Parent Connection 8.1.21

 

Finding Joy In The Valley

Objective: Students will discover the comfort in God’s promises when facing the death of a loved one and build confidence in helping others who are dealing with death.

Key Scripture: Psalm 23:4

Key Thought: Death is not an end, but a beginning

Lesson Summary: Tonight’s lesson was part of a four-part series called, “Deal With It: A Biblical Approach to Tough Topics.” In each of the four parts of this series, we will discover the biblical approach to some rather difficult topics. In tonight’s lesson, we took the principles from Scripture and applied them to the difficult topic of death.

We introduced the students to the Great Shepherd who walks through the valley of the shadow of death with them (Psalm 23). We challenged the students to help others who experience the death of a loved one by doing something practical, by being sensitive, and, when needed, being quiet. 

We challenged the students to look at death from their own perspective. Are they ready to face death one day? Do they know Jesus as Savior? What are they doing to prepare themselves for the valleys in life?

Death is a difficult subject. It’s understandable why this is a topic not regularly discussed in car rides to school or soccer practice, but it is not a subject that should be ignored. If possible, have a conversation with your teen this week to discuss how your family can make a plan to take some practical steps to be a comfort to those who have lost a loved one. Here is a list of suggested ways that your family can help when the need arises.

●    Pray daily.

●    Run errands.

●    Make a meal.

●    Babysit or watch younger children.

●    Watch or take care of family pets.

●    Sit and listen to them.

●    Do an activity they enjoy (a sport, a game, take a walk, etc.).

●    [Insert something else you can do.]

  

Let this be an opportunity for your family to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. For some fantastic parental advice on how to talk to your teens, visit www.axis.org for parent guides or to sign up for the free Cultural Translator email.