The Betty J. Eadie Email Newsletter

Issue #4, April/May 2001

The Power of Love for Children
In a note on my home page, I mention how tragic it is that our children are no longer safe in today's schools. It is tragic--and frightening--because shootings and other violent acts on campuses are not perpetrated by adults. Rather, it is our children themselves who are turning in deadly force against each other, even at young ages. Why is this happening? And how can we stop it? Unfortunately, by installing more metal detectors, hiring more security, and enacting stiffer laws we are only reacting to symptoms of a dark and growing sickness which threatens our world. During my near-death experience I saw this sickness in vision, and I saw its effects. The sickness is the diminishing of human love in the earth and the loss of reverence toward creation. The effects are chaos, misery and fear, and the many catastrophes I was shown which await the earth if mankind collectively continues to break universal laws. What we must accept is that the cause and the cure for this sickness, including the cause and cure for child-against-child violence, resides at the foundation of our society: within our very homes.

When I decided to publish Dr. James E. Shaw's book, "Jack & Jill, Why They Kill: A Parent's Guide," I did it because it teaches so effectively what I know to be true. Dr. Shaw has interviewed over 100 kids who are in prison today for killing other kids. In every case, it was the breakdown of family love, in particular the lack of active parental love, which led ultimately to the crimes that put these kids behind bars. In my near-death experience I was shown that the roles of father and mother are sacred roles. Their responsibilities cannot be set aside without risk of creating the type of painful consequences described in Dr. Shaw's book. Godly parental love and a spirit of nurturing and selfless caring must exist in our homes. When these are absent, children grow up emotionally malnourished. Their spirits are injured. They may develop deep deformities of soul which will eventually come to the surface to be dealt with, sometimes creating tragic consequences. When love and nurturing do exist at home, children thrive. They acquire these attributes themselves and grow up in turn to become loving, faithful parents.

In "The Ripple Effect" I wrote that "our tender children are precious to God. They come to us straight from him--innocent, trusting, and forgiving. They bring the light and love of God with them and willingly place their untouched hearts into our hands to be molded as we choose. We can nurture and expand the love that is already in them, or we can crush it" (page 48). Within our children lies the future, the hope and promise of this world. It is not surprising that certain forces at play should focus destructive energies upon families and youth. How much more critical it is then, as parents or as adult caregivers, that we increase our efforts to defend and protect and nurture in love those directly under our care. We are not alone in this responsibility, and we must not fear. We can turn for help to God, who is the Perfect and Eternal Parent of all children, and who delights in loving and helping us watch over them. We can succeed in Him.

My humble gift to you in this issue of my newsletter is the following prayer. Use it as an example, changing the wording to fit your situation and using the child's name instead of "my child." May God bless us all in our efforts to be good and loving parents. And may our world, as a result, be filled with greater light and love.

A Prayer for My Child

Heavenly Father, there are forces in this world which would harm my child. Surround him with protecting angels. Go before and behind him each day, and guide him in safe paths. Make him wise in choosing places to enter and in choosing friends and companions to be with. Whisper in his ear when danger is near, and show him the way to safety. Make the adults around him vigilant and aware. Bless their efforts to create a sheltered environment for all children in their care. Bless my child to do his part in helping and defending others. That he may be a peacemaker and treat everyone with respect. That he may never hurt another out of anger or ill will. Bless him to learn the joy of being a friend to all. Father, help me teach my child good ways to solve his problems and to resolve his differences with others. May my example show him tolerance and forgiveness and generosity. When necessary, let my guiding hand correct him firmly but never unkindly. Help me to be a good listener and not too quick to judge. Bless our home, Father, to be a sanctuary of acceptance and unconditional love, so that my child will feel safe to open his heart and his feelings here. That he may know he is loved and respected and cherished always. That your love which is in him may blossom and grow. That he may become all that you want him to be. Father, let affection and tenderness flow freely between us, that our home may reflect a bit of heaven on earth. That as my child goes into the world, his influence may heal and give light to others. As your Son did, Father. I ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

News and Updates
As mentioned on my home page, I am nearing completion of my new book. I have certainly felt heaven's direction while preparing it. The work has taken a course I had not expected, which is often God's way. And I have learned much by the process. This book is full of offerings for meditation and prayer on many subjects which come into our lives daily. I feel it will be useful for those wishing to draw nearer to God and to personalize their relationship with him---in other words, it's for all of us! Watch my home page for further information as publication time approaches.
Home Page

We are in need of more submissions for the Mother's Prayer section of the website. If you have an experience where a mother's prayer was answered, even in a simple way, please share it with us.
Mother's Prayers
Mother's Prayers Submission Page

Thank you to the many friends and readers who sent me birthday greetings this month. Your remembrance and loving thoughts mean a lot to me. May God bless you for your kindness.