~Halloween Doesn’t Have to be Scary!~

I’m  not familiar with the customs in the rest of the world, but today, in the good ole US of A…it is Halloween.

I have to admit, this is my least favorite “holiday.”  (I can hear your fingers flying across the keys as you fire off your hate mail, just hear me out.)  First off, I am the biggest chicken you will ever meet.  I don’t do haunted houses, scary costumes or bloody make-up and I certainly don’t watch scary movies.  No.  It creeps me out and gives me nightmares for days.  Yes I am a grown woman and I know the difference in real and make believe but I see little reason to intentionally put myself in the path of a zombie, Freddy Crougar or Michael Meyers….not happening people.  Secondly, name one other time when we would allow our children to take candy from strangers?!  I can recall numerous conversations as a child with my mom preaching at me to do the exact opposite.  A stranger offers you candy, run away!  (hahaha)

However, seeing as how I have 5 children to answer to, naturally they would all like to participate in the same festivities as their friends.  So how does this freak-out mom handle this day?  The oldest daughter will be dressed in coordinating costumes with her 2 best friends and hitting the safest neighborhood in town.  The rest of us will all be at a family members house, munching on themed snacks and throwing goodies in the bags of eager little trick-or-treaters.  No blood, no gore.

For those of you participating in the night’s activities, at whatever capacity, how about you don’t let the darkness win?  Whatever you believe about the origin of Halloween, whether it be pagan or not, shine the light of Jesus.  God can even take something created for evil and use it for good.  I’ve seen Him do it, time and time again.

I pray you all have a safe and enjoyable evening.  And please, oh please, if you are dressed as any of the above characters do not sneak up on me, I will not be held accountable for my reactions!

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”  

-Plato