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U.S. NEWS

National Guard Shooting

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, D.C. last Wednesday. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died on Thanksgiving, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in “serious condition.”

The service members were patrolling near the White House as part of President Trump’s plan to control crime. A man reportedly “came around the corner” and “immediately started firing.” Other Guard members exchanged fire with the shooter and caught him. 

The suspect is a 29-year-old Afghan national with no criminal history. When American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, he came to the U.S. under a special program for Afghans who helped U.S. forces. He was part of a CIA-led group fighting terrorism. His motive for targeting the National Guard is unknown.

After the attack, President Trump promised to "permanently pause migration from all third-world countries.” The U.S. also stopped all decisions about asylum (a process that lets people from other countries stay in America for safety). Then, Defense Secretary Hegseth said 500 more National Guard members will be sent to the capital. 

Want to learn more about how the National Guard works? Check out this TPO Explains article (or video). 

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We live in a world that’s broken by sin. Even as we work to promote justice and healing here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible and regret will be a distant memory.

“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” 
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)

What do I want to make sure my kids know in light of this story?
If this story makes you sad or angry… that’s okay. Aching over what’s wrong in the world isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s often the sign of a soft, alive heart that longs for God’s promises to come true.

The Bible is full of God’s people pointing to those promises and asking, “When?”. Scripture says we’re allowed encouraged to bring our sadness and questions straight to God and say, “You promised peace and justice… but I’m not seeing it yet! Do something!” (see: Psalm 10, 13, 79).

So if you feel heavy after stories like this, pay attention… and bring it to the God who promises a good future.

What response to this story do I want to model for my children?
Seeing people as God sees them is a habit—a discipline of love.

Model for your kids a way of engaging hard stories that refuses to dehumanize. Instead of sorting names in the news into “good” and “bad,” teach your kids that God created every person, sees their pain, and stays with them long after headlines fade.

Loving people as God loves them trains our hearts in compassion, which comes from our compassionate God: “The LORD ​— ​the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished” (Exodus 34:6-7 CSB).

• Discuss: What hard thing is making you sad or angry? Which promise from God gives you hope?
   

• Memorize Exodus 34:6-7, “The LORD ​— ​the LORD is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love and truth, maintaining faithful love to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But he will not leave the guilty unpunished” (CSB).
   

• Pray as an instinctive family response to hard news. Pray for those grieving, harmed, causing harm, shaken families, and leaders making hard decisions. Ask God for comfort, repentance, protection, peace, and wisdom.

For further reflection and a prayer about the National Guard shooting in your inbox Sunday, subscribe here to Praying the News.

CREAM AND SUGAR

Gen Z Word of the Week:  ate… but not the food. As in, “Mom, you ate with that Thanksgiving table setting this year… left no crumbs.”

Family Fun: ‘Tis (finally) the season of Christmas music! How well do you know these classics? Find out here with some family karaoke (Christmas jammies and hot cocoa encouraged).

Whipped Cream on Top: Yay, snow!

RECOMMENDED

What We’re Doing with Our Kids during Christmas Break
This free, faith-building activity booklet*

If your kids are on sugar-cookie overload, here’s a fun way to refocus on the true hope of Christmas.

The Little Explorers Christmas booklet from Unto helps kids understand generosity and God’s heart for those in need through stories, games, and hands-on activities. Families will meet Naomi, Daniel, and their llama friend Lenny (10/10 name) as they learn how prayer and simple acts of kindness can bring Jesus’s love to the toughest places.

It’s totally free to download. Grab your family’s copy here and start exploring!

What You Can Love Again
Your love story, thanks to Weekend to Remember*

Whether your marriage is thriving or threadbare, FamilyLife’s Weekend to Remember gives the elusive gift every couple needs: space to slow down, reconnect, and remember why you first said “I do.”

You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with practical, biblical tools for the nitty-gritty of life together: stronger communication, healthier conflict navigation, and a firmer foundation of friendship. 

Some stories turn on a single, small hinge. This weekend may be that hinge, shifting yours back toward what matters most. 

Your story is worth investing in. Register for your next getaway today and use code DECAF for $100 off!

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