Starting Now
Read
Article Here
New Beginnings for Any Time of Year, by
Anne Perry
Love your articles — what a deep testimony
you have of the Savior.
Thank you for sharing your talent and your testimony.
Sally Wible
Encinitas, California
**** **** **** ****
The Adams Family
Read
Article Here
John Adams: A Man Worth Knowing, by David
McCollough
Nice to read something pleasant written about an ancestor.
He gets a lot of negative flack, but he called
a spade a spade. If you read his political writings, his insight
into the nature of man from Adam on down and the reasons man needs
to have the kind of “coercive” government (his word
— not mine) to channel the natural man is profound and borderline
prophetic. The Spirit really sat hard on this man and, like Brigham
Young, he had little patience for those in power who played to
the carnal man for their own self glorification at the expense
of others.
Charles H. Marvil
Sharpsburg, Maryland
**
I just wanted to say how wonderful the article
by Mr. McCollough was. It brought me to tears, just as reaching
the end of Mr. McCollough's book John Adams did. I grew so attached
to John Adams in that book that I mourned at his passing. John
Adams has always been my favorite president, probably in part
because he was so painfully aware of his weaknesses. I have often
felt the same way. I hope you have more articles by Mr. McCollough
in the future!
Annette Bybee, Esq.
San Diego, California
**
Wow! What an amazing article. Thank you for sharing
this wonderful, well written piece on John Adams. I wish when
I was in school, that I had been taught a little more about this
man. I can't wait to read more on him in his book by David McCullough,
an amazing author.
Katie Bartow
Austin, Texas
**** **** **** ****
Revisitation
Read
Article Here
Revisiting Golgotha and the Garden Tomb,
by Jeffery R. Chadwick
Loved it. As a frequent visitor to the garden
tomb it was quite an eye opener. Definite paradigm shift.
Rich Kirkham
Pocatello, Idaho
**** **** **** ****
Northern Exposure
Read
Article Here
To Russia with Love: How the Soviet Union
was Opened to the Gospel, by Maurine Proctor with photos by Scot
Facer Proctor
Thanks for the wonderful article on the Jakkos.
I hope to be able to get more success with finding genealogy information
someday, and this type of story always gives me hope.
Marie Hamilton
Tomball, Texas
**
As always, superb photography, thank you.
I have a three-decades old friend, Darrel Gibb
who, with his wife Pyrkko, immediately got themselves a job in
Moscow as soon as it became apparent that this was happening.
Pyrkko is Finnish and both speak Russian as well. Their stories
are moving.
Plaise à Dieu that China and later the
Muslim world open quietly instead of by means of a blood bath.
And may it please God to bring it all sooner rather than later.
Russ Bateman
Provo, Utah
**
I cried with joy as I read this article. I remember
well hearing of Elder Ezra Taft Benson speaking to the Russian
people and telling them some day soon they would have the restored
Gospel. Even though was talking to the elderly who dared go to
Church and who didn't understand English, they openly cried at
his message. The talk where he references this incident and the
opposition he had to be allowed into their churches is well worth
reading. I wish I still had it, but was given it in the 70s.
Six years ago, our youngest son served a mission
in southern Russia and subsequently chose a career that would
allow him to continue working with these dear people. He is in
St. Petersburg on business as I write, and will be moving there
in a few years. Our family loves these great people. Thank you
for this and other articles (e.g., Pres. Hinckley's visit) that
you have done regarding the people of Russia.
Pamela and Brooks Moore
Jackson, Mississippi
P.S. I love everything about your online magazine.
Other than the scriptures and church magazines, it is my primary
source for everything. You all do a wonderful job.
**
Thank you for this article. I will look forward
to reading the second half. I’ve always had a huge interest
in missionary work in Russia.
I went to Russia in 1990 as a chaperone for a
high school student exchange in which my 14- year old son was
participating. We brought Russian Bibles and Books of Mormon with
us. (All three of the adult chaperones happened to be LDS.) We
gave them to all the families in our exchange, and also to a wonderful
Russian Orthodox priest we met while we were sight-seeing. His
name was Vladimir Shulokov. He was in his 60’s, and this
was the first real Bible he had ever owned in his life. It was
a very sweet occasion, and we stayed friends with this man until
his death several years ago.
One other terrific experience was touring old
Russian churches on a Sunday with the three Russian chaperones.
We saw a statue of Christ with a crown of thorn, and thought to
ask our friends if they knew why he had such a crown. They had
no idea. We began to tell them of Christ’s 1st coming and
2nd coming, and it ended up being an hour long discussion of the
Savior and his mission and the plan of salvation. It was so amazing
to tell all of this to intelligent adults our own age, who were
hearing about Jesus Christ for the very first time in their lives.
I know they felt the power of our testimonies. I will never forget
that afternoon.
My husband and I and two of our children went
back in 1992 with a choir that was touring there at Easter time.
A young man from our home town and stake, who had been a part
of the 1990 exchange, was now serving his mission in Moscow! While
we were there, we were privileged to attend a regional (area?)
conference. Before the meeting started, we did video interviews
of several people in attendance, including the first Russian missionary
to serve in his own country. We filmed just a bit of the singing
of the opening song. I loved hearing a familiar hymn in Russian!
I still have that video if anyone would be interested in seeing
it.
Later during that trip, we visited our priest
friend again. We had dinner with his family, with his granddaughter
serving as translator. Before we had left the States, I had obtained
the Russian words to “How Great Thou Art,” and wrote
it out phonetically in case we had a chance to sing it. (I had
studied the language for 2 semesters.) My husband and I sang it
to the family after dinner. It was very powerful spiritual experience.
Vladimir was visibly moved, and tears were shed.
Currently I know of no people to join the Church
as a direct result of our efforts, but a few years ago a young
Elder serving there contacted me to thank me for our small missionary
efforts, as so many people in that town (Ryazan) were happy to
let them into their homes when they learned of their connection
to us and our church. However, I do know of a few that did eventually
become Christians as a result of our associations with them, and
that is pretty wonderful, all things considered. I still have
contact with several of our Russian friends, and still hope that
they will someday embrace the restored gospel.
Thanks for allowing me a chance to share all of
this, and for bringing back wonderful memories. I love the Russian
people.
Alison Herron
Bothell, Washington
**
I loved this story and the beautiful pictures!
OK, now we need the story of the friend of Pentii Jakko who wouldn't
go running on Sunday. Does he have a clue of the importance of
his decision to keep the Sabbath holy? Maybe he was influenced
by some other member or missionary, and yet another story could
be told. Do we ever realize what comes of our decisions to keep
the commandments no matter what? I'm looking forward to the second
part.
Carolyn Doty
Grand Rapids, Michigan
**
I loved your article. Your photos were amazing
of my parents and our little road has never looked more beautiful
— it made me miss it all, more than I do already.
I have forwarded the article to a lot of people, and the response
has been great.
The story is fascinating. I was there when it all happened, and
yet, I still read it with excitement, and I can not wait until
part two.
Thanks again for your marvelous work!
Reina Gamett (Jakko)
Las Vegas, Nevada
**
What a great and inspiring story! I can't wait to read "the
rest of the story!" I live in the US but was born and raised
in the Netherlands. I remember Nellie Jakko when she lived in
Rotterdam. I knew she had married a Finn and had moved to Finland
and often wondered how she was doing. I am sure she doesn't remember
me, but if she reads this give her "de groeten van Margaret
Jacobs uit Den Haag" (greetings from Margaret Jacobs of The
Hague)
Margaret Jacobs
Sandy, Utah
**
Great article on the gospel going to Russia. I'm looking forward
to the next installment. I love this kind of story on Meridian.
Thank you for taking the time to write it and share the photos.
David V. Tilton
Cary, North Carolina
**
I was just delighted with this wonderful story.
I can't wait for the next installment!
Margaret Fisher
Dunstable Ward, Bedfordshire, England.
**** **** **** ****
Love Letters
Read
Article Here
Loving the Prodigal Child, by Deborah
Atkinson
I just read Deborah Atkinson's article on "Loving
the Prodigal Child." I felt very moved by her story. My situation
is different from hers, but I know how hard it is to try and do
what I think is right for my children when others around me disagree
with my choices.
I can relate to Deborah Atkinson's unique family
situation. I have four children, three daughters and a son. My
oldest daughter is severely intellectually handicapped and my
second youngest daughter has anorexia nervosa. It is hard raising
two children with additional needs. It puts lots of stress on
my marriage and the two children without “special needs"
struggle to get their share of my time and attention.
My anorexic daughter is 14 and will not come to
church anymore. My handicapped daughter doesn't like church much,
and why would she — there isn't much there for her. She
cannot understand any of the lessons. My anorexic daughter doesn't
go to school either, and has had very little schooling in the
last two years. My youngest daughter started refusing to go to
school last year, surprise, surprise. Now I am attempting to home
school my two youngest daughters on top of everything else I need
to do.
Family, friends, acquaintances and professionals
find it difficult to understand and accept choices I make regarding
treatment of my anorexic daughter, schooling, churchgoing etc.
I make my decisions after careful thought, research and prayer,
but many times I feel alone because those around me think I am
wrong in what I do. I am trying to do the best I can for my family
and myself. My husband and I also find it difficult because other
people cannot understand what life is like for us and the restrictions
imposed on our family by our two special needs daughters.
My intellectually handicapped daughter will be disabled for the
rest of her life. I do not know how long my anorexic daughter
will have to struggle with her mental health problems and low
self-esteem.
Sometimes it is hard to love unconditionally and
to find positives in a child who is displaying so much negative
behaviour. But I believe that this is the only way to reach a
troubled child. I myself have suffered from mental health problems
for most of my life. I was unable to feel love. I was married
to my husband for fifteen years before I finally felt that he
loved me. What got through to me in the end was realizing that
my husband stood by me despite all the difficulties we had with
our children. Through raising a disabled child, financial problems,
difficulties with extended family and the extra pressure and work
put on my husband by my severe mental health problems, my husband
still stood by my side and cared about me.
He could have left, and at times I would not have
blamed him, but he didn't. He stayed because he loved me. After
all the sad and extremely difficult experiences we had, I figured
that for my husband to still be there he must love me. I have
not doubted his love since then. Loving someone no matter what
they do is surely the only way to reach a troubled person in the
end.
Heavenly Father will always be there to help and
comfort us along the way, and sometimes He will be the only one.
But His love for us is greater than we can imagine.
Name withheld by request
**
This article has struck a deep chord with me.
I inherited single motherhood of three ADHD children after a particularly
nasty divorce. Because of choices I made in my 20's the most viable
and stable employment option for me was to teach impoverished
children in an inner city environment. I can relate to the despair,
the anguish, and the powerlessness that the author has shared.
Just last Sunday, my children had two boxing bouts sitting front-and-center
in full view of the bishop! (I was out in the hall tending to
one child each time.) I have been driven to the point of completely
losing my composure with my children, of wishing I had made vastly
different choices in my youth, and so on.
The truth is, the friends mentioned in the article are partly
correct — we cannot take responsibility for a child's agency.
However, "turning off" and shutting a child out emotionally
is not the answer, either. I have found the only strength and
solace that works is to constantly do everything in my power to
draw close to Heavenly Father and to focus on trying to be as
perfect a conduit of His love and power as possible. I am learning
now about the power of mighty prayer, and I am beginning to understand
the Book of Mormon references of letting my heart be drawn out
continually in supplication.
I raise my children up to Him daily, always with
the petition that if they can't be entreated to change that I
be softened and strengthened to be the one who will. I get up
very early in the morning to ensure that I have plenty of time
for quiet scripture study. Because I live close enough to a temple,
I have made it my goal to attend once a month, and the resultant
emphasis on personal purity and righteousness makes a tremendous
difference for my family. I also believe fully in creating an
atmosphere (as best as I can) that will allow the influence of
the Holy Spirit to remain in my home. I fully support the playing
of hymns and other calming music, as well as family home evening
and daily family scripture study.
None of these actions have "cured" my children or changed
the realities of my job. All of them have changed me, and I have
been more fully endowed with the love of Christ and the ability
to see things as they really are. I have been blessed with the
faith to know that Heavenly Father has the things covered that
are beyond my power, and that, in His perfect love, my children
will be judged both justly and mercifully. Peace truly can reign
in my heart, even when it is nonexistent in my home!
Thank you for the opportunity to reflect upon
the mercies and blessings I have received,
Elizabeth Geer
Collierville, Tennessee
**** **** **** ****
This article has caught my attention as well.
As a mother of 13 biological living children from my first husband
(I now have an additional stepson, making the number 14) I thought
that raising them all would be easy. Especially since I had grown
up in a large family.
However, unemployment (over years), homelessness
three times, and eventual suicide of my husband after 24 years
of marriage put me in an unexpected time of difficulties. My youngest
child then was 18 months old. I had to find the courage to leave
one state with only a backpack, a vehicle and minimal food to
travel to another part of the country to survive, to keep the
family together. At that time my husband was alive, and was trying
to endure bad decisions he made out of anger, that landed him
in trouble with the law. Within a few months the family was together
again. But then suddenly torn apart — my husband died!
I was a widow, suddenly. I was now in charge of
10 children under the age of 17. Life at that point did not seem
fair, yet there I was. No home, no money, no husband to support
me and all these children! Those three years were the hardest,
on me as a widow; emotionally, physically, and mentally. I was
in the role of "survivor of a suicide," now wanting
to protect my family and stop the troubles we had previously gone
through, being out of work and homeless.
My husband's choice to commit suicide shook me
to the core! I had assumed that since we were married in the temple,
and he had served a mission, and we had 13 living children born
to us under the covenant (I lost 5 others), life was not supposed
to end the way it did.
I had no answers for what had happened, and no
answers for the children that day! When it was time for the funeral,
that experience was even more troublesome and difficult. Though
my husband was a military officer of active reserve status, many
made judgments against what type of funeral he ought to have had.
Then the most hurtful blow was still others trying to divide the
family because of our then homeless condition. I prayed as never
before to get help, and received a few miracles along the way
of numerous blessings.
I was not aware then that some were just that!
Though it was the hardest time for me of trials it was yet in
ways the most comforting! Why? For the first time I was able to
stop the homelessness for my family.
That was a major beginning! We did not have to
live out of a car anymore, and though we had literally nothing
of our own, except our backpacks of possessions, we all had each
other! Yes, I did have a lot of troubles with a few of those children
who took the wrong roads after my husband’s death. My comfort
came from a few added blessings, priesthood advice, and community
help for my children's needs.
When they got into situations I knew were wrong,
I had to press hard for several years to get the needed help for
them. Requests for counseling were not immediately granted. I
did a lot of research on what help was available in my new-found
area. I went to church meetings regularly though at times it was
difficult. Enduring judgments of others was a trial. I grew in
strength though to then help others like me who were experiencing
similar troubles with their children, in and out of the Church.
The knowledge I had of the gospel, was shared
with others when I was at meetings for my children's needs in
the community where I lived. We had a common desire to strengthen
and help our children. At times opportunities came where I shared
with others who desired to hear this message while in jail. I
sent letters to my children during those hard times when I could
not call or visit. Copies of the scriptures, and other related
articles were passed around to other inmates often for spiritual
uplift.
Being a member missionary of sorts helped me to
overcome my own trials. Doors were opened for some I was given
to know over time. It seemed that the harder I tried to keep my
own children safe during that time, in the gospel, the harder
they pulled away from it, with Satan's help. Satan had his way
of pushing tempting lures that worked on my children. Lures of
peer pressure, drugs, anger at their deceased father, lying, rebellion,
stealing, running away, all became a part of some of my children's
lives.
I finally decided one day, I had to agree with
the insight of a police officer. He told me that the gift of free
agency was given to all. He was not a member of the Church but
he was one of my angels. He said no matter what guidelines were
given by me and rules set, the wayward child still had the agency
to choose the road they wanted to travel, even if it was not one
I wanted for them.
I found that this often led to consequences that
had to be dealt with in the community; jail time, probation, addiction
classes, or community service. The bottom line was this: After
I started going through these trials, I was more aware I was a
daughter of my Heavenly Father and He loved me!
Continually trying to take one day at a time, staying active at
church and gaining knowledge to help my children did add to my
cup. I also sought priesthood blessings, which were a great comfort.
It is not healthy to beat ourselves down with
thoughts like "If only I had,” or, "Where did
I fail,” or Why me?" The Lord knew before all this
started — that I would get through it all, somehow —
and so it was a great test for me to not let Him down. The knowledge
that helped me most was this: We are all NOT given more than what
we can bear as troubles, or difficulties, so there is light at
the end of the tunnel. As a survivor of many difficult times,
most recently those of losing an infant granddaughter, and seeing
a number of these children still "lost" from the gospel.
I continue to pray for each of them daily, putting their names
in the temple, and trusting that the Lord will still watch and
care for them.
If He is aware of even a sparrow, he is aware
of me, and my wayward children who are inactive, or as one is
now excommunicated. He is also aware that I did the best I could.
I had to make many decisions with the knowledge and resources
I had at the time and place the situations happened.
It was hard to place a few children into tough
love places separated from me for a few weeks or months for counseling.
It was hard to urge the courts that I knew they needed anger management
control counseling. It was agonizing to admit that, yes, they
were on drugs, with Satan's lure, so please give me the tools
to test them, and get them help! It was hard to visit them many
times over months in jails, and see that they were still given
some monetary support, for basic needs, strength to endure a jailed
world, and most of all love of a mother! Though I had never been
in trouble with the law myself, I had to find courage to visit
my children who were. For many families this is a constant reality
and a harsh trial to endure.
Having strong testimonies — and the knowledge
that the Lord still loves us all despite some troubling times
— helps us all to get through each day.
May each of us who are mothers find strength in
this noble, blessed calling, which we wanted to experience in
the pre-existence. And through the Lord's help we are able to
endure. We are spirits having a human experience called life,
and what we do with it will make us all stronger
Take one day at a time, and when the clock strikes
midnight, accept that you got through the day, and with the Lord's
help you can do it again tomorrow — maybe better. Don't
pile so many rocks in your backpack that it is too heavy to carry.
There are angels that will be by your side to assist in the weighty
matters of rocks. It is a matter of seeking them and asking for
their help. Prayer is one of the best ways to do this. Don't get
me wrong that life is a piece of cake. I still have ongoing trials,
though some are now easier to bear, with increased experience.
A sister in the gospel
Arlington, Texas
**
I too am a single mom who has been raising my
own three heroes disguised as villains.
I have watched as circumstances beyond my control
have ripped through my family, sexual abuse from outsiders, divorce,
devastating illness, learning problems, ostracizing by some family
and friends, lack of compassion, validation or support —
and the list goes on.
I have had to take comfort that the Lord loves
me and my children and he wants our success. I believe he has
planned for our success. My children are pretty much grown and
are not active in the gospel. I have had to stand back and let
them make their decisions and pay their consequences. This approach
is not easy because many decisions they have made have affected
my life and well-being as well as their own, but I have seen miracles.
I have felt the quiet moments of inspiration that have turned
a hopeless situation into a great learning experience. It is these
times that I know Heavenly Father hears my prayers; and with that
knowledge I continue to move forward (feebly) but still forward.
I admire Deborah for her courage and immutable
love for her children. The fact that she would willingly take
on the burdens of another and try to lift it while continuing
to maintain in an often unforgiving and selfish world is truly
doing the Father's will.
Thanks for sharing the load.
Terry M. Lanier
Kaysville, Utah
**** **** **** ****
This article by Deborah Atkinson touched my heart. I have walked
the path and share her journey. The spirit has touched her with
the same truth that has touched me and it was inspiring to read
her words as she put my thoughts into words. I am a single parent
who raised three children after my husband died. I was 30 and
he was 33. I have two boys and a daughter, none were adopted yet
the challenges seemed overwhelming.
I raised them with the blessings I received from
Heavenly Father as I honored the mission I had chosen even before
I came to earth. I am thankful I had faithful priesthood holders
as home teachers, who gave me many blessings of strength and wisdom.
I had faithful home teachers who sat patiently and listened as
I enjoyed the blessing of their adult companionship. I had bishops
who made sure that my needs were met even if only by asking if
they were.
My turning point came when my oldest son brought me to my knees
in prayer. His drug use and the problems it brought into his life;
the stealing and lying and heartbreak had brought me to the edge
of my world. I prayed desperately and a still small voice was
heard to say, "Just love him." I thought there must
be more; and again the still small voice repeated softly, "Just
love him." On that day I realized that I had done all I could
do, he was 24 years old and a man responsible for his own journey
in life. All I could do now was love him. So I did. I do —
and I will.
I am 52 now and he has a wife and a daughter, my beautiful granddaughter.
They are beautiful and he is blessed with a loving wife who is
truly my daughter. He still has problems but together as a family
unit we let him know we love him and he hopes that he won't wear
us out before he finds a way to get the victory. He was a child
"trained up" in the way and I have learned to have faith
that when he is old "he will not depart from it." The
trial was mine and the battle is his.
Together we will learn the lesson that we came
to this earth to learn if we stay the course no matter how old
we are. I pray for sister Atkinson and her children and consider
her a sister after my own heart.
Her story was very inspiring. I thank her for
writing it.
Lynda Kreiner
El Paso, Texas
**
Thanks for your willingness to share so honestly!
For the normal developmental challenges, as well as for the challenges
arising with more severely wayward youth, I have really appreciated
lessons learned from John L Lund, including the book How to Hug
a Porcupine and the CD audio set How to Hug a Teenage Porcupine.
(They are as great as the title sounds!) In both he talks about
how love and trust are different. Christlike love is unconditional
but Christlike trust is conditional.
The scriptures echo the truth of those principles.
I can't be nearly as eloquent on the subject as Brother Lund.
Brother Goddard, a feature writer on Meridian, also has very wise
insights and counsel in his articles on Meridian and in his books.
He brings a bit different perspective to the table on child rearing
than Lund, but both support intervention methods in keeping with
what Lund says: "We can't do the Lord's work in the devil's
way." Meaning, we fought a war in heaven over agency, and
trying to control others in order to get them to do what's right
is doomed to fail and is contrary to the whole plan of salvation.
Where is our stewardship? We will certainly have
to handle things differently for an eight-year-old versus an 18-year-old.
Parenting an eight-year-old with tighter guidelines and many non-negotiables
is usually more age-appropriate than with an adult child. Personal
accountability grows in increments.
I am a mother of three (ages 6-16) and a clinical social worker.
I was raised by a prodigal daughter who had a trauma history.
I want to address the perpetrator-victim-rescuer cycle. Many people
who have backgrounds of trauma are especially prone to "cast"
others in their lives as either perpetrator or rescuer. They were
victimized and may have trouble seeing themselves in any other
role. As a result, they are hypersensitive to anything that feels
like rejection. They are defensive and reactionary. They measure
others in their life based on immediate gratification standards,
much like a young child does, functioning emotionally as if stuck
in an early developmental stage (think two!).
Give them what they want and you are the celebrated
rescuer, especially if you reinforce that they are the helpless
victim such as through pity and removal of accountability (poor
you, it's not your fault, you can't help it). This is a fantasy-
based role because no one is capable of never disappointing and
always giving them what they want. But they'll seek it, and its
opposite, because that feels more familiar and neurotically safer.
Hold to a boundary, and they're likely to cast
you as the perpetrator and try to find someone to agree with them
that you are the most awful person in the world. It can all be
part of trauma re-enactment. The human nature wants to learn and
triumph. Sometimes the only way we think (at least subconsciously)
we can do that is to re-create problem scenarios from early childhood.
We project it into our current reality. All that neurotic behavior
is really a quest for competence.
Helping to make a difference includes getting them to identify
that they're not getting what they really want out of life from
their choices and there are other options. Multiple other options.
It's a slow progression of leaving the victim role behind in favor
of a sense of empowerment about life. It's why the scripture "Wickedness
never was happiness" is true.
Some people may have to get to be old before they
finally let go of the victim role and return as the prodigal son.
Maybe that's one of the inspirations behind the oft-quoted scripture
in Proverbs. So many people with many, many problems in their
youth and early adulthood do return to the proper teachings of
childhood, but first did depart from it. They may have to suffer
the outcomes to learn the lessons, like the prodigal who had to
be near starvation before humbling himself to the point of seeking
to be a servant in his father's house.
Many of us tend to carry out that same learning
sequence in various forms. Some people's forms happen to be of
a more destructive nature. Some people have the spiritual gift
of wisdom — they can learn from other people's mistakes.
Not everyone can.
You are an incredible person to take on parenting for those lost
children. You are experiencing things many parents will never
be able to appreciate. There is hope in helping them find their
way. They may need to take the long way around to get there, and
learn from resulting consequences, but your love and unconditional
acceptance of them as priceless spirits of God does and will have
a positive effect! Things really do happen for a reason.
You are so right to speak of chain-breaking in
the abuse and neglect cycle of your children! The "payoff"
may not be apparent until future generations. So what if they
don't become "Molly Mormon" or "Peter Priesthood"!
So what if others can't find a way to love your children in spite
of bad behavior. That's their loss, and someday maybe they'll
contend with what it really means to love their enemies, bless
them that curse them, and pray for them that despitefully use
and persecute them.
Your children aren't your enemies, but they may
act like it. Every enemy on the planet is someone's child —
God's child. You're growing empathy by leaps and bounds! To me
it is so much clearer when I remember that love and trust are
not the same in spite of what society's distortion proclaims.
It frees me up to love so much more fully and not feel confused
inside about when to be loving. Always be loving. One can be loving
and firm at the same time. But you already know that!
One last thought that I hope will give you comfort:
