Sometimes we mothers experience a lot of pain and sacrifice in raising our kids. But when you give those kids to God. He gives you wisdom and instruction on what to teach them. In my case it was love. Loving and caring for people more so than material wealth was what I found in my heart  to be the most important gift  I could give to them.  Treating people right and going after their dream.  I encouraged them to be the best that they could be regardless of what that is.  Because they are unique individuals created by God and given to me to teach his ways.  I didn't have a lot while raising them.   I was a single parent for many years, moving from here to there.   I still don't have much.  That is in the material sense.  I don't have money  in the bank .  I don't have a house, cars or any of those luxuries.  But what I do have I'm rich in; and that is the love of God.  And, just like any other person.  I've  suffered through many trials.  I've had to live in shelters and beg for food.  Some of this I did while raising my kids.  But it's all good because it gave me character and compassion, I may not have otherwise.  I refused to sell out or get involved in a relationship for financial gain.  So I struggled, and I was a single parent for quite a while.    I ran a lot too.  From neighborhoods, family, friends, etc.  Any and everything I felt in my heart would bring a negative influence in  my children lives.  They were my career.  All five of them.    I still suffer sometimes and I still have little but God blessed my children lives with his presence and continue to bless them with increase.  When he gave them to me I had a responsibility to raise them into people of God.  I did the best I could and God did the rest.  Presently one of my sons is a Billboard Jazz Musician " Jackiem Joyner".  whose single was number one on the charts for 13 weeks straight. He's number 2 on the smooth jazz billboards for 2009 .  My youngest is in the Navy, Another is a Minister and Counselor.  The other is web designer and bass player.  My only daughter is a college student, wife and one of the best mothers I've met.  I can thank God for that because I see how rare it is to have them all be black and  free from drugs or imprisonment.    I write this to you parents out there that have kids and  have to struggle like I did.  Go to God.  Give your children to him.  Take them to church.  Teach them the word of God.  Answer their questions.  Give them the liberty to talk to you and be a part of their lives.  You may not get any recognition and you may not even get the honor or respect you feel you should have.  But you will see the result along with a great sence of accomplishment.   God deserves all the honor and glory.  In him is where I find my reward.   I pray you do this because this is a one and a life time opportunity and chance.  You won't get again.  When they are grown and gone.  The job is done.   You can continue to teach, you can continue to encourage.  But you can not raise them again.  This is not something anyone should take lightly because if they survive through your guidance.  They will be the future.  There's a negative energy out trying to steel, kill and destroy and He has his target set on our children.  Save them by all means possible and remember love sometimes hurt.  But it don't change.  It lasts forever and endure all things. Please visit my husband and I I at www.risenwordministry.com for weekly inspiration and my blog at www.diannebarnesministry.blogspot.com  I'm sure you will be encouraged.  I pray blessing upon each and every one of you out there parenting a child.  In the name of Jesus Christ.   Ministry Writer Dianne Barnes