September 05, 2013


By Dr. Rosie Milligan

The best thing you can do for your children is to lead them to God and teach them the Word of God. The second-best thing is to teach them how to read. The third thing is to teach them to think for themselves and to develop self-confidence. These three things are the prescriptions for a healthy life; they will need these to weather the storms of life and to fight life’s battles.
It is important for your children to know and to have a relationship with God. God is their protection. He is the one whom they can always lean and depend upon. He is the same 24/7. He does not wake up grumpy in the mornings. He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. His love is unconditional; there is nothing you can do to earn His love.
It’s not enough to just take your children to church Sunday. They need to know what the Word of God says about how they should conduct themselves in every aspect and situation, and they will not gain this knowledge from merely listening to Sunday morning preaching and singing in the choir. They must be taught what the Word of God says about how they should conduct themselves. The Word has much to say about parenting, as well. You parents should become a living example of a godly parent, living and conducting yourself according to the Word of God—it’s better for your children to see what you do, rather than to merely hear what you say.
Being able to read with understanding is a must so that your children will know the truth and follow it, and not be misled by those who proclaim to know the Word of God but do not. Self-confidence will come automatically when you know God. Knowing God, you will understand that you are made in His image and you are an expression of Him. He is great, and therefore, you are too. Knowing these facts, no one can ever make you feel less than anyone else, because God made us all.
Writing these thoughts made me realize that I should write a book instead of an article, and I will do that, but in the meantime, chew on this and digest it well for now. These words will provide you with nourishment. I am living proof that what I am telling you works. My mother died when I was five years old. She was pressing my baby sister’s hair, and I was standing beside her, holding on to her dress. She just collapsed from a heart attack. The doctor came to our house to pronounce her dead. I heard the doctor say to my older sister, “God will be your mother.” Later, I heard my father say these same words. I did not know the meaning of this phrase—but I never forgot those words.
I was an adult and had children of my own when my father died. He did not leave us money, but he did leave us forty acres of land in Como, Mississippi. However, Simon, my father, left me the best things that a parent could leave a child—the knowledge of God and a hunger and thirst for God’s Word. He taught me how to read and its importance. My father used to say, “You need to know how to read for yourself because folks will tell you anything; lie with a straight face while telling the lie.” He was so correct. I thank you, Dad.
I know God, and I can read with comprehension. My confidence is over-the-roof, and that is what has led to my success. I have taught my children what my father taught me. It was good for me, and it’s good for them. Parents, if you did not teach your children these values, it’s not too late to do so now, even if they are adults. And if your children don’t hear you, teach it to your grandchildren. You may not have money or property to leave your children, but if you leave them with the knowledge of God, the ability to read, and self-confidence, they can become successful and live a happy and fulfilled life, while obtaining money and property.
You can read other articles by Dr. Rosie at www.Drrosie.com.
Dr. Rosie Milligan, minister, author, talk-show host, estate planner, and owner of Professional Business Management/Consulting Services, 1425 W. Manchester Avenue Ste B, Los Angeles, CA. 90047, 323-750-3592; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , www.Drrosie.com

Category: Opinion