by Keeshler Pittman

Created on: April 21, 2009

I had my own personal issues with determining where to draw the line concerning finances. I have a child. I am a single mother. Therefore, it is difficult to take on jobs with excessive hours. I realized that my child needs me to be her shoulder to cry on. She needs me to be her guide. As a Christian, I know that the love of money is the root of all evil. Not money itself, but the love and passion for it.

I am a hairstylist. On many occasions I witness how teens and young children are starved for attention. I notice how wrapped up they are in the latest technology. They want to emulate the popular stars. They actually consider their on-line friends to truly be their friends. How I know much better than that. Most of their on-line friends are just temporary associates. Also, young girls are being lured into the claws of predators because they lack love. They lack the involvement of parents.

Single parents may feel pressured to work themselves to a pulp. When they are exausted at the end of the week and have to spend the weekend recouperating, what have they gained? If a parent cannot make quailty time for their children, they live a miserable existence. A parent sets the ultimate example. The latest fashions, the most up to date phones, no material thing replaces a parental presence. American children are in limbo.

More children are being diagnosed with mental illness. More than ever in history. I personally do not believe there are that many mentally disturbed children. Most are emotionally disturbed. They have parents who believe that material things are sufficient for a child's ultimate happiness. No material thing equates in value with the love and presence of at least one parent or guardian. Very rarely do you see families that often spend quality time together. Nothing is wrong with a strong work ethic. Something is wrong with an obsession to attain wealth by any means necessary.

There are many parents who do not truly know their children. They cannot tell you their child's favorite color. They cannot tell you their child's best friends name. They cannot tell you what interests their child. Pitiful.

Money seems to be the most imperative thing in our society. Until that changes, America will continue in a downward spiral. Our money states " In God we trust." If it reflected our actions, iw would read, " In money we trust." If we truly trust in God, we would have balance in our lives. We would appreciate the gifts that God has given us that we could never buy.

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