Homeschool Heroes

by Teri Spray

Heroes can be found in many different places. Most true heroes are those who are unsung. Here are some of mine.

I have many heroes. Some of mine include the pilots of the Civil Air Patrol who risk their own lives searching along craggy mountainsides and dangerous canyons in order to save others who are missing. Other heroes are those public servants who lost their lives running into the burning Trade Towers or those who took over the doomed aircraft and crashed in Pennsylvania. My heroes include the Alabama Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore who bravely hung The Ten Commandments on his wall and successfully fought off numerous suits from the American Civil Liberties Union. Calling someone a hero does not mean we idolize them, but simply render them the honor which is due.

To me, a hero is someone who puts their own interests aside and helps others for the greater good. They are people of courage who are not afraid to move against the flow in a selfless manner and even take personal risks to help others. A hero has a greater purpose, a higher call, a bigger vision. They are people who carry those who know them to higher levels as well.

Recently, I wanted to applaud when I read an article written by J. Michael Smith of the Home School Legal Defense Association, who identified home schooling mothers as America's greatest heroes. (Sept./Oct. 2001 Court Report) After he briefly described some of the challenges of home schooling and caring for children 24/7, Mr. Smith admonished fathers to provide the support and protection which are so important to the home schooling moms.

Truly, home educating mothers put millions of moments of self-serving interests aside for the greater good of teaching academics and building character in their children. Most home schooling parents have felt they were part of a chosen few, setting a course against a culture moving children in the opposite direction. Some home schoolers have made tremendous personal sacrifices to stay home with their children. Many live in humble homes, drive older vehicles and wear second-hand clothes in order to survive on a single income.

But home educating families have a great purpose, they are building leaders for this nation as well as God's kingdom. They have a higher call because they see a destiny and future for their family which the world's system does not offer. Home schooling families share a bigger vision than others in America. The trials and sacrifices of today seem small in comparison to the possibility of building a godly generation for the future.

With our nation's morals crumbling about us every day, the home educating families of today are carving out a new vision for their children in which character is the priority and leadership is a natural result. I join Michael Smith in giving home school moms a standing ovation. He adds, "More importantly, your efforts are not going unnoticed in the heavenlies. Our prayer is that we husbands, fathers and children will be sensitive to the pressures that you face as America's greatest heroes."

Home Educating Parents, you are America's heroes. You are a self-sacrificing, God fearing people who are willing to set aside your own comfort, ease and popularity for the good of your children, your grandchildren and God's kingdom. We applaud you!