Ivy Sue and You

In this day and age, and likely every age before as well since this really isn’t anything new or profound, it is increasingly difficult to hold to your convictions. The world looks down on those who don’t feel or think the same way they do. This oftentimes leads to conforming to the ways of the world and then having to justify why to yourself and your christian peers. It’s difficult and confusing. As parents, we personally have made a decision to not celebrate Halloween, we both celebrated as children and never thought anything of it. Yet now as adults, having learned for ourselves the origins, have decided it is not suited for our family. However, as the children have gotten older, and as the school participates in the holiday, it has become increasingly difficult to continue to steer away from the activities surrounding the day. This year is particularly difficult as I too have pressures in the workplace to participate. It’s become a constant internal struggle for me this week on what I will do and allow my children to do. I know what I believe and I do hold tightly to my convictions yet I realize I cannot shelter my children from the outside pressures of the world and they have to learn to make decisions for themselves. I can let them participate in a simple trunk or treat during school hours as a school activity (rather than a Halloween activity) and they begin to feel and form their own convictions on the matter. I must also teach them what I know about it and Christ and what He teaches me so when they are faced with difficult decisions they are well equipped to stand firm in their convictions and beliefs. Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”