"I want my children to grow up with the understanding that

life does not begin and end with comfort.

I want them to understand

that this world is bigger than the country

in which they were born;

bigger than the culture,

bigger than the beliefs they know like the backs of their hands.

And I want them to search.

I want my children to understand that questions

are the only way to grow.

And that there is more to education

than nouns, the periodic table, and y=mx+b.

I want them to understand that people pleasing,

in reality,

pleases no one,

because it wears you out and everyone always wants something more.

I want them to understand that the Muslim person

sitting next to them on the train

could be a lifelong friend.

I want them to understand

that the atheist at school

isn't a detached opponent to evangelize,

but rather a tangible person to love.

I will encourage them to read the Quran,

so that they can relate to those

who treasure the Quran

as we treasure the Holy Bible.

I will encourage them to learn Spanish and Russian and Arabic.

I want my children to grow up

with the understanding that this life is incredibly painful

and that it is okay to be absolutely beside yourself

with doubts and fears.

I want them to understand that I have been there

and I will not tell them to

'just pray more, God is faithful'.

But I want them to understand

that our God is indeed faithful

and that my life is a testament to that.

I want them to understand that they are privileged

and in turn that every comfort in this life

is an undeserved gift--

grace upon grace.

I want my children to understand

that depression and addiction are not things to be romanticized,

nor glorified.

But I want them to understand

that if they find themselves at the corner of suicidal tendencies

and desperation,

I will meet them there in five seconds flat.

I want them to understand

that praying isn't some mundane mantra we say at dinner time out of obligation.

I want my children to grow up with the understanding

that this life will paralyze them if they let it,

but that they can choose to allow fear of the unknown

to inspire them

and propel them forward."

(H.R.)