Why Children Cry

I have often said that God has a sense of humor. For me, that is demonstrated in the fact that I never really wanted to have children. Biologically speaking, He has honored that desire, but on the other side of that coin, I have worked with children in one way or another for over two decades. My career in working with children has allowed me the opportunity to observe literally hundreds of kids and the problems they face.

I started working with children in 1992. I was a college student in need of a summer job, and day camp provided that need. I had no idea how much of my life would be spent as some would say, “In the trenches.” From day camp I went into youth ministry and eventually became a bi-vocational pastor (This is a fancy term for a pastor who must work outside the Church to support his family). Most of my bi-vocation has been public school. As a result of these many years, God has given me many experiences that have shaped the way I understand children. Even though the names and non-circumstantial events have been changed, I will assure you that each story is based on observed reality. People facing problems with children do not have time for fiction on the front lines. The issues are too pressing.

Don't get me wrong. I have observed literally hundreds and hundreds of examples of well behaved children in the public school system. This book, however, isn't about them. This book is an attempt to explain the ones that school administrators know by name. Maybe you are one of those parents that receives the calls over and over again about the same problems happening at school. Maybe you are a pastor that is counseling parents through these type of situations. Why are these children crying? Why are they doing the things they are doing? Does the Bible really have the answers to these modern problems that families face?

My wife and I went to a Chinese restaurant once that was advertising some new dish they wanted to serve. The sign said, “Tastes good. If you no try, you don't know.” God's Word says the same thing, “O taste and see that the LORD is good, blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).