Dear Joyce,
Given Michelle’s keen intellect and analytical nature, did she ever question her faith, the existence of God, the creation story, etc.? I envision this is something I am going to have to work through with my child who is currently in 1st grade. It doesn’t help that her best friend at school is an atheist. Any advice?
Help!
Love, Stephanie
Dear Stephanie,
I love how seriously you take your mothering. I am not sure Michelle doubted her faith, over 30 years ago, but I do remember that she wanted answers and asked questions about all of these issues. She spent a lot of time discussing faith, especially with Marv. We took her very seriously and also had her do research. As she got older and had questions about cults, Marv gave her his insights, Scriptures, and encouraged her to research. We never feared having her challenge us on all of these issues because it allowed us to deal with them and have her grapple with them at an early age. Her faith became more and more solid as her questions were answered. We did have her memorize Scripture and took her inquisitive mind very seriously.
Moses did not defend God, he declared that God is God! Then he said to have these truths upon your heart and talk about them (Deut. 6). As parents we do the same – declare that God is God and that we submit to Him and talk about Him because He is real – and real to us..
A very bright or a strong child needs to know that there is a “Higher Power,†and it is important to equip them in their faith.
Don’t panic. You and your spouse will have a chance to equip her with the ARMOR OF GOD – a good study in Ephesians for children.
Love, Joyce