Here lately, there have been so many accidents around town. Every time I hear about another one, my heart sinks. These are real people with families who expected them to come home. They probably started their day just like the rest of us… making plans, going to work, running errands, or heading home to the people they love.
But life can change in a second.
Since I have been studying my Bible more and reflecting on my own relationship with God, one thought keeps coming to my mind: I hope they knew Jesus.
I don’t say that to judge anyone or pretend that I know what was in their heart. Only God knows that. It has simply reminded me how short this life really is and how easily we take tomorrow for granted.
The Bible says, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” — James 4:14
That verse feels different when tragedy happens close to home.
My oldest daughter is 15 now. Before long, she will be driving, making more of her own choices, and stepping into a world where I cannot always be beside her or protect her. If I’m being honest, that scares me. As her mother, I couldn’t live with myself if I never gave her the opportunity to truly know Christ.
I can’t make that decision for her. Faith cannot be forced, borrowed from a parent, or passed down like a last name. But I can teach her. I can talk openly about Jesus. I can pray with her and for her. I can show her what it looks like to seek God—not perfectly, because goodness knows I am still learning too, but honestly.
For a long time, I think I treated conversations about salvation like something we had plenty of time to get around to. But we are not promised next year, next week, or even tomorrow. That doesn’t mean we should live terrified. It means we should stop putting off what matters most.
Tell your children about Jesus. Pray for them. Let them ask hard questions. If you don’t know the answers, learn together. And don’t assume the people you love already know what is in your heart… TELL them.
Life is short, but the hope we have in Christ is eternal.
Tonight, I’m praying for every family in our community whose loved one didn’t make it home. I’m also praying that God will help me be braver about sharing my faith with the people I love, because the most important thing I can give my children isn’t a perfect childhood or protection from every hard thing.
It is the chance to know Jesus for themselves.
Love always,
Fowler Homestead
