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My sidebars are sadly out of date, but one book that I really am working on is Strangers and Sojourners by Michael O’Brien.  This book is mainly about a woman, Anne, and her search for God.  It’s not an exciting book, but it is really well written. 

Today, as I was reading the book during my walk on the treadmill, I came across the part where Ashley tells his father that he doesn’t want him telling his son Nathaniel about his religion (Catholicism).  He says he wants Nathaniel to grow freely without anyone molding him in any way.  Anne, who up to this point, has not embraced her husband, Stephen’s, religion defends him. 

Everyone is molded…We choose what we mold our children with.  Nothing grows in a vacuum.  If you think you’re making a free human just by letting him grow spontaneously, you won’t end up with a free human being.  You’ll have a patchwork boy composed of whatever is prowling about in his culture.  He’ll be about as far from freedom as you can get.  (439-440)

This hit so close to home.  I’ve had people tell me that I keep my children too close to me.  I do.  I plan on it until they are mature enough to discern for themselves what is good and right.  It can be tricky.  It’s tricky for adults.  This is one of the many reasons why I homeschool.  I don’t want others molding my children especially those people whose values and beliefs are different from mine. 

I, also, want them to know God and Catholicism in all it’s glory.  It is my and my husband’s responsibility to do this with the help of the church.  I gladly take this on.