Pastor's Article

John A. Jurik
Transitional Pastor
October 2007

Dear Parents,

Two ingredients contribute to our children’s self-esteem: love and capability.
Our children need to feel without a doubt that they are loved by their parents and other persons who are significant in their lives. They also need to feel confident that they have many abilities.

Self-esteem grows from the relationships a child has within the family and with other significant persons in his or her life. What parents and family say to a child and how they treat the child have much to do with whether the child develops high or low self-esteem.

According to James Harris, author of You and Your Child’s Self-Esteem (Warner Books, 1989), self-esteem develops through a process called a "mirror image concept" or the "looking glass self." Children view themselves as they think important adults, such as their parents, view them. Children become the "mirror image" of what the parent and other persons act as if the child might be. Positive expectations seem to develop and enhance self-esteem. Negative reflections and comments seem to detract from self-esteem. If we see love, we assume we are lovable. If we see displeasure, we assume we are displeasing.

Our model is Jesus, whose love for us is unconditional and was expressed in his crucifixion, death and resurrection, the great events of the Christian faith. I encourage you and your family to attend your place of worship and be renewed in God’s love for you. If you have no church home, I invite you to Good Shepherd. We

worship Sunday mornings at 10 AM. Do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about the church.