With the events of the past few days it is easy for us to become paralyzed with fear. For many it brings back memories of September 11, 2001 and the horror our country faced that unforgettable day. As my husband and I sat and watched the news on Friday evening it brought back so many fears and questions.
As a parent, I wondered how to tell my children or if to say anything at all? We felt the younger two are too young to understand and would only be scared by the news. My older daughter heard about it and therefore we had to address it with her. Our choice was to do it in the most gentle and loving way we could. We reassured her she is safe and that God is always there to protect her. After our talk, I thought to myself, "Is she really safe in today's world?" "Did I just lie to my daughter?"
We live in a totally different world than when you or I grew up. After September 11th many things changed in our country as far as security etc. Now, I think it will change even more. The one thing that hasn't changed though and never will is how our faith can help us get through these worrisome and troubling times. I'm not going to lie, I am scared. I am nervous for our country and what is going to happen in the coming days, months or year. I think about all the families affected by Friday's events and it breaks my heart. BUT I have faith. I don't have a clue what will take place but I do know our God will strengthen us and uphold us if we let Him. I know that when we cry out in the middle of the night because we are scared for our children's and grandchildren's future; He hears us. He is crying right along with us.
When we are faced with events like this or any life changing event really; we have two choices. We can go on living in fear or we can go on living by faith. I choose to let my faith carry me through. What about you? Which one do you choose? How are you handling these situations with your children?
As a parent, I wondered how to tell my children or if to say anything at all? We felt the younger two are too young to understand and would only be scared by the news. My older daughter heard about it and therefore we had to address it with her. Our choice was to do it in the most gentle and loving way we could. We reassured her she is safe and that God is always there to protect her. After our talk, I thought to myself, "Is she really safe in today's world?" "Did I just lie to my daughter?"
We live in a totally different world than when you or I grew up. After September 11th many things changed in our country as far as security etc. Now, I think it will change even more. The one thing that hasn't changed though and never will is how our faith can help us get through these worrisome and troubling times. I'm not going to lie, I am scared. I am nervous for our country and what is going to happen in the coming days, months or year. I think about all the families affected by Friday's events and it breaks my heart. BUT I have faith. I don't have a clue what will take place but I do know our God will strengthen us and uphold us if we let Him. I know that when we cry out in the middle of the night because we are scared for our children's and grandchildren's future; He hears us. He is crying right along with us.
When we are faced with events like this or any life changing event really; we have two choices. We can go on living in fear or we can go on living by faith. I choose to let my faith carry me through. What about you? Which one do you choose? How are you handling these situations with your children?