When a close friend of mine found out she had breast cancer, she told me she was afraid to tell her children because she didn’t want them to be worried or afraid. I told her that her kids would react however she reacts. The cancer was caught early and her prognosis was very good. She was told that she would not even need chemo. So even though the news of cancer is always unsettling, it was not a death sentence for her. I told her if she cried while giving them the news, they would cry. But if she acted positive and confident and explained it in a way they could understand, they would be fine. My friend had surgery to remove the tiny tumor, then followed with a few weeks of radiation. She has been cancer free for 10 years. And her kids handled it very well.

Our children watch our emotions more than listen to our words. If we are deeply worried about something, our kids will be worried too. I remember a time from my childhood when my father did not come home from deer hunting in time for dinner. Since those were the days before cell phones, convenient communication was not available. My mom was so worried that she was calling her friends. I went into our living room and prayed by the large picture window. “Please let the next car be Daddy’s car.”  My dad finally made it home and all was well. I don’t remember why he was late getting home, but I do remember how worried my mom was and how her worrying made me worry.

Our country is currently in a state of disorder. Hatred and anger over opposing views are at an all-time high. People who agreed to perform at the inauguration are getting death threats. I overheard a young woman say, “I am so scared for the future of our country.”

So as parents and grandparents, we need to be careful to not let our fear or worry be imposed on our children and grandchildren. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”

God’s love is perfect love. When we give our worries to him, He casts out fear. Let’s show the next generation that we can have confidence in our troubled world because we trust the God who is in control. And he controls our lives with His love.  

Crystal