I have taught my children this principle of "standing alone." Because we were African Americans who had chosen the narrow path, we knew that our road was to be one less traveled by. We are pioneers on a new frontier, and every area of our lives is affected by this truth. God raised our family to be the biblical Joseph, first for ourselves and then for our people. My children needed to be strong and confirmed in their Godly reality. Our older children see this even more now. We do not regret our decision to homeschool nor our commitment to the kingdom building of our family. My husband and I are now advocates for home education and whole family life.

My younger children are learning excellently, and my adult children still ask for our counsel. We encourage them to remember the importance of listening to their spirits and deeply seeking God. They still consider us a part of their developing structure. The influence that we have in their lives is priceless. I encourage parents to live the good life before their children. Walk more and talk less. Children see what we do not say and will tend to perform it more than when we preach. Let your children see you loving, learning, and loving each other. I know that the best gift I can give my children is for them to see that I love and adore my husband. This sustained me when times were slim and pickings were small. Daily and openly love God. Worship Him and praise Him before your children at home.

Give your developing young sons your essence and your beautiful young daughters your passion. Sons need your essence because, as they develop into men and life gets tough, they sometimes can't open their mouths, or they do not know what to say. But if they can feel or sense the strong, wooing presence of Godliness on the inside, it will carry them over until God provides an escape. Young daughters need your Godly passion and fiery spirit because they tend to grab anything firmly and run with it. But they will remember the one thing that mattered greatly to you--your passionate love and unquenchable fire for your Father. Remember, our children will do as we live. Make sure it is consistently Godly and positive. It is a good thing!

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Joyce Burges and her husband, Eric, have homeschooled their five children for 16 years. They founded the National Black Home Educators resource network in July 2000 in order to encourage, support, and offer fellowship to families exploring the benefits of home education. For more information, see their website at http://www.nbhe.net.

Copyright 2006. Originally appeared in Summer 2006. Used with permission. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Right now, 19 free gifts when you subscribe. www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com