Is there any greater joy than being a parent? The sweet smile of recognition that comes across their face when you pick them up from their crib. The reflection of yourself or your spouse when their expressions remind you of one another. The joy you feel over their achievements whether it is watching them take their first steps or graduate from high school. We feel ownership of our children. The fact that they are our children is an irrefutable fact, a truth that cannot be disputed. Even if the smartest, most respected person you know told you otherwise, they would be wrong. Your children are completely your children.

I've had the joy of being a parent and knowing the lengths I'd go to defend my children. I've also had the privilege of watching my children, nieces, and nephews experience the joy of raising their own children. Such an amazing time when children are young and can be naive to the snags of life that could distract or harm them, especially in today's culture.

In today's culture, truth seems to be a moving target. Truths are diluted to opinion, feelings, perspective, and twisted confusion. Perfect examples are the denial of life at conception and thus, we are told that it really isn't a baby that is killed in abortion. Or that our gender is our choice, even though science proves that male or female is determined long before we're even born. But if we listen to the false narratives long enough, we can begin to believe the lies. We can lose sight of what is truly true.

But truth is complicated. Sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes we simply don't want to accept it. To top it off, as humans we have a tendency to be a bit arrogant. We think that if we say or think something, it IS...even if it isn't. And yet, the truth is the greatest gift you can give someone because the truth withheld is even more painful. And regardless of our reaction to truth, the truth remains...as truth. Just like a child belongs to a its parent, no matter what anyone else says or believes.

In this time in our nation, many are trying to find their voice, their purpose, their cause. They stand with microphone in their hand or act in ways to draw attention, seemingly unaware that they've missed the point; the truth that would bring them joy, peace, a fresh perspective, and freedom. For beyond the riots, the politics, the racial rhetoric, passions or causes, is a truth far greater.

That truth? Well, it's simple. God sent His only Son to die for YOU. He loved YOU so much that God in all His wisdom didn't think the world would be complete without YOU. YOU are His child, so loved by the Him that He made a way for you to spend eternity in heaven. Whether you believe it or not...that's the truth. Don't miss out on the most important truth that you could ever experience.

John 8:32: "And you will know the truth; and the truth will set you free."