How to respond to the worst storms as a family
Our country gets the distinction of experiencing what experts have called the worst storm to hit land this year.
Unofficial reports say the death toll could reach over 10,000 in Tacloban City alone. The city has no power, no water and all communications systems are down.
It’s easy to watch the news and be overwhelmed by the situation. Equally easy to fault find and blame others, if not God. Through the years I have found that no matter how tragic and challenging these moments may be we have an opportunity to teach our children how to respond as Christians.
Faith vs. Fear
Overwhelming situations can affect our children to wonder where God was in all of these. I have always assured my children that God is never the author of disasters and tragedies.
Sin is the culprit. And that includes weather patterns that have gone haywire. At the core are oversized carbon footprints. Add massive deforestation by both legal and illegal loggers. Both driven by greed and materialism, the bottom line – sin. And that is coming from a man who has strong Cornucopian leanings.
Regardless, I assure my children God is in complete control. He is sovereign over the affairs of men. And despite the tragedies that beset mankind He is causing things to work together for our good. Fear is never an option and we must always respond in faith.
Compassion vs. Selfishness
As parents we need to teach our children to have compassion. The word compassion is rooted in two words, com (to be with) and passion (to suffer). Compassion therefore means to suffer with.
Watching the news in the comfort of our homes can disconnect us from the reality of other people’s suffering. Thankfully, I am married to a woman of compassion.
Through the years we have taught our children that life was not meant to be just about our personal comfort and safety, but that as followers of Christ we are called to have compassion to the people around us.
I am reminded of one of my sons who kept whining and complaining as a little boy. One day I took him for a walk in one of the poorest neighborhoods not far from where we lived.
I didn’t really say much but just took him for a walk. To this day I can remember his face as he peered through the shanties, open sewers and took in the smells.
He never whined again. And is involved in compassion ministries that help the trampled and the marginalized.
Action vs. Apathy
It’s easy to lack interest in a situation that is overwhelming. Next thing you know you have not just lost interest you have become apathetic.
The cure for apathy is action. Through the years whether it’s helping out in an orphanage, being involved in relief ministries or serving in the church, we have always challenged our children to action.
At the end of the day our children will follow our lead. As they say, “they are who we are.”
In the wake of the disaster that has hit our nation, we have an opportunity to make our children make the right choices: faith over fear, compassion over selfishness and action over apathy.
Continue to pray for our countrymen in the Visayas. Victory Websites will soon be announcing how you can participate through donations and as volunteers.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17
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