Pride

"Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor. Proverbs 29.23 NIV."

"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16.18 NIV"

God has repeatedly said that self-promotion is a road to ruin. Pride is a bad word. An evil word. So why does a parent feel pride when a child succeeds? Is it truly a selfish attitude of parental self importance, or can it be a genuine pleasure in their success - a reveling of altruistic enthusiasm? My children give me reason to swell up almost every day. If the former is the only type of pride, I am deeply disturbed and need serious counseling. I sincerely don't believe all parents are vicarious ego maniacs --- I don't believe I am for sure.

l to r - Andrew, Douglas, Bradley, Laura, Karyl, Charles Joseph

 

I could literally type for 10,000 words about the exploits and successes in the lives of each of these 6 individuals. Even two teenagers have accomplished so much and have grown up beautifully to this point in their lives, but the other four young adults are amazing and make me proud. The oldest three kids are Pam's from her first marriage. They have a great father and have become outstanding adults. My oldest boy is such a talented soul, and while he has grown up with the handicap of a broken home and still is making progress in his life.

Pam's oldest, Andy, is a professor at a University in Japan, teaching English. His beautiful and sweet-spirited wife, Chie, is also a teacher in the same Japanese city. Our other professional family is Pam's oldest daughter, Laura, and her man, Jamie. Laura is a Surgical Scrub-Tech for a hospital in Corona, California, and Jamie is a plumber. Their daughter, our grand daughter, Mallori, is such a blessing in our lives.

Brad is quite happy and enjoying his life - he works at Disneyland, but has become quite the DJ for parties and other engagements. C.J. works at promoting local Rock bands, and he is a general casting member for TV and movies.

This is a photo that makes me glow - these youngsters are excellent people and very good sons and daughters. Even though three different parental pairs make up this family, they truly care for each other and simply exemplify love.