We Are Human Beings,

Not Human Doings

When Celebrate Kids began, there was no such thing as email and the World Wide Web. We had to mail information to people who wanted to know what we were about. The first piece we created included my longest-lasting Kathyism – a phrase I’m known for: We are human beings, not human doings.

I can’t imagine my parents ever said that to me, but my brother and I were raised as human beings. It’s an understanding I’m grateful for. Even though we were super involved in music, athletics, and the pursuit of excellent grades we were not treated as human doings. We were appreciated for who we were and not just for what we did.

My grandfather was mayor of our city when we were growing up so I was surrounded by him and others who led with their character and knew that they were created to make a difference. Both our parents volunteered at church and for community causes. We saw the purpose of having excellent character is to be excellent and to be able to do excellent things.

Dave and I were expected to behave well at home and when we were out and about. Character was modeled for us, taught to us, and expected from us. This is why we’re secure today. Our security is predominantly due to our dynamic relationship with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s also easy to attribute it to being secure in our parents because of their character and consistency. And, we can be secure in ourselves because our character is who we are – we don’t sell it to the highest bidder and change because of our circumstances.

I want this for children – for their being to inform their doing.

We are human beings, not human doings.

This statement is one I list in my new book as a truth that, when lived out, can secure children’s hearts. You might enjoy reading about it in Start with the Heart.