Recently I wrote an article for Threads which addressed the emphasis the Bible puts on “doing good” in life. I then provided ideas of how to do good for others in the modern world. (You can find the article by clicking HERE.) I completed the same editing process with this article as I do with any piece of writing before I submit for publication: I reread, proofed, and revised it countless times. However, it wasn’t until after the article was published that I realized basically all of my so-called how-to-do-good ideas were actually my parents’ ideas.
I’m unbelievably blessed to have parents who have always cared (and still do) about my interests and selflessly put aside their own desires to accommodate mine. Mom and Dad have extraordinary gifts of discernment, and I’m thankful to be surrounded by such wisdom. They support me in absolutely everything I do and give me advice when I come desperately seeking their help. I’ll never be able to put into words how grateful I am for their unfailing love. Realizing my published article’s ideas came from my parents’ teachings encouraged me that I’m becoming more like them – or so I can hope.
So my plagiarized list likely means three things:
- I have retained what my parents taught me over the years – not because I’m a decent student but because they’re wonderful teachers.
- My parents are exceptionally amazing people who do good each day of their lives. I thoroughly believe actions speak louder than words, and though my parents have taught me Christian values during my lifetime, their Christian lifestyle has been (and still is) a day-to-day lesson for me. They’ve served as role models for my brother and me as to how we should live our lives, and their actions have certainly matched their words.
- While hoping to provide others with some fun ways to do good, I was reminded of how much I’ve been taught – and continue to be reminded – to do good.
I encourage you to find Christian role models from whom you can learn, pattern your life after, and strive to model. Mom and Dad: to say “thank you” will never be enough, but THANK YOU. I love you both.
Rebecca Lee Curry graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. with a Bachelor of Arts in English Teaching and is currently a full-time English grad student. She works as an adjunct writing instructor and English tutor at Columbia State Community College and as a proofreader for Thomas Nelson, Inc. Rebecca loves spending time with her family, reading, running, and camping.