As our children are preparing for school, these images adorn an entrance to McCulloh Homes, a low-moderate income housing project in West Baltimore. Built in the late 1940's the images of a boy playing music and a girl reading a book convey the secret to success in our society. The arts and academic achievement are the keys to an enriched life.
Where have we gone wrong in the education of our inner city youth? Why have they become disenchanted with education? Why are their horizons so limited?
We have a sacred trust given to us by God to "train up a child in the way they would go; so that when they are old they will not depart from it."
This trust is so intricately tied to Jesus' concept of heaven that he "took a child and stood him in their midst and said if anyone would do harm to this child, it would be better that they tied a millstone around their neck and cast themselves into the sea."
Educating children, training children and protecting children are mandates from God. As children throughout our country and city begin this year's school challenge; may each of us commit ourselves to interacting with the children of the community in such a way that they quickly learn that we care about each one of them.
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