In the Old Testament, for forty years, the Israelites had a consistent, physical, daily reminder of God’s presence—it wasn’t in the form of WWJD bracelets or daily devotionals in their bathrooms; it was the manna from heaven.
A pillar of clouds by day and a pillar of fire by night. When it came time for them to cross the Jordan into Canaan, Moses knew he would have to prepare them for the harsh realities of life without daily physical signs from God.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Moses tells the Israelites:
Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God; the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, when you walk around the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Moses didn’t talk about how to set up a government or how to give detailed battle plans; he gave them plans for everyday faith. He told them to talk about their faith when they sit at home, walk along roads, when they lie down, and get up. It’s as if he’s saying: that faith is a part of your day-to-day; it can’t be set aside for one hour every week.
That’s what Everyday Conversations is—a place where you can find resources, hope, and help for the everyday parts of parenthood where conversations about faith live. Our first deep dive is on mental health, as it’s the conversation at the top of the mind for many parents. We hope the resources here are just a place to start.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES