This post first appeared in 2008, when doomsday talk dominated that election cycle. It's just as relevant today, if not more so:
"The end of the world as we know it...if the other party wins." ~ every other Facebook status
It seems like we hear nothing but dire predictions swirling around this election, and today I want to encourage you to, well.... put a lid on it. At least in front of the kids.
Yes, I know. I'm well aware that there are big huge problems facing us, and we have social issues up the wazoo. We must discuss them. We must vote.
But sometimes we get so wrapped up in talking about how bad things are and how much worse they're going to get, that we forget about the little listening ears that are taking it all in.
To kids, all this grown-up talk can be scary, frightening and depressing.
And it can leave them feeling hopeless about their future.
When you're ten, you should be dreaming of being an astronaut, or a doctor, or a fireman... not worrying about whether your family will survive an "imminent" holocaust. A six year-old shouldn't have to overhear talk that our country is going to hell in a hand basket. A high schooler shouldn't have to think "why bother?" because the world might end.
Trust me, I know.
Please, please listen.
We need to filter the information we allow in and talk about–so that it is age-appropriate and constructive.
Let's do a Small Thing today: Give your children (and everyone around you) the gift of hope.
I encourage you to refrain from talking about political catastrophes and instead, talk about your child's dreams.
What are his gifts?
What can she contribute to this world to make it better?
How can God help us be lights in our neighborhoods?
What can WE do to make a difference?
How can we show love and kindness to others?
What wonderful things would she like to do, and see, and be?
Oh, I know there is so much we can't fix around us.
The economy, immigration, unemployment....but none of that means anything to someone who just wants to color with you, or be pushed in a swing, have you watch them twirl or leap off furniture, or have you listen to a new song they found on itunes.
Don't rob your children of the joyfulness of life and hope for the future because you are caught up in the details of an ugly election season.
Speaking positive and hopeful words will communicate to your kids that you trust God to watch over you, no matter what.
Because He WILL watch over you! You will always be sheltered in God's love and care. There are wonderful, amazing things ahead...just wait and see.
And guess what? No matter who wins or loses, it won't be the end of the world.
God has mighty plans for the next generation of kids, and it will be exciting to see them rise up and take them on.
We NEED future astronauts and doctors, and firemen and teachers, and mommies and daddies, who believe in Him, and whose parents gave them the gift of hope in the midst of turbulent times.
I love this scripture:
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.
It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized.
Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
Phil. 4:6-9
New! Children's book, and new paperback edition of Flash
