Hi

Here's something I've noticed — and I say this with genuine respect, because it describes families I admire:

Many Christian families are exceptional at giving their kids knowledge, values, and a protected environment.

And those are real gifts.

But sometimes the protection itself becomes a problem. Not because safety is wrong — but because kids who've never really failed don't know how to handle failure. Kids who've always been surrounded by people who share their worldview can struggle to hold their own when they meet someone who doesn't. Kids who've been shielded from discomfort sometimes find that discomfort — when it finally arrives — is overwhelming. And those who have always been very good at everything sometimes face the crushing reality of being imperfect.

The world doesn't ease them in.

What I've come to believe is that the most loving thing we can do is deliberately introduce difficulty — on our terms, at home, while we're still there to walk alongside them.

I call it being hard on purpose.

I'll get into exactly what I mean in the next email.

Craig