I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you. I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn. I can give you directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you. I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it. I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe. I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot decide for you. I can give you love, but I cannot force it upon you. I can teach you to be a friend, but I cannot make you one. I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish. I can teach you respect, but I cannot force you to show honor. I can grieve about your report card but I canot make you study, I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you. I can teach you about sex and the facts of life, but I cannot decide for you. I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say “no” for you. I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them. I an teach you about goals and dreams, but I cannot achieve them for you. I can teach you kindness, but I cannot force you to be kind. I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make your morals. I can love you as a [daughter] son, but I cannot place you in God’s family I can pray for you and your future, but I cannot make you walk with God. I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
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If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! - Samuel Adams
