Friends
of God,
Many people have been calling and asking the question, what do I say
and do for our children? I offer a few suggestions.
1)
Bring the family together.
It is important that children feel, see, know and sense the love of
a family, an extended family and community. Having family members
and friends together is one way of assuring children that things will
be all right.
2)
Light a candle (ensure safety), and call this candle a
peace candle. Get a candle that can burn safely for a few days or
light the candle at meal time. Speak of the light of Christ and God's
love and how these will never go away.
3)
SILENCE ... I cannot overemphasize the importance of being
quiet... invite children and all present to be still before God. Gently
invite children and all present to pray for those in pain, pray for
those who are lost, pray for those who are crying...
4)
TALK AND LISTEN:
Depending on how much the children already know you may decide to
inform them. (Adults should think carefully about what they want to
say, I would encourage you to write down four to three sentences that
you think best describe what happened.) *** If the children are already
(well) aware of what happened, invite them to talk or ask questions
5)
"Tragedy happens"
This is a great teaching moment, and I think children are more in
touch with tragedy than we realize. Help them to realize that people
suffer, unfortunate things happen, people get sick, people die, people
do bad things... There is always a debate about using the word "bad"
--- Personally, I like the word... it is real. But adults should choose
the language best for them and in line with how they have always shared
with their children...
6)
"GOODNESS RULES... evil
will never overcome good... love is stronger than hate... there is
greater power in forgiveness" ... Again, this is a great teaching
moment. Our children and families need to be open to the power of
Jesus' resurrection and God's unconditional love. The good being done
by the rescue workers, the compassion displayed by other countries,
the services in mosques, synagoges and churches, already speak of
the power of love... Another aspect of this is to help children see
and identify moments in their lives when they were sick or in pain
or when they helped someone who was sick or in pain.
7)
Bible stories or popular fables ...
read to the child at night ... select stories carefully
8)
Be aware that some children may use this as an excuse to act out AND
also be aware that the effects of this tragedy will last for sometime:
BE
GENTLE AS ADULTS, BE COMPASSIONATE, BE REAL AND GET SOME REST YOURSELVES
9)
Suggested Bible passages:
(If you have a favorite, use it)
Psalm 23
Psalm 100
John 14
Matthew 25: 31-40
John 3: 16
1 John 4: 7-8
10) GO FOR A NATURE WALK, FIND A FUNNY VIDEO............
SAY THE "Our Father..."
God's peace and good luck. Hope this helps...
Mark Bozzuti-Jones
"Together forming children and being formed by them"
