“If it’s possible that my kids grow up (or that their kids grow up) in a time of great war, injustice, climate catastrophe, and shortages, then what can I do to help them be the kind of people who would thrive?” This hit me hard — what an incredible way to reframe the fear and uncertainty. Thank you for that.
Thanks so much for that, Sarah. It's such a hard topic and of course we hope things like that will never happen here---or anywhere---but we've got to parent with our grandkids in mind, too, and chances are the world is going to look really different by then!
Your post also reminded me of a friend who a couple of years ago, when contemplating bad possibilities, instead of filling with anxiety, got excited. She saw all the negative possibilities in our culture, our country and the world as greater opportunities to be a witness for Christ. I am always encouraged by her infectious attitude when I remember what a paradoxical outlook she seemed to have, but one that was inspiring and made sense when I remember who God is and my real purpose for being here in this moment in time.
“sometimes we have to ask ourselves the “what if’s” so we can be comforted by the “even if’s.” - Love this! Bryan and I actually discussed these things last night. It was sobering and yet gave us a deeper gratitude for how blessed we’ve been. Having so much can come with its own set of problems, like learning to be content with less, not consuming just because you can and finding out what really satisfies. Your suggestions and thought provoking questions are great. And knowing that “even if…”, God will still be good and we will still be in His sovereign hands.
Thank you for this encouragement, Laura! Yes yes yes. Psalm 46 is a big comfort in times like this too. It's really comforting to know we don't have to be afraid to ask the hard questions!
“If it’s possible that my kids grow up (or that their kids grow up) in a time of great war, injustice, climate catastrophe, and shortages, then what can I do to help them be the kind of people who would thrive?” This hit me hard — what an incredible way to reframe the fear and uncertainty. Thank you for that.
(Your thoughtfulness is greatly valued, Hope.)
Thanks so much for that, Sarah. It's such a hard topic and of course we hope things like that will never happen here---or anywhere---but we've got to parent with our grandkids in mind, too, and chances are the world is going to look really different by then!
Your post also reminded me of a friend who a couple of years ago, when contemplating bad possibilities, instead of filling with anxiety, got excited. She saw all the negative possibilities in our culture, our country and the world as greater opportunities to be a witness for Christ. I am always encouraged by her infectious attitude when I remember what a paradoxical outlook she seemed to have, but one that was inspiring and made sense when I remember who God is and my real purpose for being here in this moment in time.
“sometimes we have to ask ourselves the “what if’s” so we can be comforted by the “even if’s.” - Love this! Bryan and I actually discussed these things last night. It was sobering and yet gave us a deeper gratitude for how blessed we’ve been. Having so much can come with its own set of problems, like learning to be content with less, not consuming just because you can and finding out what really satisfies. Your suggestions and thought provoking questions are great. And knowing that “even if…”, God will still be good and we will still be in His sovereign hands.
Thank you for this encouragement, Laura! Yes yes yes. Psalm 46 is a big comfort in times like this too. It's really comforting to know we don't have to be afraid to ask the hard questions!