Last weekend I woke up to messages from both kids that read, “Mom and Dad, please tell us you’re okay.” The home screen on my phone was flooded with notifications. I can’t begin to describe the eerie feeling that settled over me as I read message after message asking, “Are you all right?” I had no idea what had happened. Apparently we’d gone to bed just minutes before a coup attempt in the country where we live. Our kids at camp and friends far away worried about us.
The news hits hard these days. The recent attack on police in Dallas gripped my family because we just spent 9 months there on home leave. I’d driven my daughter each week past the very spot where the shooting took place, just a few blocks from our church…
Sometimes I wonder, “What can I say to my children about the world we live in?”
Please follow this link to join me at Crosswalk.com to continue reading my article there. It’s an open letter to my kids about how and why they can hold on to hope in our world today. I hope this encourages you personally and helps you talk to your kids as well.
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I’m linking up with Holly Barrett’s #TestimonyTuesday, Kelly Balarie’s #RaRaLinkup, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart, Lyli Dunbar’s Thought-Provoking Thursday, and Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth. Check out these communities for more encouragement.
It is so important to hold onto hope and keep our eyes on God in the midst of all that is happening in our world. It must be scary when it hits so close to home. Thank you for the wisdom you share here in how to respond. I’m glad I found your post through Testimony Tuesday.
Blessings to you, Carly. I’m so thankful for God’s Word, our never-ending source of wisdom.
Beautifully said, Betsy!
Thank you so much, LaNette.
Dear Betsy ~ All that’s assailing us has been a bit overwhelming, hasn’t it. We need to take hold of these positive, God-focused steps you’ve shared to keep our heads above water, to keep our eyes on the prize, and to have something to share with those around us …
Praying for you, praying for your country, friend …
Thanks so much, Linda. You are right, we need to keep our eyes on the prize. Glad I’m running this race on the same team with you! Thanks for praying.
This is beautiful, Betsy. It’s filled with so much important truth. I think I’ll have to read your letter to my children as well :). Thank you!
Thank you, Candace. May the Lord bless your children and draw their hearts to Himself always!
Such a timely topic. Congrats on sharing at Crosswalk.com! I have been praying for you frequently as the Lord brings you to mind. Today I meditating on Psalm 121: The Lord is our keeper and helper. Resting in this truth!
Betsy,
What wise and comforting words you shared with your children!! Even in this hate-filled world that seems to be spinning out of control, God still is Sovereign and He is in control. We know how this story ends and in that lies our hope. Praying with you and for you and you trust your lives in the Lord’s hands. Praying for your children and family as well!!
Blessings good servants,
Bev
Thanks for that reminder, Bev: We KNOW how the story ends. 🙂
Great article and much needed. Have a blessed and beautiful week, sweet friend. xoxo
Thanks so much, Carolina. I hope you have a good week too.
Can’t wait to mosey on over and read the rest!
I appreciate you, Michele1
I hope you rec’d my comment over on Crosswalk, but Betsy, this is super. Loved every ounce of the truth you reiterated and posed so eloquently. #goJesus
Yes, I did get it. Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kristi. I appreciate it greatly.
No matter what our personal circumstances or what’s going on in the world, we all need that message of hope and trust. Thanks for this, Betsy.
Yes, we need it indeed, Jeannie. I’m needing to re-read this post again myself today! 🙂
It’s so hard when we see the news make our children anxious. My daughter told me she was afraid that someone would shoot her. I love your letter. We must choose fear over faith and fill our minds with the peace that comes through reading His word.
Oh, Valerie. I’m lifting up your daughter in prayer right now. May the Lord encourage her and surround her with His presence, His peace, His love.
Such timely message. Thank you for sharing and for the wise words you have shared.
Thanks for your encouragement, DeAnna. Blessings to you.