Patti Garibay, the founder and national executive director of American Heritage Girls, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is passing on valuable life lessons to her 11 grandchildren. American Heritage Girls was established in 1995 by Garibay and other parents who were dissatisfied with the way a scouting organization handled matters of faith and culture at the time. The organization, which has a Christian focus, started with fourth-grade and fifth-grade girls meeting around a kitchen table in Ohio. Today, American Heritage Girls has troops in all 50 states and 15 countries, engaging girls aged five to 18 in outdoor activities, service projects, badge programs, and more.
In her book, “Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light a Candle,” Garibay emphasizes the importance of parents understanding what their children are being taught. She shares 11 life insights aimed at guiding her grandchildren on matters of faith, family, relationships, and more. One of her key messages is the importance of seeking and discovering the meaning of life, which she believes is centered on loving God and His people. This understanding can provide purpose and direction throughout one’s life.
Garibay also stresses the value of gratitude, reminding her grandchildren to operate from a place of fullness rather than scarcity, trusting that God provides all that is needed. She encourages them to recognize that life unfolds in a way different from our human sense of time, and that challenges today can lead to personal growth in the future. Through prayer and worship, she emphasizes the positive impact of faith on mental health, guiding her grandchildren to focus on God’s provision rather than their own desires.
The importance of relationships and family is another key theme in Garibay’s life lessons. She highlights the significance of the family unit as designed by God for growth and thriving. Along with valuing differences and appreciating unity in friendship and family, she emphasizes the role of generosity, humility, and a sense of humor in fostering positive relationships. Garibay encourages her grandchildren to be willing to sacrifice for others and to maintain a humble outlook on life.
She also advises her grandchildren to continue learning and maintain a sense of wonder throughout life. By being open to new experiences and appreciating the beauty around them, they can find joy and fulfillment. Respect for life in all its stages is another fundamental lesson Garibay imparts, emphasizing the preciousness and reliance of life on God. She reminds her grandchildren that they were created with a purpose and to seek that purpose earnestly.
Garibay urges her grandchildren to pursue a vocation aligned with God’s calling rather than focusing solely on career success or prestige. By identifying their passions and gifts, they can find meaning and fulfillment in their work. Overall, her 11 life insights serve as a guiding light for her grandchildren, encouraging them to live with purpose, gratitude, humility, and a spirit of generosity.
