Hello there, folks! Mary here, your trusty 60-year-old sage from the heart of America. Today, I’ve got a juicy real-life question that’s bound to get your knickers in a twist. Somebody out there, and Lord bless them, wants to know: Is it wrong to criticize my kids for not sharing my love for God and country?

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Criticizing your own flesh and blood can seem harsh, but trust me, by the end of this tale, you might be wagging your finger right along with me. So, settle down with a nice cup of coffee and keep reading. You’re not going to want to miss my take on this one!

Family Values: A Bedrock or Quicksand?

Once upon a time, not too long ago, people revered their parents’ wisdom like it was golden. You grew up in a house where God and country weren’t just words, they were the foundations upon which every good home was built. And believe me, those foundations were as sturdy as an old oak tree. But then along came this new-fangled ‘woke’ culture and the Google machines and suddenly, our kids started drifting away like leaves in the autumn wind.

Now, criticizing your kids might seem like you’re metaphorically grounding them to the earth, but isn’t that a good thing when they seem like they’re floating off into some weird, woke fantasy land? Just the other day, I was talking to Ethel from down the street and she told me her daughter didn’t even stand for the Pledge of Allegiance at a recent school event. Can you imagine? Back in our day, that’d get you a stern talking-to and maybe even an extra Sunday School session with Pastor Bob!

The Unshakable Love for God

Let’s talk about the first pillar: God. Man, oh man. Raise your hand if you remember Sunday mornings in church, the smell of Mrs. Johnson’s casserole wafting through the fellowship hall, and Pastor Bob giving a sermon that made you question every minor sin you committed that week. Now look at our kids—they prefer brunch over Bible study! If that’s not enough to make your eyebrow twitch, I don’t know what is.

Criticizing your kids for not sharing your love for God isn’t just about faith; it’s about family traditions. Heck, those Sunday mornings weren’t just church—they were a cornerstone that held our communities together. When kids choose to walk away from that, it’s like they’re walking away from us, their parents, and the whole community. And that just plain hurts, doesn’t it?

The Mighty Love for Country

And then there’s country. Oh, sweet land of liberty! My Hank served three tours in Vietnam, and I’ve got his medals hanging in the hallway to this day. How can our kids not feel that same fire and pride? I see youngsters these days ragging on America like it’s the latest trend, and I just want to shake them by the shoulders and say, ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about!’

But criticizing them isn’t about berating them until they suddenly stand to attention and belt out ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ It’s about trying to instill a sense of history, of pride, and of respect for all the sacrifices that have been made in their name. It’s about ensuring the legacy of patriotism lives on, not just in our hearts, but in the hearts of the next generation.

This Ain’t a Betrayal, It’s Destiny

So, am I the *asshole* for criticizing my kids for not sharing my love for God and country? Honey, you might feel like you’re going against the grain, but the reality is, you’re just preserving a legacy. And maybe, just maybe, our stubbornness will plant seeds that one day, when they’re a bit older and wiser, will grow into the same sturdy oaks of faith and patriotism that we’ve always upheld.

Now, don’t get me wrong. There’s a way to go about this without ending up in a shouting match at Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of flat-out criticizing, start small. Share your stories, your passions, and your rich, woven tapestry of life experiences. Talk about how kneeling in prayer helped you through tough times and how waving that flag every Independence Day made you proud down to your core. Be the example they can look up to, even if they aren’t ready to do so just yet.

Conclusion

Well folks, if you’ve stuck around this long, bless your heart. At the end of the day, you’re not an *asshole* for wanting your kids to share your love for God and country. It’s about respect and legacy. So next time you feel the need to criticize, try softening it up a bit; lead by example, and always keep that door open for when they come around. And let’s keep praying that they will—maybe sooner rather than later!

Until next time, keep loving God, keep loving your country, and keep loving those kids—even when they drive you crazy.