We don’t talk about Bruno….but maybe we should. WARNING! This may contain spoilers so if you have not seen Disney’s Encanto, you may want to return after watching it, but if you don’t mind or have already seen the movie or have the song now stuck in your head as an ear worm, proceed.
Amidst family scandal in the movie Encanto, Bruno uses his gift to shine light on unfortunate happenings with his family. When things have reached their limit to handle, he is cast away to make life easier on everyone else. But the reality is that he never leaves.
Often times this is the way we handle tough topics as the church or as families, it’s just easier for all of us if we don’t talk about them. But the reality is that even if we don’t talk about them, they remain, and often times, can cause more trouble ignored than if they are brought into the open. We believe that God is light and truth and through Jesus darkness flees. We don’t have to hide from sinful topics, but can trust God to shine light to reveal the truth as we seek Him. And if sin is revealed in us or others, we can trust Him to purify us from it. (see 1 John)
I have been reading recently about young people who have walked away from the church or their faith. A Sticky Faith survey found that 70% of former youth group kids had significant questions about faith while they were in high school. As you read this, you may resonate or you may feel ill equipped to answer those questions, but findings show that those exploring their faith don’t need answers as much as they need the space to explore their questions.
I believe this is why Deuteronomy 6:6-9 urges parents to impress the foundations of faith (the law) on their children with consistency. This isn’t always formal teaching, but discussions when you’re sitting, walking (or driving), with your mouth and with what you do. Ask questions and invite your kids to ask questions about life and faith.
Throughout Israel’s journey from slavery to the promised land, they set up pillars, or reminders that would spark questions from their kids to ask “why is this here?” What are those reminders or question starters for your family? What space are you making for your kids to ask questions? Even if you don’t know the answer, you can say “I don’t know… but lets explore this together, or …but I do know that God knows, or God is good, or God is faithful because…”
When we don’t talk about hard things, the questions don’t go away, they just simmer and doubts brew. But if we allow the light of God to shine on those conversations and invite them, we trust God with the outcome and ultimately with the faith and formation of our kids.
What are the things you don’t talk about? Why is that? How can you open the door to questions your kids may want to ask, but are afraid to? What visible reminders are you placing in your family’s path that causes them to ask about God? Do your kids see you read your Bible or pray? Do they hear how you process difficult situations? Do they notice that God has made a difference in your life and have opportunity to hear about it? My prayer is that the light of Christ shines in your family’s life and that the Bruno-like questions aren’t stashed away, because even if you don’t say them out loud, they are likely looping like a catchy song in your kids minds.
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