Hey friends. I am a monthly contributor for a sweet Moms group, and my article was published today over on their Facebook Page. I wanted to share this here as well. Much love to all of you today as we remember those we lost eighteen years ago today.

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Today is September 11^th. We are now almost twenty years away from the tragedies of that day back in 2001. Do you remember where you were? I was getting ready for an interview in downtown Dallas. I watched the news as the planes hit, and then we were escorted out of the building and evacuated from Downtown once the towers fell. I will never forget it. Where were you?

Now that I am a mom, this day takes on an entire new meaning. How do you teach your kids about something so senseless? How do you remove some of their precious innocence as you teach them to be observant and safe?

My eleven- year-old knows all of the details of this day, but my eight-year-old just knows that “some bad guys came and hurt Americans”. Watching the looks in their eyes as we discuss situations such as this has been hard as a mother.

How do we talk to our children about tragic events?

How do we teach them about evil?

And, how to we comfort them during these times?

Here is what we do in our house . . .

1. We try not to watch the news in front of our children.

• If there is a situation at hand that needs discussing, then we will give the facts and make sure that they feel safe and loved.

• We talk a lot about prayer, God, and those that are helping others in need.

This all sounds amazing and fabulous, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult to shield my kiddos and keep them in this nice, protective bubble that I like to think they will always stay in.

A few years ago, our church sent out some Bible verses to guide us during times such as this. I keep them with me and would like to share them with you.

God is with us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

God will guide and comfort us. (Psalm 23)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 You are part of God’s plan. (Matthew 5:16)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

 We are called to love. (John 13:34-35)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Praying for any of you that lost someone on this day so many years ago. Praying for you moms out there trying to explain away your child’s fear in response to knowing about this horrific day. And, praying for all of us as we walk in a world where evil can try to break our precious, protective bubbles.

XOXO