Your parents cannot possibly be the worst parents in the world. If an award were given for "World’s Worst Mother," the winner would be ... (Can you keep a secret?) ... my MOM! (Now I’m in trouble!)

Please don’t laugh! Every word of what I am about to say is true. I have evidence. As a struggling seven year old, I needed a certain toy car to add to my fleet. The collection would simply not be complete without this particular little car. I wanted it. I had to have it! When that very car appeared before my eyes in a department store, I took it. It was the natural thing to do, but not for my mother.

My mother saw me holding the car and rather than congratulate me for being sneaky and thrifty, she opened her mouth in horror, immediately spanked me and then had the audacity to make me immediately return the car to the store, pay for it and then apologize to the owner.

Can you believe that I had to endure such cruelty?

The damage to my emotional self-esteem was beyond measure. To this very day, when I see something I want or need to have in a store, I feel compelled to pay for it. Oh, the shame of it all.

Wait there is more. Here are the top ten reasons why my Mom qualifies for World’s Worst Mother.

1. For making me eat green vegetables with nearly every meal. I now enjoy good health.
2. For insisting on the use of a foreign language..."Yes, sir and Please." I practice good manners.
3. For spanking me when I was out of line. I learned respect for the law and officials who carry it out.
4. For requiring me to occasionally do chores. I developed good work habits and a drive to succeed.
5. For yelling, "Clean up your pig-pen for a room." (Oops! I still have that nasty habit.)
6. For forcing me to take typing in High School. I now have an enduring practical skill.
7. For nagging me to continue practicing the piano. I appreciate good music.
8. For encouraging me to read. She inspired a lifelong desire to learn and grow.
9. For dragging me to church each Sunday. My mother allowed God to literally change my life.

I am eternally grateful.

10. When I wanted to be left alone during a difficult divorce she persisted in helping to care for me and my children. Now, I more clearly understand the true meaning of love.

The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb An all-new discussion guide has been added to this marriage-enrichment classic.

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

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