Written by Jamie C. Martin of Simple Homeschool
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” ~ 1 John 4:18
You guys? It’s scary out there. We need only a glance at the day’s headlines for a reminder.
As parents raising children in these uncertain times, what should we do?
The way I see it, we only have two choices: raise our kids to fear the world, or…raise them to love it.
Fearing this world comes naturally in our hyper-connected society; it’s the default mode set out to take over our family’s thoughts. But it isn’t the only option.
If we want to cultivate a love for God’s world in our homes instead, we must act with intention first, so we don’t react with fear later.
We must infuse our children’s lives with purposeful meaning.
Now, today.
We must speak beauty and truth into their young spirits again and again, giving them something to cling to when fear tries to set up permanent residence in their minds.
Thankfully, the power of story can help us shield our kids from the world’s distractions and heaviness. Here’s how.
The Power of Story
Whether it’s the enchanted wardrobe of Narnia
Or the blizzard-threatened prairie of the Midwest
We’re right in the middle of it now
Thanks to the power of story.
The language, mere words
Bland letters and sounds on a page
Yet combined create a force that whisks us away
This is the power of story.
Noisy, hectic spirits
Sibling squabbles
Begin to settle, calm and still
This is the power of story.
The characters’ struggles
Become our own
As we root and cheer for good to win
This is the power of story.
Reminded of who we’re created to be
Letting go of fear and worry
Souls refreshed, courage rising again
This is the power of story.
Finished with another chapter
Closing the cover—for now
Back in touch with our inner hero
Thanks to the power of story.
An inner hero. We all have one, you know. And our world desperately needs them–now more than ever.
THIS is why we read. To get ready, to prepare for all our mission in life may require of us. With each page turned, we change–inside and out.
Life lessons don’t end when we close a book’s cover–they begin there.
Well-chosen, inspiring words touch and transform our souls, making us want to be better than we are right now. Nagging lectures from Mom and Dad simply can’t compare with the lessons of a story whose time has come.
Parents naturally get concerned when we look at the state of the globe today. And it’s true—your children and mine will inherit a world filled with unique issues and problems.
But this is no accident. They have been chosen to lead their generation through its difficulties. Destined for this moment in history.
Fear dominates the headlines, but it doesn’t have to dominate our homes.
One book at a time, let’s help our kids fall in love with this world instead.
One book at a time, let’s build their lives on a story-solid foundation. A foundation that fear can never crumble–and that our children can count on in all their tomorrows.
Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.” ~ Napoleon Bonaparte
Yes, Jamie. But HOW?!
If any of the above sounds like philosophical mumbo-jumbo, my new book Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time makes this idea practical and simple for parents to implement.
And here’s an easy way to get started: Our FREE Read the World Summer Book Club begins next Monday, June 27th!
As an online community we’re going to take back our peace from the headlines, we’re going to dive deep into the life-changing power of story, and most importantly, we’re going to do it together.
Get all the details here and join us!
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” ~ Mother Teresa
What aspect/part of the world does your child love most right now?
Weekend homeschool links
Oh big love on this post, Jamie!!! When will the book club printables be ready? I’m gettin’ my plan on 🙂 A million thanks! -Laura
Thanks, Laura! We’ll release the printables week by week as you need them – so the first set will come next Monday right here!
I love the concept that while fear may dominate the headlines, it doesn’t need to dominate our homes. This is a concept I have been struggling to bring balance to recently. It is so easy to let fear become the primary focus, and I want to be very intentional to not let that happen both in my life and in the lives of my kids.
sarah’s latest post: End of the school year wrap-up
It requires constant awareness and intention, doesn’t it, Sarah?! But it is possible if we just come back to a place of intention when we realize we’ve veered toward fear again.
My younger kids all love learning about ancient Greece, while my older daughters love reading about Japan, Sweden, Iceland, and Mexico. They’ve pretty much become world travelers through books, already!
Shelly’s latest post: Keeping It Simple: Our Relaxed Homeschool
Sounds so fun, Shelly.
I cannot tell you how excited I am about your book. I have been struggling with this for quite some time. My kids are devouring books just now and I am so aware of the small window of time when I still have an influence on what they read. I spend a lot of time researching and looking for good recommendations, but can hardly keep up. I love that they are soaking up books, but I want them to be soaking up good stuff which will as you say speak beauty and truth into their souls. I just know from the heart behind your book that it’s going to be a fantastic inspiration to our wee family of readers, and wow that Napolean quote just gave me shivers!
I LOVE that quote too, Kirsty! So blessed by your words.