Article May 27, 1996 Issue

Children as victors, not victims

Elaine Kay Lang

In a climate of great public concern for the safety and well-being of children, parents are discovering the excellent care and protection they are able to provide their families through reliance on God alone. This care flows from an understanding of God and His laws, and is demonstrable in health, safety, and peace of mind. Families who have experienced genuine Christian healing have recognized that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Ps. 46:1).

Growing up in a major city, our four children have been confronted right in their own schools with vandalism, theft, and racial conflict. Suburban and rural communities are dealing with these problems, too. We parents can't be with our children every minute. As they grow, how do we help them understand that they need never be victims of impositions, such as theft, loss, or anger?

Education provided by schools and other groups in how to deal with these issues is a step, but it isn't always enough. My husband and I realized we had a responsibility to teach our children the spiritual means to exercise their God-given power and dominion over any injustice. Mary Baker Eddy, author of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and ardent follower of Christ Jesus, observes: "A demonstration of the facts of Soul in Jesus' way resolves the dark visions of material sense into harmony andimmortality. ... To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,—this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true" (Science and Health, p. 428).