The beginning

Getting started is always the hardest part - whether writing a book, painting a room, or composing a song. As a former lifeguard, though, I learned early on that the best way to get in the water was all at once. So, here goes...

I am a mom. Life as I knew it has changed in ways I didn't anticipate. Oh sure, there's the middle of the night feedings and the drool on all my clothing, the inability to shower on a schedule or eat a meal with two hands, but that's not what I mean. What has surprised me most is the increased urgency I have to make a difference for my daughter. I have always been pretty principle-oriented, and those that know me know that my convictions are pretty firm. But, now I think of my little girl and how she will grow up in a world that is increasingly hostile to the worldview that my husband and I wish to impart to her. I can no longer stand by indifferently.

It has been said (by whom, it is disputed) that all that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. We live in a society where evil is triumphing and far too few good men are doing anything. Maybe it has always been this way, and I'm just seeing it now because I have a daughter; or maybe evil really is on the rise. Regardless, I have determined that this blog will be my little something. It may not be as big a something as others can do, but, with apologies to Dr. Seuss...something is something, no matter how small. It is my hope that my little something encourages like-minded people to find their little somethings. And, if along the way a heart is changed or a conviction is awakened, I'll consider this blog a success.

With that in mind, I'll close my first post with the invitation letter I send to my middle school students one year before school started:

One hundred and eleven years ago, Sir Ernest Shackleton put an advertisement in London newspapers as he prepared to lead a National Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole. His ad read:

 “MEN WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY. 

Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, 
constant dangers, safe return doubtful.

Honor and recognition in case of success.”

What is interesting about this story is that after Shackleton’s ad was published, he said that “it seemed as though all the men in Great Britain were determined to accompany me, the response was so overwhelming.”

Today, I want to invite you on a journey. Ours may not be full of constant danger and bitter cold (we get snow days!), and it certainly may not result in instant honor and recognition once summer vacation comes; however, I do think I can promise you an adventure – a different sort of adventure from ones you may have previously taken. We will read tales of great courage, poems that have inspired generations, and stories that have stood the test of time. Perhaps, we will even come face to face with the greatest battle of all, the ongoing war between good and evil!  I promise you this one thing: while I will faithfully lead our expedition to unknown worlds, you alone can decide what souvenirs you bring home. Will you join me?