Ryunosuke Kikuno via Unsplash
EMBRACING FAMILY
We eagerly welcomed the new year and even more eagerly bade farewell to 2020. For many, the “magic” of the new year faded rapidly with the realization that the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out will take longer than first thought, that the variant strain is present in the United States, that our coronavirus numbers are at an all-time high, and that a riot at the U.S. Capitol interrupted the process of announcing the electoral votes and the president-elect.
It seems that within the first week, 2021 became 2020 – Part 2! While we, as adults, grapple with these realities, we must help our children learn from these events, as well. It is easy to be lured into reading and watching the news constantly and becoming discouraged. The situations we are facing now are not new. Similar situations have existed throughout history, for example, the Spanish Flu and riots throughout the world.
How should we face these challenges? Have faith that God is in charge. Have hope that each of us can make a difference, right here, right now. Have love for others, beginning at home.
What about our children?
For younger children:
- Ensure that what they see and hear is age-appropriate and unbiased.
- Reassure them that they are safe.
- Continue with their regular routine.
For older children:
- Engage in meaningful conversation about the greater values of respect, health and wellness, racism, Christian leadership and democracy.
- Avoid labeling and stereotyping.
- Encourage them to do their own research.
- Encourage them to understand the perspectives of others so that they do not have a polarized viewpoint.
- Teach them about media bias and reliable sourcing.
- Have them analyze similar events in history and the lessons learned.
As Catholic Christians raising the next generation of leaders, we have a responsibility to respond as Christ would.
- Be the light for our children, spouse, friends, family and others.
- Pray together for these intentions.
- Focus on the positive: Scientists have come up with a vaccine. Our representatives continued counting the electoral votes.
- Focus on solutions: How can we help the elderly or ill during the pandemic? How can we become involved in our community? How can we model Christian conflict resolution in our homes?
Let’s transform 2021 into an outstanding year by letting our light shine with strength from the Divine!
Scripture tells us that “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
We are called to be this light in our families, communities, and world.
Maybe that saying is true, that all we needed to know we learned in kindergarten. And that popular Gospel song (of unknown origin): “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine! … Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!”
Welcome, 2021! No matter what happens, we are going to let our light shine with strength from the Divine!
We’d love to hear from you, Hawaii Catholic Herald readers. After reading this column, how will you face challenges as Christ would? How will you focus on positive solutions?
If you have questions you would like addressed in “Embracing Family,” please email them to Sarah and David Herrmann at Success@EmbraceFamilyLearning.com, and we would be honored to lift you up in prayer and respond, as well! If desired, you may remain anonymous.
