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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Innocence


A tiny portion of my six year old’s innocence was taken away today.

She saw a glimpse of the reality of the world she is growing up in.

I was watching this YouTube clip this afternoon and she came up behind and watched for awhile.

Then she asked, “What is this about?”

I hadn’t decided if I even wanted to talk with her about the significance of today…but I couldn’t brush off this question.

So I told her, “10 years ago today some very bad men flew airplanes into some buildings and killed a lot of people.”

She walked away but a few minutes later I walked into the living room and saw that she had been crying.

I asked her what was wrong and she said, “Is that going to happen to us?”

Jonathan and I proceeded to explain that she was safe had no need to worry. We explained why when we fly on airplanes we go through “security” where they make sure that no bad men can fly on airplanes anymore.

Reflecting on this exchange makes me sad. Sad for her and her innocence.

I actually recall being about the same age when I heard about the Gulf War starting. And I remember being really worried that Saddam Hussein would fly over my house and drop bombs.

Six year olds should NOT have to worry about ANYTHING like this.

I wish I could shield her from reality for just a little longer.

I am raising children in a completely different world then I was raised in.

That world began on this day, 10 years ago.

I must not be afraid of this world. I can allow the reality of this world to instead help me cling more fiercely to my faith in God and His power over evil.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7


First day of 1st grade

2 comments:

Brent said...

Hello, my cousin. Thanks for sharing this. We do live in a different world these days, and you are absolutely right. We must NOT be afraid. Thanks for your courage and bless your sweet six-year-old.

Allison @ Allie Browns Layouts said...

What a good post! I got teary eyed! I was explaining the same thing to Miss C that day. It's a hard subject to talk about because though it is serious, I didn't want to frighten her or worry her (because if any child can worry, that child is Miss C). These are normally questions I give a quick prayer as to how to answer best for my kids' understanding. But you guys did well and Hannah is a good, sweet girl!

Love you guys! Enjoy your latest addition! She's a doll!