This is part 2 of the interview with Caleb
from Sukofamily.org, author of What
If… How to Kill Worry and Anxiety Before They Kill You about
communicating tough realities with our children. If you missed last week, I urge you to go back
and read his responses- they’re powerful!
Now let’s jump into the interview:
1.
Do you
think Americans are hurting their children by not talking to them about what is
happening to others around the globe, why or why not? How can they talk with
their kids about these events and yet shelter them? How can we provide
stability and knowledge?
If you want
your child to be thankful, compassionate and unselfish then “yes!” I mean let’s
face it ,99% of the kids in America are blessed materially. I understand that
there are other problems like abuse and I don’t want to down play that. However, I think it’s vital to give our
children a sense of the global community, to know that if you have parents who
live with you and you have a roof over your head and shoes on your feet then
you’re doing better than millions of other kids out there!
I think parents
need to do more than talk, they need to show. If possible take your kids to
places where people are not as well off. Have them help in outreaches for
orphans or the homeless. Take them on a short mission trip. Expose them to the
needy and talk with them about ways they can help.
2.
It seems
to me that there are many Christians lulled into a false sense of security. In 2 Tim 3
we are told that, “everyone who wants to
live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” While not every
Christian will be beheaded or imprisoned, those who long to live a godly life
in Christ will face some sort of persecution. Do you think that by sheltering
our kids from other Christian’s persecutions we are not preparing them for the
potential realities they could face?
I think it’s a
different perspective that we as parents need to have. Yes, we want to protect
our children from unnecessary harm but ultimately that’s not our goal as
parents. Ultimately, I want my children to be willing to risk all for the sake
of righteousness. I want them be ready
to sacrifice their comfort and safety for the sake of another’s, I want them to
understand that living for Christ could be dangerous but in the end it’s worth
it!
3.
That’s
inspiring, Caleb. It takes Spiritual Maturity in the parents to come to such a
place as you and your wife are in order to raise kids with such a selfless
mindset. Your maturity is being enhanced as daily you have to trust God to not
only provide for you and your family, but also to keep you all safe from
various forms of danger and death. Explain how the tragic events going on
around your children are shaping who they are. Likewise, tell us how parents
can be a positive influence during such difficult times.
I try not to
underestimate the power my life and my wife’s life has on our children. They
watch how we react to these events, they can sense when we are nervous, anxious
or angry. I think our responses as parents have a huge impact. It’s hard to say
exactly how these events are shaping them; it may be something that we will not
clearly see in their lives until years later.
My advice to
parents is to pay close attention to how you personally respond to tragedy and
difficult situations, and then allow your children to look into your life. Talk
it over with them; don’t be afraid to tell them that you don’t know what’s
going to happen next but make sure they understand and that they see in you a
strong faith that is unwavering regardless of the circumstances.
4.
What
advice do you have for adults who don’t like to face these realities? How can
they prepare themselves and also communicate with their kids?
I don’t think
anyone really likes to face the realities of war, death and disease! The only
way I know how to prepare yourself is by daily stretching your faith and strengthening
your relationship with Jesus! Also don’t avoid difficult tasks you feel God is
calling you to do. There will always be trials in your life, face them with God
at your side because each one is preparing you for something else God has in
store.
Communicating
with your kids has to be ongoing. Don’t wait for tragedy to hit. Start now and
make it part of the daily routine. Discuss the events of our lives and of the
world around them and help them to see it in light of God’s Word.
5.
As we
wrap up this interview I’m reminded of Esther
4:14, “For if you remain
silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from
another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but
that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" If
you could go back to this summer, when you were still “safe” in America, would
you make a different decision regarding returning to the Ukraine? Would you
have stayed here in order to shelter your kids from what they are experiencing?
Explain.
Absolutely not! In fact, I can’t really say I feel any safer at
this point in American than I do in Ukraine. What people don’t realize is that
“safe” is often much more a feeling then it is a reality. Most people take
great physical risk every day just by driving to work! I’d just rather take
that risk here in Ukraine, while preaching the Gospel and ministering to God’s
people!
Thank you, Caleb, for taking the time to answer these tough and
in-depth questions. I know your answers spoke volumes to me as a parent. I pray
God continues to use you and your family and protect you all in the days to come.
Thanks for shining His light and being about His Kingdom.
God bless.
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