Cross necklace?
Q: So my daughter who's about to be 5 asked for a cross necklace for her birthday. I told her yes and even let her pick one out. Well she told my while getting ready for church today "granny hurt my feelings". So I asked her what happened... she said "granny said I don't need a cross necklace that she's going to get my a heart necklace instead". My mother in law is not a follower of christ and she's very very worldy. I told Mt daughter not to worry about it that some people are just that way. I told her if she wants the cross necklace that I will get it for her. My thing is my MIL clearly makes remarkes or jabs at followers and christ. How do explain what a non believer/ none followrr is to a child that young? Is it something I should even explain right now? I just don't know how to explain it with out discussing the good and the evil. I'm not ready to teach her about the devil or hell yet because I want her to focus on the happy good parts with how little she is right now. I do plan to teach her these things within a year or two if she hasn't already asked by then.
A: Talk honestly with your daughter as age appropriate. The below might be a good example whether she's 5, 8, or 12.
You can explain that "Honey, a lot of people don't understand about God and Jesus. Some got hurt by someone at church, but wrongly think its God's fault & the problem is never solved because dont ask the pastor or their mom, and others just don't want to know, they want to go sin instead of go the blessed path God lovingly wants for us. Lets Pray that God will reach nanas heart one day, but (you) keep following Jesus...& learn more about Christianity at home from mon and dad, and at church, so one day God can use you to help reach nana. Always come to me to ask any questions you have.
Also, You can have a cross and heart pendant on the necklace, (and tell your daughter) your heart belongs to Jesus, and that we are to love everyone because God wants us too."
As to the grandma, your husband needs to have a convo with her that you forbid her from saying negative things to your impressionable daughter, and that as parents your raising her as God commands to, in the faith of Christianity. Note to her that you don't know what church hurt or issues she has with Christianity, but you're happy to have any caring discussions with her about it, because you would love for her to know the Savior, and our loving God.
Some have asked before if its ok to wear a cross. The answer is yes. It is a visual representation showing Christ has died but has risen, thus we wear a plain cross. It is also a conversation piece. A good icebreaker to start gospel conversations.
Even this news piece is a good purposeful icebreaker to start a convo towards the Gospel... noting that God saves.
Here is a suggestion and guide to help you have Gospel conversations with people.
God bless.
