explaining it to kids

I don't normally write on the blog about government or politics 

but as you know I certainly journal here about my faith as a Christian.  

All the news about Osama Bin Ladin's death killing 

have young minds asking lots of questions over here, particularly my 10 year old. 

When asked how I felt about it I told him I was glad he was found 

but could not in my heart be excited and cheer that he is dead. 

To which William responded with something quite profound...

"Mom, maybe if he decided to believe in Jesus at the last minute and did get to go to heaven, he realized how he had it all wrong... then he probably regretted what he had done and they way he lived." 

Interesting perspective I thought...and we had a good chat.

Yes, he was the the evil mastermind who plotted so many horrific acts 

killing thousands of innocent people.

But the word of God tells us to look deeper. 

Perhaps I would feel differently if a family member 
or someone I knew was killed in one of the attacks.

I am not sure. 

I just know God is all-powerful and can see this big picture that we cannot see.

He has it ALL in the palm of His hand.  

He sees us ALL as children of God. All, not some. 

Our pastor said it best in his words here...

As I write this, the news is all about the killing of Osama bin Laden.  As a Christian, I find it impossible to celebrate the killing of anyone.  The pain and suffering that he caused to the world is unquestionable.  We pray for all the victims of terrorism.  Jesus also told us to pray for our enemies.  Bin Laden's actions should not determine mine.  He saw himself as a purist Muslim.  I see myself as a disciple of Christ.  My principles tell me to pray even for those who are my enemy.  Bin Laden's killing does not put an end to terrorism or to violence, or to the instability in our world today. And so, on this day, as a Christian, perhaps it is our job to pray for peace.    “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor† and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies† and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:43 It's hard to wrap my head around all this...how about you? Anyone else having to explain this to children? xoxo Caroline