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I woke this morning with you on my mind and heart. Last night I wondered how aware children really are about things, and how you would address any of your children’s questions or anxieties. And I wondered about the church’s role and mine in helping to bridge the deep cultural fissures that were confirmed by the exit polls. I had no answers but I knew that Pollyanna platitudes would not cut it, not even for children.
But then, in the wee hours, I received a group email from a nephew who I haven’t heard from in quite a while. He’s a twenty-something young professional, living in D.C., working for the federal government, paying off student loans, and respectfully identifies as an atheist. He wrote simply, “for many receiving this email, tonight is scary find something you believe in and donate It helps” Yes, this was his impulse. How hopeful is that?! And yes, I say, Amen!
No matter anyone’s political persuasion, our children must be absorbing some degrees of pathos in the ethos today, but probably not much longer as their short attention spans and innocence aren’t really that interested. We should remain alert but try not to project. In the meantime, I encourage all of us to heed my nephew’s advice. Give of yourselves and your resources to something or someone. Advance goodness. Love God and love your neighbor. Our message hasn’t changed. It never really has. But it feels that we need it, now more than ever. This Sunday at Christ Church happens to give us an excellent opportunity to commit ourselves to it anew. (see below) Generosity is “da balm”!
“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and think my work’s in vain. But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.”
Kathryn Carroll is Director of Christ Church's Children and Families Ministry