Be careful with whom you surround yourselves.
Stay away from dishonest people.
Speak the truth, especially when it’s difficult.
You can start a flame with a spark. Do not be afraid of starting a blaze.
Two of Stacy McCloud’s children, Max and Ryan, in front of the Statue of Liberty.
Photo/Stacy McCloud.
Children, as I am starting my 50th orbit around the sun, I feel compelled to put pen to paper in hopes that if ever you are at a crossroads and need a little guidance, you will find solace and resolution in the people you were raised to be by this little reminder.
I’m sorry for the world I find you all in right now. The simplicity of life for the youths of past generations is no longer as simple for you.
As a pre-teen with longer legs than ALL the boys, shorter pants than everyone, giant feet I often tripped over, buck teeth, frizzy hair, and hormones bouncing all over but never in sync with my clumsy body or unfiltered mouth, my biggest worry was I'd do something to embarrass myself. This constant dilemma often led to a humorous outcome for everyone except for me. I was often mortified by my uncooperative body, treasonous outbursts, and uncontrollable actions. Not fitting in as a middle school kid seemed to be the biggest social catastrophe.
I am grateful I was raised in a society void of social media platforms and the internet. The World Wide Web didn’t need documentation of me and my friends doing stupid things. Simply put, every aspect of life seemed simpler, and I wish you had had the opportunity to grow your bodies and brains without the intrusion of the internet.
As elementary kids, our biggest dilemma was what we were going to do with our friends that day. We learned the Dewey Decimal System on “Library Day.” We used problem-solving methods and our brains to resolve issues, and our meetings were organic. We rode our bikes without helmets, flew kites, had dogs off leashes, and broke a few windows hitting home runs into houses while playing baseball in our backyards. We didn’t have cell phones to call our parents when we skinned our knees.
Parents didn't have to worry about our schools being weaponized to demonize their parental authority. It was a time when we toddled off to school with our Raggedy Ann or Star Wars metal lunchboxes with the thermoses that always leaked.
We went to schools where Sister Katherine would redden our knuckles with rulers if we misbehaved, or the principal would paddle our butts for talking badly to a teacher or fighting on the playground. All of this “extreme” discipline was served, usually without parental consent and typically without parents complaining.
Our world was more civil. Teachers were appreciated by both students and parents, validated in their jobs, and classrooms were conducted peacefully in an environment that sparked learning.
2 of Stacy McCloud’s children, Saxon and Pypr. Photo/Stacy McCloud.
When I was a child, I remember feminism being a positive movement to encourage young girls to make their dreams become reality. Feminism seemed to elevate girls and women. But somewhere in the past four decades, it's turned into a gnarly, twisted movement aimed at destroying natural-born women and tearing apart their God-given counterparts. It's become a dark, maniacal, diabolical movement to destroy our sons, brothers, fathers, husbands, cousins, uncles, and neighbors.
The agenda of modern-day feminism is demonizing the male sex, somehow making our sons ashamed of being boys. It’s encouraging our schools to put doubt about our children’s sexuality into their brains. Encouraging boys to become girls at young ages and vice versa and teaching sexuality to children is unwarranted.
Our society has a virus, and it isn’t COVID.
Young ladies and gentlemen, do not trust modern-day feminism. The root of it is evil.
Do not stifle our amendments. Protect your neighbor’s rights as you protect your own.
Do not stand behind the ban on literature or voices. Be better than those who ban books like Dr. Suess and the Bible yet allow age-inappropriate literature to poison the minds of the innocent.
Be better than those controlling the agenda. Take the road not taken. Robert Frost was right.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
My dear boys, invest in yourselves and continue going to the gym. Grow big muscles, and be healthy in your hearts, brains, and bodies. Be chivalrous and seek out people with values, commitment, and good moral compasses. Be kind and compassionate. Protect.
Do not be promiscuous—you leave a piece of yourself with every sexual partner you encounter.
Be leaders. Be bold and guide the lost when possible.
Do not be afraid, but always be prepared.
For you, beloved ladies, the same expectations. Nurture those around you and help to lift those who are on their knees. Be kind in spirit and bold in commitment and values. Learn to say “no” boldly and unapologetically. Your effervescence and love will attract people to you.
Be careful with whom you surround yourselves. We cannot plant seeds in poisonous soil and expect a fruitful plant to grow. Surround yourselves with people who possess traits you admire and avoid the opposite.
Stay away from dishonest people. Always speak the truth, especially when it’s most difficult.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. This is a tough one for me to expect because I learned at a young age to use my tongue and my words as weapons. So, be better than I am.
Children, you can start a flame with a spark. Do not allow anyone to dampen your glow, and do not be afraid of starting a blaze.
Apologize when necessary and forgive often. Turn the other cheek as often as possible, but don’t be a victim.
Two of Stacy McCloud’s children, Max and Ryan. Photo/Stacy McCloud.
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2 of Stacy McCloud’s children, Saxon and Pypr. Photo/Stacy McCloud.
Our nation was built on religious freedom and the foundation of freedom in general. Children, this started July 4, 1776, when the 13 colonies announced their separation from Great Britain by adopting the Declaration of Independence. From that point forward, and until very recently, the United States citizens seemed to work toward a better life for freedom for all who dwelt on her shores, mountains, valleys, and deserts.
Sure, our ancestors had some hiccups along the way—some minor and some major. Rarely is anything executed perfectly in uncharted territory.
We are blessed to have history to learn from so as not to repeat the mistakes of generations before us. Never apologize for your ancestors but use history as a guide for the future.
Follow your instincts and intuition, for they are rarely wrong. Be skeptical and question often. Do not trust blindly. If you do not agree with something, do not comply. Decline politely.
Address your feelings; however, do not allow them to rule your mind, decisions, or politics. Do not be too critical of others, and always remember if you’re true to your cause, the opinions of others don’t matter.
Do not allow the evil at work in our world to consume you. Be aware.
Allow time for yourselves. Read. Play an instrument. Find a hobby. Have a relationship with God.
Learn how to hunt, fish, and build. Be kind to animals, and smile at strangers.
Tomorrow is not promised—do not hold onto hostility, regret, or gift cards.
You are the future of this great nation, this world, and the planet. Lead.
