I Remember When...
Copyright 2001 by Jill Manzoni

I remember when living was fun, a safe adventure, a delight. Today we feel as if we are placing a target on our children's back each time we send them out to play. What can we do?

When I was a little girl (yes a long time ago) I remember being at home with my mother and watching "Days Of Our Lives" while she worked in front of her ironing board. At the ripe age of five I went to Kindergarten where learning and being out in the world was fun and exciting, but I always knew mom would be there waiting in the safety of "home".

For years this went on as a way of life, until one day during the bus ride home, I knew that something had changed. The older kids were different somehow. Quiet, reserved, thoughtful, just different. It was as if they had all become older since the morning ride to school.

I entered the door to our house, expecting a snack during homework time, and then I could sit for a while with mom. Today, things had changed. Mom was standing in her usual spot, with her iron in her hand, but she was crying, no sobbing. They announced that President Kennedy had been killed. Mom turned around and said, "Do you remember meeting him at Crump Theater?" I remembered. I don't remember if I cried that day, but from then on everything in the world was different.

People seemed to no longer hold the highest regard for human life. Wars became plentiful instead of unusual, and Mom and Dad...never voted the same again. Those of you raised in the 50's know the impact of that, and it will probably remind you of that era too. When soon you couldn't even walk down the street alone, lest mom got worried, or even flew into a panic if you did!

Today, with all the transformations of life that have occurred, the world is no longer a safe place as it used to be. Sometimes it feels as if you are posting a target on your child's back each time you kiss them goodbye at the door. You feel the need to cling to what you have, in fear of losing it. You think you are doing what is best for them and trying your hardest to find out that you did it all wrong and the rules had all changed. There is no longer consistency and certainly no more compassion.

We need to ask ourselves why we have let it get this point we are at. Let us look at some startling facts. Reciting a prayer in school, or even bowing your head to pray, violates the Bill of Rights, while those who cuss and dress like freaks, pierce our noses, tongues and "whatever else" are permit able and in good favor. Where it is common practice to give out condoms and birth controls, condone teenage pregnancy, study witchcraft and all other types of new age beliefs, but make sure you don't bow your head in silent prayer or verbalize the Ten Commandments, else you face suspension.

Today we are mourning the worst tragedy in American history. Where do we go from here? Isn't this the time to be reflecting on our own selves instead of placing blame to others. Shouldn't we ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?"

Let's face it...this is a wake up call. This world is in a "holy war". Many skeptics scoff and remark, "It is simply an act of terrorism by a group of fascists." However, people are sacrificing their lives to carry out these grave and horrendous acts of violence! They are praying to their own God as they fly US airplanes into our own people. They are committing murder for the welfare of their cause....even believing they will be richly rewarded in heaven for committing such a brave act.

It's time we wake up as Christians. We should ban together in our cause, and lay aside the petty differences that divide us. It's time we tell people about our convictions Can you say you would die for what you believe? Can you spread the message that God wants of us? To love others. Or shall we go on as watered down Christians? Too embarrassed to say grace over our food, much less give our lives for what we believe.

Let's take what the enemy has meant for bad and turn it into his worst nightmare. Let's unify, find courage and fight for what we believe! Where can I start you ask? Read and live by Psalms 91. 

"Thou shall not be afraid of the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

We need to pray for those victims and their families that have been directly affected by this tragedy. We need to pray for President Bush and our leaders that they have wisdom, strength and courage to make the right decisions. We need to pray for our enemies that they have true understanding. Pray continuously, and unceasingly. Find Jesus and learn who He is, and why He died for you.

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Written by Jill Manzoni, editor of Children Who Write.