Goshen's philosophy:
“We Drink From The Same Spirit - One Body With Many Parts.” Our body is comprised of many different parts known as organs which make up one unit. They all drink from the same Spirit, and only function when they're in sync with one another. This requires cooperation and teamwork. If one part is honored, then the others rejoice. But if one of them suffers, then the others suffer, too. Division causes body malfunctions . . . and breakdowns.

Like the Human Body, our Universe is also one unit. It's called the Human Race, and it's comprised of many smaller parts known as countries. Within them reside people of various personalities, nationalities, religions, and opinions. They only function if there is civility and cooperation. Without them, there is division. Everything breaks down and conflict ensues.

Our children, each special in their own way, are born with unique gifts that no one else has. One child has the gift of wisdom, while another has the gift of teaching. One child has the gift of healing, while another has the gift of art. One child has the gift of serving others, while another has the gift of giving. And on it goes. All of these gifts have great honor, just as the ones who possess them have great honor. But it does no good if they have the gift and don't open the package. This is where we adults come in. With our help, kids will open the package, discover the gift and fulfill their potential.

Our young people must be encouraged to be unique and original. We shouldn't insist that they be clones of one another. They should be who they are - themselves. With our help and support, they'll be able to carry themselves with confidence. The example we set is the lead our kids will follow. If we act with civility, put aside our differences, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER, so will they.

News headlines are saturated with stories about the tragedies of young people. Unfortunately, they're paying for the mistakes and ambitions of their elders. These kids have a poor self-image, are withdrawn into themselves, and are filled with lonely despair. Without positive images and examples to guide them, they're left to their own self-destructive impulses. They're desperately yearning for concerned adults to pay attention and listen to them. Their behavior is a cry for help and a signal that they're in trouble. If stable, well-grounded people fail to respond, then indesirable people will take advantage of their vulnerability. Rejection from a cold and heartless world pushes kids over the edge. And then it is too late.

The majority of today's youth view their future with anxiety. They're on stress overload. In addition to normal pressure such as getting good grades in school, there are added problems such as crime, violence, and drugs. Slow learners have an even harder time. They must deal with the stigma of being branded a failure because they have difficulty keeping up. To make matters worse, they must endure cruelty and ridicule from their peers. The real failures are those who've let them down - disinterested adults and institutions such as a broken school system. No kids should ever be made to feel like losers destined to fail. Instead, they should be made to feel like winners destined to succeed.

When you know that you have something of value to offer and are appreciated for it, it boosts your self-confidence. Having self-confidence better equips us to overcome life's difficulties. Without it, survival and happiness are impossible. This is why it's so crucial that we strengthen the foundation on which self-confidence is built. This will help our youth to have a clean conscience. And a clean conscience is what gives a person peace of mind and a contented heart.

All of us are free moral agents. We get to choose. We can embrace love or we can embrace hate. We can embrace good or we can embrace evil. Whichever one we adults choose will influence the impressionable minds of our young people.

Instead of abandoning our children, we must claim them and cherish them. Instead of being silent cowards, we must have the courage of our convictions and speak out. Our present problems stem from our silence. And silence is not always golden. Real change only occurs through divine laws, open hearts, and willing minds. It begins with us. So, join with Goshen as we come together and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Janice Cooper