I was four-years-old. My crying drew my mother to my bedroom. She took my hand and prayed a word for each finger: “Jesus says, 'I . . . will . . . never . . . leave . . . you.'”  Then (too soon!) she left. It was dark, the monster under my bed still wanted me, but now I was not alone. Jesus was with me.

In the wake of recent national tragedies involving children, what do we say to our kids? Experts’ advice, in both secular and Christian media, seems parallel. They caution awareness of age appropriateness. "Turn off the TV. Don’t expose little ones." Reassurance is stressed for all ages. Moms and dads are to listen to cues about their kids' concerns. Encourage them to talk and validate their feelings. Reassurance is emphasized. “Do not worry . . . that will probably never happen to you.”

Reasonable, but I wonder as I listen to all the variations on this theme, is comfort based on statistical improbability the best we can do for our kids? Does it prepare our children to face an unthinkable situation, or is it denial? Is it anything close to hope? When we sense Sandy Hook, Columbine and West Nickel Mines indicate a trend of violence against children, does it address the spiritual crisis in families?

We can do much more. These are the times to lay strong faith foundations for our childrens' present and future lives. That's why scary times can be so much more than scary times.

So what do children need in scary times?