Happy Parents and Grandparents Day
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." — Proverbs 17:6 (NIV)
It is such a blessing to have family. I am forever grateful for my grandparents, Aaron and Kathryn McCroskey. Their legacy of light and love still lives on through my siblings, cousins, and loved ones. They, along with my mother, Felicia McCroskey Wade, knew the value of the village. An old African Proverb reminds us, "It takes a village to raise a child." Growing up, it was not just the responsibility of my household to raise me — it was also the responsibility of my community. From school pick-ups to family dinners, there was always a quiet lesson to be learned just by watching my elders.
My grandparents taught me many lessons of faith. My mother taught me lessons of womanhood. My stepdad taught me how to show strength even in sadness. My Uncle Baby (Aaron Jr.) and Uncle Donnie taught me how to walk boldly in my calling and proclaim the gospel unapologetically. My Great Great Aunt Annie Rucker Zachery taught me to not just "talk the talk, but also walk the walk." My Great Aunt Doris and Aunt Linda taught me the power of kindness. My Uncle Doug and Aunt Labora taught me accountability. My Uncle George taught me to bring joy into every room. My Great Aunt Annette and Great Aunt Emma Jean taught me to be respectful. My Great Great Aunts Jannie and Marie taught me the importance of education.
These are just a portion of the lessons I learned from my village — a village built on faith, love, sacrifice, and commitment to one another. Each person poured something irreplaceable into my life, and I carry their wisdom with me every single day. Now, as a woman raising a little woman, I am so grateful and blessed to have my village — my family, my community, my church — standing together to help develop my daughter into a God-fearing, community-minded woman of God. The torch has been passed, and we must carry it faithfully.
What were some of the lessons your village taught you? How do you plan to ensure those lessons continue to encourage and inspire the next generation?
