Upfront May 23, 2011 Issue

Guided by our shepherd

Ingrid Peschke, Managing Editor

Caring for children is a big topic. There are so many angles you can discuss, from watching over a child’s education and health as they grow, to continuing that vigilance when they leave home and launch their own lives. 

As a parent of three, I’ve given this topic a lot of thought and prayer—and this “on the ground” experience sure has prompted me to delve deeper into my understanding of God and Christian Science. Along the way, one of my favorite Biblical guides has been “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young” (Isa. 40:11). Rather than thinking of ourselves as the shepherds of our family, my husband and I have learned to lean on God to point out the way, inspired by the words of Mary Baker Eddy’s well-loved hymn that begins by asking, “Shepherd, show me how to go . . . .”

For this issue, the editors decided it would be helpful to consider the wide range of care that parenting involves. Those who have loved ones serving in the military will appreciate Michael Hefner’s perspective on when his son joined the National Guard and served in Afghanistan (p. 18). And every parent has been there when a child was hurt or unwell, in need of warm love and attention. Along these lines, you’ll read examples of how Christian Science treatment is an effective, immediate means of care at such times (see, for example, “Daughter’s jaw quickly healed,” p. 20). 

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