Daddy, why did the terrorists blow up Planet Yogurt?

The tragedy in Nairobi, Kenya hit very close to home for us. Nairobi is only a 12 hour drive away. On our trip to Nairobi in June we spent a good deal of time at the Westgate Shopping Center. We ate some pizza, did some shopping, bought some gifts, filled some prescriptions, and of course, enjoyed Planet Yogurt (the self-serve-frozen-yogurt-wonderland). It's a beautiful building and a nice place to relax. We loved it!

But then last month a group of terrorists took control of the building, captured hostages, opened fire, threw grenades, injured 175 people and murdered 61 civilians.

How do we explain this to our kids?

First, we had to preach truth to ourselves because Jeannette was feeling, "the safest I've felt in Africa was when we were at that Mall."

To combat a false sense of security and strengthen our trust in God we turn to

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in Yahweh forever, For in Yahweh, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

During supper one night, we explained the whole situation to our kids. Kara's first response was, "Why would those bad people want to blow up Planet Yogurt? I love Planet Yogurt. Are we ever going to be able to go there again?"

To combat fear, we turn to

Isaiah 41:10  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

That night before bed, Luke prayed, "Dear God, help me to think about the light and not the darkness, help me to think about you, not about shooting."

To guard our thinking we turn to

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ellie said, "I hope the people who died were trusting in Jesus because then they wouldn't have to be afraid when they died because they would go to be with Jesus."

To kindle our hope we turn to

Revelation 21:1+3  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

Therefore death, tragedy, terrorism, eternity, sovereignty, and hope became normal topics of conversation in our house. So, in the end, we thank God for the chance to teach our kids (and remind ourselves!) of the beauty and power of God's Word.