The Candlelight Sanctuary

When I hear an older person say, “I can’t say anything to my kids or my grandchildren about what they are doing, because I did the same thing when I was their age,” I have to wonder if there is any wisdom at all in that statement. Actually, that utterance seems to lean toward absurdity. Who could be more qualified to speak out and counsel a young person who is headed for trouble than someone who has lived through a similar experience or did the same thing?
The above statement, also, brings to mind the fact that many successful ministries for alcoholics, drug addicts, child abusers and an assortment of other social problems have been implemented by persons who, themselves, had a history of such conduct. Having overcome these hurdles, they felt called to help others by sharing Christ and their own path to recovery thereby assisting others to reclaim the remainder of their lives and become productive citizens. Can a parent, or grandparent, be less obligated?