seems to be my only satifying option. I just thought it was highly interesting to see some of my development in just a few months...living proof that God is working!

The Transition

I've been through many transitions recently, first with motherhood, than marriage, going natural, and now homeschooling. Each one has been eventful to say the least, but nothing less than a sure blessing from God above. I've matured so much and learned a great deal about who I was and who I am to become. When I first examined my notion of homeschooling, I believed this would prove to be one of the most challenging because of it's degree of commitment, but than I realize how much everything I do is a commitment. Unfortunately, I like many in society, did not view my marriage as much of a commitment as it was a hassle. Yet, God has done some major construction on my prospective and thankfully so because now I understand that commitment is just as much of a sacrifice as God intended for it to be. It is only my reasonable service anyway, that is, to love my husband unconditionally as God has shown that same love for me.

With my new understanding and corrected vision, I now can go into this homeschooling transition whole-heatedly knowing that sacrifice is only part of the commitment. I've also recently learned the power of a commitment and what that means (Matthew 5:33-37). In knowing all this, I've decided to wean us onto the homeschooling project. I will start with Saturday school. Right now I work full time and attend classes in the evenings, M-F. I know....it's really hectic, but I want to get it done while Paris is a toddler and before we have any new additions.

So, since Sat. is our only day where we have absolutely no pre-planned obligations, I'm going to take advantage of that day to experiment on what works for Paris in the academic arena. We've already been engaging her in studies for the longest; the girl is SHARP! She just turned two in late June and can already identify her colors, numbers 1-10, shapes, many nouns (animals, foods, people, places, etc.) and loves to sing, draw, and dance! Her speech is so clear and reasoning so advanced that I'm often floored. Nonetheless, our teaching segments have been unorganized and occasional. I want to start to establish some structure. So starting this Sat. (Oct. 25th), I am going to experiment with timing, attention grabbers, subjects, etc. and see what tends to get the ball rolling for her. I want to try and figure out exactly what type of learner she is and accommodate her as best as I can.

I haven't set an agenda yet, but I'm working on one...a loose one. Bid me favor in my endeavours as we begin our journey towards homeschooling!