New here. Hi. I just wanted to say I love this. In a way I'm new to Christianity. This is really helpful for me to better understand a Christian perspective that feels accessible. Finding my way to God, this really helps. Stoked to keep tuning in ☺️
Okay....I’m crying. I grew up in an evangelical space and have been doing a lot of work to rewire some of the messaging that wasn’t all helpful, some harmful, looking for a new way to think about explaining the Jesus I love to my kids, ages 4 and 2. I have so much anxiety when thinking about how to parent and teach around spiritual topics. All this dialogue is so helpful, so liberating. I feel like I get to embrace these beautiful truths in new ways as I seek wisdom to guide my precious kiddos in this important area of their lives. Thank you for the meaningful work - it matters. Beyond words grateful today!
Wow... this is so helpful — and a lot! The old PSA teachings are so ingrained in me that I struggle when I talk with my kids and sometimes it gets awkward. 😬 And sometimes when my kids catch me at a moment when I’m not fully present, I blurt out what I was taught as a kid in a white conservative American evangelical church. Ugh.
I know it will take time to undo that way of thinking. I just don’t want to mess my kids up, you know? I don’t want to miss any window of curiosity and opportunity.
Would it be weird if I carry around notes so I’m always ready? #kiddingnotkidding 😜
I feel this so much--the paths of PSA are so well-worn in my brain that I don’t feel like I have any of these answers at the ready. And these are the answers I want at the ready!!! Adult flash cards with these important ideas sound like a great idea.
They way you describe it not only makes a lot of sense, I hear similar sentiments from others as well. And the thing is, none of the "try this instead" answers are new or original to me; these are part of huge chunk of the Christian tradition. But if the PSA camp has also presented itself as The Only Way to think about it, it can feel clumsy or even scary.
Which story guide would you recommend? I'm hoping to create mini stations in our church building that help families talk about Easter to kids of all ages. We don't have a big Sunday School right now but many families come throughout the Lent Season.
Hi Meredith! I'm SUCH a big fan of your work. Thank you for putting this stuff out there - you articulate it so well (I just shared your Substack with my subscribers). Anyhow, I'm wondering your opinion... How old do you think kids should be before they are ready to experience the Good Friday service?
I think there's an age-appropriate version that could be done starting around age 6, with more information (trial, for instance) around 8/9. But if the service is for adults, that's really different, because often there are artistic elements that are offered that aren't spelled out. Great for teens and older, but risky for young ones. My own preference would be to offer a kid specific experience through elementary school, if possible.
I was so excited about being able to translate this from Christian into Modern for myself that I shared it with my favorite Catholics. They offered a point that I didn't know I too had in my heart.
I want to invite you to a dialogue if you have the time and are interested. With the topic being on how suffering enobles the soul.
I love you. You're writing makes my heart sing. Bless 😊❣️
New here. Hi. I just wanted to say I love this. In a way I'm new to Christianity. This is really helpful for me to better understand a Christian perspective that feels accessible. Finding my way to God, this really helps. Stoked to keep tuning in ☺️
Hi! So glad it can be a helpful piece along the way.
Okay....I’m crying. I grew up in an evangelical space and have been doing a lot of work to rewire some of the messaging that wasn’t all helpful, some harmful, looking for a new way to think about explaining the Jesus I love to my kids, ages 4 and 2. I have so much anxiety when thinking about how to parent and teach around spiritual topics. All this dialogue is so helpful, so liberating. I feel like I get to embrace these beautiful truths in new ways as I seek wisdom to guide my precious kiddos in this important area of their lives. Thank you for the meaningful work - it matters. Beyond words grateful today!
Almost like Jesus is good news, eh? :) I am truly so glad that this helps you find some handles for you and your kiddos.
Wow... this is so helpful — and a lot! The old PSA teachings are so ingrained in me that I struggle when I talk with my kids and sometimes it gets awkward. 😬 And sometimes when my kids catch me at a moment when I’m not fully present, I blurt out what I was taught as a kid in a white conservative American evangelical church. Ugh.
I know it will take time to undo that way of thinking. I just don’t want to mess my kids up, you know? I don’t want to miss any window of curiosity and opportunity.
Would it be weird if I carry around notes so I’m always ready? #kiddingnotkidding 😜
Faith flash cards for grown ups who don't like searching for words? I like it!
I feel this so much--the paths of PSA are so well-worn in my brain that I don’t feel like I have any of these answers at the ready. And these are the answers I want at the ready!!! Adult flash cards with these important ideas sound like a great idea.
They way you describe it not only makes a lot of sense, I hear similar sentiments from others as well. And the thing is, none of the "try this instead" answers are new or original to me; these are part of huge chunk of the Christian tradition. But if the PSA camp has also presented itself as The Only Way to think about it, it can feel clumsy or even scary.
This is so helpful! Thank you for your fantastic resources!!
It's my pleasure!
Which story guide would you recommend? I'm hoping to create mini stations in our church building that help families talk about Easter to kids of all ages. We don't have a big Sunday School right now but many families come throughout the Lent Season.
I'd grab the Zippee Easter curriculum for that setting!
Hi Meredith! I'm SUCH a big fan of your work. Thank you for putting this stuff out there - you articulate it so well (I just shared your Substack with my subscribers). Anyhow, I'm wondering your opinion... How old do you think kids should be before they are ready to experience the Good Friday service?
Hi! That's really kind encouragement--thank you!
I think there's an age-appropriate version that could be done starting around age 6, with more information (trial, for instance) around 8/9. But if the service is for adults, that's really different, because often there are artistic elements that are offered that aren't spelled out. Great for teens and older, but risky for young ones. My own preference would be to offer a kid specific experience through elementary school, if possible.
Super helpful - thanks much!!
I was so excited about being able to translate this from Christian into Modern for myself that I shared it with my favorite Catholics. They offered a point that I didn't know I too had in my heart.
I want to invite you to a dialogue if you have the time and are interested. With the topic being on how suffering enobles the soul.
I love you. You're writing makes my heart sing. Bless 😊❣️