What I Will Tell My Kids about Paris

Nothing.

So far, that’s what I’ve told my kids about Paris.

I’m never sure just how much they need to know. I’m never sure just how much they deserve to know.

They’ve heard from friends that ISIS is here. That because we are Christians they’ll come after us. But they believe me so utterly, so completely, when I say we’ll be okay that the conversation is quickly lost in the next recounting of playground drama.

I’ve always tried to fill their world with light. With fairy tales and superheroes and sweet love stories on Hallmark. We watch and read as characters overcome hardships and we talk a little about what always gives them a happily ever after.

Love. It’s the only one way to combat fear. 

Ironic isn’t it? Paris, the city of love. A place renowned for sparking happiness, romance, and joy.

A place known for an underground movement that never caved to hate. 

I think that’s what I’ll tell them. That hate is never stronger than love. That suicide bombers and gunman who come in the name of God do not come in the name of Jesus. 

I’ll tell them the same thing I said after Sandy Hook: We have to live and be and love and weep and pray. For every bad guy, there’s a hero who overcomes.

I want to raise heroes. Warriors. Light bearers.

So I will tell them about Paris. And I will tell them about Jesus. And I will tell them  we live in a world that is full of evil–BUT–

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” John 16: 33

And the law of physics per Newton agrees:

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

For every act of hate, there is an act of love.

That’s what I’ll my kids. Find the helpers. Seek the light. Be the love.