I was recently asked a question about how to talk to your kids about all of the shootings, and how to protect them from some of the horrible things in the world.
Some of you know that our 6th of 12 children, Rachael, died after being hit by a car. When she died, we had 8 other kids still at home with the youngest being just 3 years old. We had to sit them down and deliver the worst possible news to them. I fought with all that was in me to want to protect them from this horrible reality. I didn't want to tell them, but it had to be done. I couldn't protect them from it.
Today I see the fruit of our decisions that day. We were honest with them and told them the truth in love. We then spent every day since showing them that not only can you survive tragedy, but you can come out on the other side stronger, closer to the Lord, and even more trusting. Another thing that children learn is that they can trust *you* to stand by them and help them through even the hardest days.
Always tell your kids the truth and don't try to hide the realities from them. They will learn to trust you even more, and not be more afraid, but less.
We truly can trust the Lord with our kids. We can trust Him with their hearts and their futures. We can even trust Him to take them home if that is what He chooses. We can also trust that God will carry your kids in dealing with the unthinkable tragedies in life, just as He will carry you."
