Everyone has his own idea of success. Some think success is having a lot of money or marrying the best looking man or woman. For me, success involves three main things. They are: my family, religion, and respect for others.

First, I hope to have a family. I would like to marry and raise children. If I do, my parents' present actions will help me to be successful in being a good wife and mother. Although when I first get married I would like to work, my career is not too important because after having a child I would like to stay home and raise him. Some people think it is an insult for a woman to be a homemaker. I strongly disagree with this, and I would like to stay home and raise my children. I think that staying home to raising children is a privilege. My mother is a homemaker, and I know that she is proud of being one.

If I become a wife and a mother, religion will be very important in my life, as it is now. I will take my children to church and live a Christian life as my parents do. We will not ever do something we know is wrong just because everyone else is doing it.

Last of all, I believe success involves respecting others. Not talking behind peoples' backs and always being honest will earn my respect and respect from others. These are the things that, in my opinion, add up to success.

(My daughter, Deborah, made this short speech on "Success" as a part of her induction to the Soar Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society at the West Columbia Junior High School in April c f 1994. She prepared this speech without any help from her mother or me. Because of her quiet personality, I was surprised at her boldness in expressing her Bible-oriented values and goals in life before a large audience of peers, parents, and teachers. I hope she will not be embarrassed to see her words in print, knowing that other young ladies may be encouraged to rise above the social, media, and educational influences which denigrate the roles of a godly wife and mother. Ron Halbrook)

Guardian of Truth XXXIX: 6 p. 22
March 16, 1995