In light of the recent shootings in Texas and other cities in the USA, families are mourning, saddened, angry and even left bewildered by such senseless violence.

We live in a country that was founded on the principle that we are a united nation, “The home of the brave and the land of the free.” Yet as we move through each day we are seeing that our freedom is being encroached upon by one evil act after another.

As a nation, we are no longer able to gather together to express freedom of speech without hate dividing the stance for justice. Many in our society often try to protest peacefully, so that voices are heard sharing beliefs in a calm manner, yet all too often victims of senseless crimes are drowned out by hate speech or violent actions. Even showing support of law enforcement is dangerous because of irrational thoughts or actions that only create more division and chaos.

As parents how do we explain to our children that there is hope for a brighter future ahead for their generation in all we face in our nation?

First and foremost we must teach them that a Godless society will ALWAYS open wide the gates of hell for the enemy to take hold of minds and hearts which in turn leads to chaos, disorder, immorality, and death.

The word of God clearly states this “If my people, who are called by name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and I will forgive their land and I will hear their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

The Lord is saying the Christians must unite in prayer, seek wisdom from the Lord before reacting in any manner that would cause harm to others.  We must humble ourselves in order to rise above the irresponsible thinking of mobs and lone wolves who are driven by hate. The Lord does heal and restore, however, we must seek him and humbly turn from sinful behaviors.

As we parent our children throughout each day we can find teachable moments and use them to instill value and honor as a family belief system. Parent’s, there is a great calling upon your life, as a Christian, to raise up a child that knows the value of another human life, God’s creation.

Though your family will be faced with days that are trying, difficult and huge losses in their lives, their only hope is to seek God in everything they do, so that their own reactions to the world’s tragedies will be laced with love, but also so that their hearts can be strengthened by the Lord.

Children will need to be equipped with the word of God, your support, and a healthy mindset, so that they are prepared to move boldly through the world, with the understanding that the evil outside their doors should not keep them from leaving their homes and living their lives.

Parents we should are preparing our kids to continue building the dreams of seeking great education, preparing to be a productive citizen with strong moral beliefs, and even stronger pride in protecting the freedoms of their future families, that is the right and fundamental of every American family, but we have to stand united.

We should never answer evil with evil, but instead, answer Evil with the strength that only comes from the right hand of the Lord. Teach your children to value other human lives, yet to fight for their beliefs and rights. Doing this takes action.

Parents I call out to you asking you to not stay home in response to evil but step out to be a light in your community. Show your children that there is action to be taken, even in the midst of turmoil and crisis that will bring healing and unity.

Teach your children that their values and opinions matter, and how they can be proactive in a peaceful manner.

Step out in faith and show support by serving others who serve you. A simple act of writing a letter or card or even taking cookies to local law-enforcement, first responders, fire departments, hospitals and of course church leaders, to just say a quick thank you is hugely impactful.

Let others know that you are praying for them. If the moment arises where you can actually hold a hand or pat a back as you pray out loud and over someone, may serve as a beautiful moment to teach your children the prayer is powerful and it changes lives.

Involve yourself in your children’s schools. Ask how you can mentor fatherless children or children who are in crisis situations. There are numerous agencies that need volunteers to mentor young boys and girls who are growing up in a world where they believe that violence is the way they respond when challenged with tough events in life.

Pray often for your children, but also with your children. Start community prayer groups, and find ways to minister through acts of service. These are simple ways to communicate leadership and unity.

If America is going to be a great nation filled with leaders, that are Godly men and women, who make strong moral choices and live lives of value, we must start with our nation’s children.

I am praying for each of you, asking that God strengthen you, asking for him to will heal the hearts of those who are in morning, asking him to quench anger and replace it with hearts and minds that choose to be world changers, peacemakers, and right-doers.

May the Lord be with you and keep you safe and strengthen you through these trying days, in Jesus precious name I pray Amen.

-Christina Calk-