Bold and Courageous!

I have raised my children to respect their elders. That is my expectation. Talking back is not an option. Neither is being sarcastic or having a “smart” mouth.



The other day we were at a family gathering and my nine-year-old son contradicted his grandfather. Not only did he contradict him, but he also flat out told him he was wrong and proceeded to explain to him why he was wrong and provided him with the correct information.



Let me explain the situation. My husband and father were discussing religion. More specifically, creation. My father stated, “time” has always been here. God did not create time.” My husband contradicted him with “Of course God created time.”





They continued to disagree on the topic of the creation of space. My father said God did not create space, which goes on for eternity. Space, like time, has always been here. It was never created.



By this time I had been included in the conversation and of course, I agreed with my husband. God did indeed create everything. Without Him, there is nothing.



We didn’t name our son Jeremiah for nothing. He is as bold as they come, especially when it comes to matters of faith. He will talk to anyone, and I mean anyone, about his or her faith. He wants to know if you are a Christian, if you are looking for a church and if you need help, you are more than welcome to come to ours. He is not shy about his faith. Period.





So, my son hears my father dissing God and immediately wants to rectify the situation. His comments were not rude or disrespectful. He actually said very little. His comment was thus: “Grandpa, you are wrong. God made everything, all through out the galaxy. He made everything. He is God.” With that simple statement, he left. That was it.



My gut reaction was to interrupt him. I didn’t follow my gut. I let him speak. I questioned myself later and after we were settled in at home, my husband said he would always encourage Jeremiah to speak boldly about his faith.



I love my son’s boldness. I love that he is not concerned with the opinions of man.



The Word says this:



“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:6



How about this verse:



“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13



I have a lot to learn from my son. He doesn’t argue. He simply states the facts then removes himself from the conversation. It’s matter of fact. There is no room for arguing because how can one argue with the truth? He fully believes what he says is truth, so he does not feel the need to prove himself right.





I love how Jesus did it. He didn’t back down in the name of being politically correct. He called a spade a spade. But, he didn’t argue either. He boldly stood for truth. Do you?



Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!



Darlene Shortridge,

Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed

www.darleneshortridge.com

www.darleneshortridge.blogspot.com/

































www.BooksByAmanda.com