The Cost to Provide

In a time where the camera adores dysfunction, even the most desensitized has got to feel for little Eva, the daughter of reality television personalities Mimi Faust and Stevie J.  She's been ushered through VH1's mud pool for a couple years now.  And even thought this is an experience she'll probably only remember through the digital recordings, it's really unfortunate that the bad seeds of her family are been sown while on cable television.  An Instagram pic I saw captured a child (not really Eva) with a very disappointing look on her face.  It was meant to give the reaction Eva may have had after discovering her mother starred in a porn film.  It read Mimi's daughter was at school like.  Again, she's only three so it's unlikely she sees the film or the IG picture...well, while she's three.  'Cause with this being the start to her family life as she knows it...in a few more years, who knows what she'll see or even be a part of.

I don't think this is a poor parenting skills issue, though.  It's a lack of humility, camouflaged as a need to make sure the kids are always fed.  A few media outlets are reporting that Ms. Faust is doing just that..gotta turn a negative to a positive when in public.  This isn't just in entertainment.  We as an entire society have embraced the ideal of individualism so passionately that we sacrifice even our own children.  We've hidden behind our desire to have our family financially secure, but in reality our children's social and emotional security is constantly been tested with our actions.  Right now, and unfortunately, Mimi's getting slaughtered in the media.  And I wonder if all she's looking at is the cash payout, and neglecting the spiritual development of her daughter somewhat.  But could it be through our fraternity commitments, networking seminars, church engagements, and a host of other things that we do the same thing...for the same reason...to advance our personal careers?

1 Timothy 5:8 says that anyone who doesn't take care of their family is worse than a person who doesn't believe in Christ.  And one could argue the point that this means you gotta do what you gotta do to feed your family.  But in reading the full passage of that scripture (1 Timothy 5:1-8), the argument is directed back to the truth of trusting God to provide according to His righteousness and not so much our opportunities.  So not only does that mean we should be focused on the goal, but it also means that we can't be too focused.  Because that then takes focus off Christ and can open the gate for us to make career choices that are understandable, but spiritual choices that are horrible, all while masking behind the benefit of our kids.

If we are indeed putting our family first, we need to put ourselves (which even includes our desperation) last.  Yes, private schools can be paid with one check, the cost of self-respect is invaluable.  And the bottom line is how at what number would you value the self-respect of your child.

Peace.