THOMASVILLE — I consider myself very fortunate to have been born into a loving family. My parents were devout believers in the teaching  of the Bible and dedicated to God’s work through a local church. I was reared in a home where the activities of the church were of paramount importance, and I considered my involvement as natural as breathing. I never lacked for affection, encouragement or the necessities of life.

Another aspect of my childhood was discipline, both verbal and corporal. I have a brother and two sisters. We loved and still love each other, but, as children, we had  our skirmishes and disagreements. Our parents kept us in line with verbal warnings and the regular application of a switch.

I remember, on one occasion, when I had received a switching on my bare legs, I had red marks and perhaps a scratch. I hoped to make my mother sorry, so I said, “I hope I get blood poison and die.” It didn’t move her at all, and no one ever thought I was abused. I was not.

If I ever dared talk back to or sass my mother, my dad took me to the garage and whipped me with his belt. This happened several times. He knew just how much I needed to humble me and make me regret my mistake. There was no such thing as child abuse. This was godly parenting. It still is.

Incidentally, I was paddled at school on one occasion whereupon, when I related this indignity at home, I another one. The teacher and principal were always right. No one ever dreamed this discipline was inappropriate.

The bottom line is the Bible teaches the value of corporal punishment. Fortunate, indeed, the children of parents who practice what God’s word teaches. They will most likely avoid heartache and sorrow as they approach adulthood.

In fact many of the current problems of families and society would be alleviated by a generous application of Solomon’s teachings, “withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shall deliver his soul from hell.” (Pr. 23:23, 14 KJV)