Throw Away Kids

Does this happen where you live? Children dropped off at school. Children dropped off at day care. Children dropped off at church. Children who make their own meals. Children with no set time to be home. We are not talking about high school juniors and seniors. This is the life of many children from the time they can walk and dress themselves until they move out of the house. Dare we call this environment a home? So many children in this country seem to be inconveniences to their parents. So many children in this country have been regarded as property. We are appalled when this is the culture of a distant country. We can't believe that it was this way in ancient times. We ignore it in our own backyard. Many have mercy on the children of these parents-as we should. Many do not speak the truth to the parents of these children. What is that truth? That many have abandon parenting. That many have forsaken the duties that go with the wonderful gift from God that we call children. That we who know better have done nothing about addressing the root of the problem. That together-those who know what's wrong and do nothing in collusion with those who don't seem to care about their children's welfare-we have created a generation of Throw Away Kids. Are we content to just standby and do nothing? Do we have the courage to speak the truth in love to the parents? Will we assist these parents who have abandoned their parental leadership role in becoming real parents? Do we have the courage to confront without condemning? Are we content with a generation of Throw Away Kids?