A famous children’s television program ended each episode with these words, “You’ve made this day special by just your being you.  There’s no person like you, and I like you just the way you are.”  Can you guess who said that, if you said Mr. Fred Rogers, then you are right?  Mr. Rogers talked about society’s responsibility to raise healthy, happy kids.  I just wonder, in light of the current situation where many children are being bullied to the point of killing, has the church done enough to help raise healthy, happy kids?  This may be a tricky subject, but one that needs to be addressed. 

As a church family, we have the responsibility to care for each family member, whether young or old.  We visit the sick, widowed, homebound, those with new babies, and yet it is hard to look into the soul of another to see what is really happening.  Children may appear to be just fine on the outside and yet are hurting and struggling on the inside.  Parents may think they know, but sometimes they have no idea what is going on in the life of their children. 

Facebook, twitter, and other social media outlets may provide a clue, and yet they may be too late.  Communication is the key to parenting, it is imperative to keep the lines of communication open between parent and child.  Parents, this can’t be stressed enough, no matter what is going on in your own life, spend time just talking to your children.  One of my favorite lines from the academy award nominated 2012 movie, The Help, is when the maid looks into the eyes of the young 3 year old girl that she is caring for and says, “Remember this; you is kind, you is smart and you is important.”  If only we would take the time to tell each of our children, (church family included), those simple words. 

Everyone needs to be validated, we need to know that we matter and that we have a plan and a purpose for being on this earth.  Don’t let this day pass without making an effort to talk with your children and tell them they are “kind, smart, and important.”

Parents ask your children to look up Romans 12: 9-18 and highlight these words in their Bible.

Romans 12:9-17 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.”  And last in verse 18 it states, “If at all possible, . . . live at peace with everyone.”

What a wonderful reminer that we need to live in peace with everyone. May the Lord bless your family with peace!