3 Ways To Find Hope Amidst Darkness
We each seek hope amidst darkness. Children are no exception. I was reminded of this truth one day while driving down the street:
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Flag Question
“Mom, why are all the flags around town at half-staff today?” my daughter asked, gazing out the car window.
It’s a question I hear on a regular basis these days, and one that, quite frankly, I’m tired of hearing.
I’ve grown weary of sharing with my children all the negativity that is taking place in our country–mass shootings, violence, death. Instead, I’ve decided to focus on the positive, the possibilities, the things that can fill us with strength, hope, and peace. I’ve chosen to tell my children that whenever they see a flag at half staff, it’s a reminder to ask themselves the following questions:
Have I communicated with God today?
Am I reading daily from His Word?
Have I reached out to connect with another person in a meaningful way?
The lack of these three actions—personal communication with God, seeking God’s wisdom, and connecting with others—are at the root of the growing darkness around us, a darkness that leads us to lower our flags, our hearts breaking in the process.
It’s been said that hope shines brightest in the darkness. I’ve caught sight of that hope and I’m latching onto it with all I’ve got! God can carry us through the darkness, He longs to carry us through the dark periods of our lives, but we have to allow Him to do so.
It Would Be Scary
One day, my daughter, unaware of the most recent school shooting, sat next to me and said,
“You know, mom? I was just thinking about something. If I didn’t know about Heavenly Father, life would be like a car without a driver. It would be scary.”
Too many of today’s youth do not know about a loving God. Our society is failing us; true change begins in the home.
How can we teach our children to allow God into their lives EVERY SINGLE DAY?
Below are simple ideas that can be shared with children and youth of all ages:
COMMUNICATE WITH GOD
1. Kneel with your family in prayer each day
2. Kneel beside your bed morning and evening and share your feelings with God. Share why you are feeling happy or sad or angry. God cares how you feel.
3. Spend time in nature
4. Have downtime each day, a time when you can be quiet and still, allowing the Holy Spirit to whisper to you of God’s love for you
5. Take a moment during the day to thank God for your blessings
What assurance it would give of the much-needed blessings of the Lord if the American people, and people everywhere, could all be found daily—night and morning—on their knees expressing gratitude for blessings already received, acknowledging our dependence upon God, and seeking his divine guidance...There is great safety in a nation on its knees.
Ezra Taft Benson, “Watchmen, Warn the Wicked”
READ FROM THE WORD OF GOD
1. Begin the day by reading a few verses from God’s Word
2. Participate in a daily scripture devotional with your family
3. Memorize a scripture that will bring you strength and peace when times are hard
4. Share a favorite scripture with a friend
5. Record insights you’ve gained from reading God’s Word
6. Draw a picture depicting a scripture story
I am convinced that each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again.
S.W. Kimball
CONNECT WITH OTHERS
1. Reflect on the needs of others’ before your own
2. Do an act of service for a family member, friend, or neighbor
3. Surprise a stranger with a Random Act of Kindness
4. Make eye contact with someone, then smile and say hello
5. Offer to help someone in need
6. Lend a listening ear
7. Express gratitude and appreciation to others through spoken word, social media, or snail mail
8. Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know
9. Host a party or neighborhood gathering
Gratitude is a sign of maturity. It is an indication of sincere humility. It is a hallmark of civility…of decency and goodness. We should all be thankful to the Almighty for His wonderful blessings upon us.
R.M. Nelson
HOPE AND PEACE
By implementing these ideas, and others, into the daily lives of our children, we will allow them to witness for themselves the feelings of strength, hope, and peace that come from connecting with God. Our children will learn for themselves that God is their loving Heavenly Father. Their Heavenly Father longs to surround them with His light. Any difficulty in life can be overcome with His help.
May flags flown at half-staff be a reminder to you and your family to reflect on your personal relationship with God and with others. By doing so, I foresee a day when flags will fly sky high, hurting hearts will be healed, and our nation will, once again, regain a measure of peace.
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