Greenland

Talking to your child about the U.S.’s Arctic ambitions.

Read Time: 5 min 44 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

─────── January 22, 2026 ───────

Happy Thursday!
Today, we’re talking about the world’s largest island. But before you reach for your sunnies and flip flops… We’ll set the scene with this traveler’s tour of the Arctic wonderland

Grab your thermal underwear—let’s talk Greenland. 

This week’s Decaf is brought to you by the Life Application Study Bible and the Balance budget app.

Today’s story was taken from The Pour Over’s January 19th and 21st emails and rewritten at a 7th-grade reading level.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Go wisely and slowly. Those who rush stumble and fall.”
William Shakespeare

READ | REFLECT | RESPOND

WORLD NEWS

Greenland

President Trump has been talking about turning Greenland into Red-White-and-Blue-land.

The massive island sits in the Arctic Circle between North America, Russia, and Europe (see map here). Greenland is a territory of Denmark, and it’s home to ~57,000 people (roughly the population of Key West, FL). The population mostly governs itself, but it relies on Denmark for defense, funding, and relations with other countries.

Why does President Trump want this not-so-green hunk of ice? Two main reasons:

  1. It sits between Russia and the States… who are not besties. Trump says Greenland’s strategic location will help the U.S. defend itself. 

  2. Greenland is flush with rare-earth minerals, which are key for all kinds of tech production.

Things got real on Saturday. President Trump announced the U.S. is going to tax eight European nations 10% until they make a deal for America to purchase Greenland. He said, “world peace is at stake.” In response, Greenlanders said their land is “not for sale,” and the U.S.’s European allies stood behind the islanders. 

The disagreement was the iceberg in the room as President Trump headed to Switzerland to meet with world leaders this week. Yesterday, his tariff threats thawed after meeting with a leader of NATO (an alliance that includes the States and many European nations). Mr. Trump said the leaders “formed the framework of a future deal” that includes defense and mineral rights. He said tariffs are off the table.

The stock market warmed at the news, with tech companies like Nvidia leading the comeback.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Most of us have very little control over geopolitics.  But all of us have control over how we show up for our loved ones, those we’ve recently met, those we pass by, and even those we’d rather avoid. Invest in what you can control—and do so with love.

Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Romans 12:10, 13-14 (CSB) (read full passage)

READ | REFLECT | RESPOND

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
World leaders’ fight over Greenland is fundamentally a fight for control of resources and security. We (probably) can’t relate to managing complicated matters of state, but we all wrestle with the impulse to fight for control.

God's design is not for us to be the master controllers of our lives, but to be people of faith (Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 10:13-16). That means trusting in His will, even when it's uncomfy, not as glamorous, or leads straight to suffering. Walking in faith requires us to give up our control, trust God, and be willing to say, “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42, NIV).

When you’re overcome by the desire to take the reins, pray for faith (Luke 11:9-13).

How can I model loving an enemy when discussing this story?
By trying to understand them so you can grow empathy and compassion.

President Trump says his priority is safety and security. That’s not a bad thing to want—it's the government's job to create a safe environment in which its people can flourish.  World leaders want to maintain peaceful international relationships. Greenlanders want to preserve their sense of home; their identity, history, and culture are all wrapped up in this Arctic package.

Which priorities have the most weight in any given scenario is where believers need wisdom. But as we exercise that wisdom, curiosity about others will make us better decision-makers and grow our love.

READ | REFLECT | RESPOND

  • Look up Greenland on Google Earth or in an encyclopedia. Pick one thing about the land or culture that surprises you, and share it with each other.
     

  • Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight” (CSB). Need some help? Use this song!
     

  • Pray for President Trump and other world leaders to have wisdom and empathy in their discussions about Greenland this week: “Lord and Master, you have given these rulers the power of sovereignty through your own mighty power… Grant unto these leaders health, peace, unity, and stability, so they can administer without failure the government you have given them. For you—Heavenly Master and King of the Ages—you give ordinary people glory, honor, and power over all things in this world. Direct their leadership in a way that is good and well pleasing in your sight.” Clement of Rome, page 127 in Fount of Heaven: Prayers of the Early Church.

 

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week: He’s tweakin on me cuz I knocked over his Lego tower.”

Family Fun: Who can help this dinosaur hop over cacti for the longest?

Whipped Cream on Top: Does this bacon taste... staticky to you?

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