A Bit of A Rant

I am a bit irritated. Okay … more than a bit. I am friends with another mom on facebook through a mutual friend. I like her. We’ve been through some similar things. She has an elementary-age child who is so distraught and terrified for their own safety over the Connecticut shootings it is causing continuous crying, inability to eat, and clinging to furniture, forcing momma to have to pry little fingers off to go to school.

Things like this make me wanna scream! Yes, both my girls know what happened. They knew before I picked them up from school – one in Middle School and one in High School, news travels fast. No, we did not watch any news coverage. None. I read a few pieces and have read a bit on fb, but that’s all. I briefly discussed it with my girls, and we moved on to our weekend. They do not need to know all the details. I do not need to know all the details. My girls don’t need their momma crying for days over something she cannot control.

Are my girls safe in school? As safe as they’re gonna be anywhere. Our generation and society and culture do not have the upper hand on evil. We didn’t create it, and we haven’t expanded it to its full extent (not that I want us to, we’re doing enough damage as it is).

Are there some things our kids need to know? Sure. But be discerning in how and what you share with children. Be discerning in how much you let other people’s worlds come into your world. We still need to live. There will always be evil and tragedy in this world. And because God is, there will also always be good. We do not need to, nor should we, drown ourselves in others’ pain. We can be caring, kind, helpful, and giving without immersing ourselves in their tragedy. It’s not ours. It doesn’t belong to our kids. Don’t force it upon them.