Alien Drums

Last night when I prayed with my two youngest children, ages 9 and 12, I asked God to help us be like William Wilberforce, to help us see people in our world today who need our help, who need our protection, who need our action.

My wife and I took our children to see the moving “Amazing Grace” about Wilberforce that afternoon. Both children stayed with it all the way even though it was more dialogue driven than action centered. I was so proud of them. Afterword, my 12-year-old said she didn’t know which she liked better, “Amazing Grace” or “Freedom Writers”, another great story.

I must say I wonder something. Would my children be so attuned to history and more thoughtful fare if they were not homeschooled? We started homeschooling this academic year, and I believe I already can see a difference. Before this experience our children already were better behaved and more academically inclined that most children, but the academic interest does seem to have increased.

I give my wife great credit for her work with the children; and I give the children kudos because we have always stressed that they share a responsibility in their education.

No matter how we educate our children, I hope parents will take them to see “Amazing Grace.” Some child watching this movie today may be the William Wilberforce of tomorrow.

It is said that Wilberforce, while still a boy, was introduced to John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Later in life when Wilberforce was “awakened to religious concern and sought the good man’s advice, Newton told him that since their first acquaintance he had not ceased to pray for him.” (from ‘But Now I See’: The Life of John Newton by Josiah Bull, p. 282, Banner of Truth edition)