It is believed that Jesus stayed on the cross from approximately 9 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. That’s 6 hours of non-stop affliction. 

Recently, my oldest daughter started watching the news. At first, I was very reluctant about exposing her (my children) to the tribulation of this world. But we are learning the value of being transparent with Kaylee about the affliction we live in. It teaches her to be more conscious of her environment and prayerful in tough times.

So far, in parenting, transparency has been a positive thing. A more difficult  concept to teach is endurance and the art of not giving up. I often tell my oldest, “We can’t wish things away. We have to be strong.” Our children, our most vulnerable treasures, will have to learn to be strong and press through dire circumstances. It’s how they will survive this world. Yet, they aren’t old enough to fully experience hardship and pain and are way too young to grasp the concept of long suffering.

Children should be carefree. I don’t want my babies to grow up too fast and never do I want to see them traumatized. It is our responsibility, however, to instill resilience and teach them the ultimate example of long suffering– bearing trials with a spirit of hope and love.

Happy Easter from my family to you and yours! 

Photography by Brandon Standberry (BJS Photography).