Shadows
Let’s jump right in today!
I don’t know about you, but I am overcome with tremendous heartache for children today. It’s no secret that my heart is drawn towards children, so it comes as no surprise that I have a tendency to want to understand what is going on in their world. Granted some things I cannot fully understand, but when it comes to the matters and questions that we all face in our lives, it’s the heart that I want to know and the connection to what makes them believe what they believe.
Why the world am I overcome with heartache?
The majority of kids in the US have gone to school today with the knowledge of the reality that there could be a lockdown. Or they could have a lockdown drill. Not only are they faced with the potential of physical violence, they are faced with adult size questions and are expected to be equipped with PhD answers. They are constantly faced with situations and circumstances that are beyond what any child specialist would ever condone as age appropriate.
Disclaimer: My heart is broken. I am writing from this place of brokenness.
I am gripped with emotion when I hear the news reporting church splits, or “Christians” claiming to do all the “right” things but actions say otherwise, or I hear rational questions asked-but the responder hasn’t the decency to answer the question. If this is what the children around me see and hear, then of course they are confused. And I have to ask myself, “What can I do?”
First, I admit I can’t do it on my own. And I pray, “Jesus we need you. I need you!”
Second, He reminds me of his example: he welcomed whoever and he went to the places he was welcomed. All of who were sinners, some who believed, some who did not believe at all. He gathered, he sat, he feasted, he spoke, he sat quietly, he prayed, he spoke the absolute truth, he lived the absolute truth.
Third, scripture is absolute truth and is my bottom line. Deuteronomy 6:7-9: 7 “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” I must act, speak and let His Word guide and direct my steps. I must make the decision that every single ounce of my life is his and will bring him glory!
Fourth, my opinions don’t hold any weight unless they are first established solidly in scripture. My biggest opinions coming bursting out when it comes to the issue of life. Yet, “life” goes way beyond when I believe life begins. The “life” issue is ALL life. So that applies to people with varying mental, physical, emotional, spiritual capacities. The life of children, adults, elderly, male and female. Life of all cultures, tribes, nations, colors. The life of the victim and the life of the suspect. No life has greater value than another.
Fifth, I must remember that our children are our next leaders. And Jesus asked the children to come. One of the many things I love about children is they have a deep hunger and thirst to learn, ask questions, find the answer. If we aren’t there to nurture and establish truth when they are seeking it, then who or what will? Because this hunger and thirst is necessary for growth and they will seek it! Sadly, most children are seeking it through technology and peers.
So on this Groundhog Day, do we see our own/the world’s shadow or do we see the hands and feet of Jesus in the lives of the children around us?
On a Lighter Note…
The picture today is of my brother and Paw-Paw. It is one of my absolute favorites! My brother can barely get his little arms and hands around his back, but he is determined to be like Paw-Paw. They are also headed to Paw-Paw’s shed, a very special place, the place where memories were made.
Life Book of the Week: Groundhog’s Day Off, by Robb Pearlman – HILARIOUS!!!
