Why is it that some people really think they can control the minds of their children? Even in the super-surveillance state of China, where every cellphone is monitored for possible “anti-state” messages, there is dissent. Now, we have school boards coming after anything that smacks of thinking or reading outside the narrow confines of their prejudices.
In one small district, Grapevine-Colleyville in Texas, the school board by a 4-3 vote has banned all discussion of gender fluidity. What is someone to do when a child asks a question? As a 10-year old I remember getting my mouth smacked when I asked the meaning of the word “circumcise.” It’s right there in Scripture, Luke 2:21, to be exact. The Sunday School teacher was so flustered; she didn’t know what to say.
So sad when adults are afraid of children’s questions. Though this was Texas, we in New Jersey and the Northeast should not be smug. We have our share of yahoos and know-nothings, people who are afraid because a child’s question might show that we adults may not have real and meaningful answers.
Prayer for the Day
In the midst of anger and confusion, we ask for your guidance, O God,
To see us through times of turmoil in our Nation;
The world around us is changing beyond our imagined control,
And we are often afraid what the future might bring.
Grant, O Lord, your wisdom freeing us from fears that bind us,
Moving us from an indefensible past into an open future.
In the name of the One who symbolizes your future,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, Russian novelist, from Crime and Punishment (1821-1881)
For change to occur in us, we must be willing to enter the wilderness of the unknown and to wander in unfamiliar territory, directionless and often in the darkness
-Maureen Brady, American writer, editor, from Beyond Survival
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh – they shall stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
Though war rise up against me, yet will I be confident.
Psalm 27: 1-3