Dear Parents,
Our nation has a tattered history of race relations and has struggled to appreciate its diversity.  Growing up in this country, we have been folded into America's history and understanding of race.  Why does this matter to Christians?  Because the heart of the matter is about God, who made all the races of humankind.  Perceiving others negatively based on their skin color is not only hateful to the individual but also disrespectful to God.

​As an artist paints a portrait, so God has painted a colorful world as God desires it to be.  When we are critical and judgmental, we dishonor God.  He has woven humanity into a diverse and colorful tapestry and he loves to look at this masterpiece.  I Samuel 16:7b says "The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

​Jesus never judged anyone based on race, gender, looks, or status.  He felt comfortable in the presence of fishermen, tax collectors, rich, and poor.  He saw everyone's potential and never scorned people because of their past.  His approach was not to look at appearances but to see their hearts.

Ask your child...
Do you have attitudes or actions that could be considered racist?

Challenge your child...

• Step back and examine your life and your way of thinking. 
• Consider all the ways you see your family or close friends being racist, then compare you attitudes and actions to theirs.
• ​Consider the ways you may discriminate, even when you don't intend to.
• ​Then try to change the ways you respond to others.  Jesus accepted everyone.  Skin color and nationality did not matter to him.

Prayer...
​God, teach us to see similarities as well as differences.  Show us that all people are alike, because we are all human and blessed to be like you.  Amen.

Hi Parents!
​What we do to fit in with the people around us!  God has designed people to seek connections with other people and by no means desires that we live alone.  However, we often take God's wishes to the extreme and try to change who we are in order to fit in.  Few people enjoy the sensation of standing out in a crowd.  We do everything we can to blend in, to become like everyone else.  Yet, God calls us to do exactly the opposite.  Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."  We are called to be a lighthouse for Christ in ways that distinguish us from the rest of humanity.  We are called to stand out, not to fit in.  Even if it involves discomfort and fear, standing out for Christ also leads to a life of meaning and purpose.

​You may be called to step out and do something huge to change the world, to witness to people halfway around the planet, or to meet the needs of people right down the street.  Remember, we were all created to change the world for someone, to serve someone, to love as Jesus loves, and to spread the light of Christ across our mission field, wherever it is.  All you need is a yes! in your heart for God and God's people.

Ask your teen...
Are you afraid or apprehensive to approach new people?  If you are, remember that God will give you all the strength you need.  Then go for it!
​Do you lack the courage to defend your Christian lifestyle?

Challenge your teen...
Write on an index card the words "FAITH=RISK."  Look at the card before you start each day as a reminder to keep your eyes on Jesus and to follow boldly.

Prayer...
​Dear God, replace my timidity with boldness.  Remind me to trust in you and not to rely on feelings that waiver.  Amen.

Dear Parents,
Death does not discriminate.  At some point, all of us deal with the suffering that death brings.  When we do, we are often inclined to question God and to wonder why God allows a world with so much suffering to exist.  Philosophers and theologians have struggled for centuries with the question of suffering and have not come to a conclusive answer.  But we do know what the answer is not.

​We do not face suffering and death because God does not love us or is indifferent to our pain.  We know that God loves us.  The shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35, "Jesus wept" was Jesus' response when confronted with the death of his friend Lazarus.  Jesus wept and grieved.  If Jesus reveals the true character of God to us, then his weeping means that God suffers with us.  God is not indifferent.  In the midst of his suffering on the cross, Jesus himself cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46b).  Jesus understands our suffering.  I imagine that each of the disciples agonized over the same question.  They had been with Jesus for three years and were part of the ministry that was going to change the world.  Now, Jesus was dead and buried.  We know that the grief and fear they felt would be replaced by joy, exultation, and celebration on Easter Sunday.  ​But what consolation is that to us when we cry out, "Why God?"  Our cries turn from anguish to anger as we wonder why God would let a loved one die.  We fear that God has abandoned us.  In these times, it seems impossible to believe that God is with us and that something good can come from death; but that is exactly what faith calls us to do. 

​As the disciples watched their teacher, leader and friend die, they wondered what would happen to them.  They asked, "Why God? Why did Jesus have to die?"  But three days later, with the miracle of the Resurrection, they knew.  We too have that hope of an eternal Resurrection with Christ when we die!

Ask your child...
Who has taught you to be honest with God?
Who has taught you to face death unafraid?
​Who has taught you to trust that God is with you always?

Challenge your child...
Think of people you love who have died.  In what ways have they touched your life?

​Prayer...
​God, help us to trust you when we fail to understand.  Amen.