Recently, an official as visible and outspoken as the United States Surgeon General (does he need to wear that uniform?) says that parents are so stressed it's become a "Serious Public Health Concern."
This is news? Is it truly new? So, it's worse now than when most of us were raising kids? Really?
In some ways, perhaps. But every situation is unique. Sin and weakness and stress and struggle have been ever-present and will remain. And Satan is relentless and creative in every era.
Society has changed. Fathers’ roles have changed. Mothers’ roles have changes. Many families lack the support of extended family who live nearby. So, yes, there is stress. How can we manage it?
Vivek Murthy, the current U.S. Surgeon General, advocates for a "national paid family and medical leave program," as well as "access to comprehensive and affordable high-quality mental health care."
Nice ideas. Bottomless troughs of money needed to fund them, of course.
Oh, and let's get those kids off the screens, he says. I agree. And, if I may add, let’s get parents off those screens, too. Or, if they insist on remaining glued to the pixels on their screens, perhaps we can flood their feeds (Facebook, Instagram, etc., etc.) with positive affirmations and funny videos…
Is the Surgeon General missing anything in his assessment and offer of solutions? Of course. Jesus. Jesus and his Word. Jesus and his forgiveness. Jesus and his connection to us through Baptism. Jesus the One who gives us the Rest of grace and forgiveness that we truly need.
I’ll ask this quite plainly: do our families/does your family need more or less of Jesus? Don’t hesitate. Don’t equivocate. Don’t make excuses. Yes, or No? Less, or More?
If you answer, “Less,” you’re throwing shade. You’re deluded. You’re setting yourself up for hurt and pain and stress without possibility of true relief.
If you answer, “More,” (and we all need more Jesus!) then respond to Jesus’ invitation. Come, he says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God’s Word is packed with powerful promises from front to back, from top to bottom. Here’s just one more:
Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be overwhelmed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God. I am the one who is holding on to your right hand. I am the one who says to you, “Do not fear. I myself am helping you.” (Isaiah 41:10,13)
God bless all families, parents, and children in Christ!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
This is news? Is it truly new? So, it's worse now than when most of us were raising kids? Really?
In some ways, perhaps. But every situation is unique. Sin and weakness and stress and struggle have been ever-present and will remain. And Satan is relentless and creative in every era.
Society has changed. Fathers’ roles have changed. Mothers’ roles have changes. Many families lack the support of extended family who live nearby. So, yes, there is stress. How can we manage it?
Vivek Murthy, the current U.S. Surgeon General, advocates for a "national paid family and medical leave program," as well as "access to comprehensive and affordable high-quality mental health care."
Nice ideas. Bottomless troughs of money needed to fund them, of course.
Oh, and let's get those kids off the screens, he says. I agree. And, if I may add, let’s get parents off those screens, too. Or, if they insist on remaining glued to the pixels on their screens, perhaps we can flood their feeds (Facebook, Instagram, etc., etc.) with positive affirmations and funny videos…
Is the Surgeon General missing anything in his assessment and offer of solutions? Of course. Jesus. Jesus and his Word. Jesus and his forgiveness. Jesus and his connection to us through Baptism. Jesus the One who gives us the Rest of grace and forgiveness that we truly need.
I’ll ask this quite plainly: do our families/does your family need more or less of Jesus? Don’t hesitate. Don’t equivocate. Don’t make excuses. Yes, or No? Less, or More?
If you answer, “Less,” you’re throwing shade. You’re deluded. You’re setting yourself up for hurt and pain and stress without possibility of true relief.
If you answer, “More,” (and we all need more Jesus!) then respond to Jesus’ invitation. Come, he says, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God’s Word is packed with powerful promises from front to back, from top to bottom. Here’s just one more:
Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be overwhelmed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the Lord your God. I am the one who is holding on to your right hand. I am the one who says to you, “Do not fear. I myself am helping you.” (Isaiah 41:10,13)
God bless all families, parents, and children in Christ!
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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