When the Problem Hits Home

This week there have been so many things written and said regarding the terrible event that took place in Newtown, Conneticut. I have been very slow to comment and very measured with my words out of respect for the victims and their families. I appreciate many of the points made by several preachers whom I respect, and there have also been some good reflections from others that have helped me to process this situation.

What I have witnessed the most from this tragedy is the compassion people have for children and families. The world should not be as it is, where the innocent are slain and people are left childless and devastated. Every prayer I have heard for these victims has caused the one saying the prayer to choke up, to pause and struggle as they talk to God about such a horrendous and unspeakable crime. This event has caused every parent to hug their child and not want to let go. Let's face it, this was every parent's nightmare. This really hits home.

And yet, home is the problem. I believe sincerely that the breakdown of the home in our scoiety is what leads to many of these issues for our teens. Divorce, latch-key children, parents who are too busy to look deeper into the lives of their children and address their problems - when the home breaks down society breaks down with it. The first institution God created to solidify a workable and manageable world was the home (Gen. 2:18ff). Let's given Satan the blame, for it is the darkness that he has introduced into this world that causes families and relationships to break down. These events are not of God, but they are devoid of Him in a world that is blackened by the sickness and death brought about by sin.

Where are you, parents, when your children are begging for your attention? Where are you, parents, when the weekend comes and your children go out and do what they want without supervision? Where are you, parents, when your children post whatever they want on facebook and twitter? Where are you, parents, when your children are picking friends? Where are you, parents, when your children simply want to spend time with you in the formative years of their life? Where are you, parents, when your children are sick mentally or physically and need your support?

I received a text this past Sunday morning before services from a family in our congregation that is doing it right. The text was asking if I was going to mention anything about the tragedy from the pulpit. This family has young children and they wanted to be there beforehand to prepare their kids for whatever might be said by their preacher. This is the answer: Parents who care so much about their children that they are dedicated above all other things to be there for them no matter the situation, and especially in a time of question or crisis.

The problem hits home. It is the home that God ordained that needs to be reestablished in our country and in our world. May God bless the families who have been torn apart by this terrible situation. We all know that we have no words that can truly express our emotions and our love for them at this time. May God bless every family and may we learn to respect His Lordship over our lives and over our homes and over our relationships. We need God's help! We need His guidance and care! We need Him in our homes!

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~ Ephesians 6:4