Adversity introduces a man to himself. –Albert Einstein
The Urban Dictionary describes “trigger” as a topic, phrase or word that emotionally sets someone off. “Setting off” can refer to anger or reliving a traumatic experience. Some universities have gone so far as to establish so-called “safe spaces,” where those with delicate feelings can avoid triggering events. Some universities have resorted to publishing trigger warnings about certain campus events, so those who might feel uncomfortable hearing opinions differing from their own can avoid the events.
In some universities, even classrooms have been designated as safe spaces. This has led to charges of censorship, where freedom of speech, and hence rigorous intellectual discourse, is prohibited on campus.
Recently, there was a Chick-fil-A flap on the campus of Duquesne University. Some students oppose the planned opening on campus of a Christian-owned chicken restaurant whose owners espouse conservative values, for fear it will upset their “safe space.” This and a host of other triggering incidents, many associated with the harsh treatment of conservative speakers trying to make invited presentations on university campuses, got me thinking about how today’s children are not being equipped to deal with adversity.
Popular Christian author and apologist David C. McCasland has suggested, “Instead of trying to remove all obstacles and pave the way for the children in our life, we should instead equip them to deal with the difficulties they encounter on the road ahead.” McCasland’s suggestion isn’t rocket science, yet many in our society today simply can’t grasp this wisdom.
Trigger warnings and safe spaces are natural consequences of a society where every child playing sports gets a trophy—both winners and losers—so as to avoid any hurt feelings. They are also consequences of a society where Christianity and Christian-based principles are on the decline. If the truth be told, life is naturally full of adversity and controversy. What if we equipped our children to deal with these rather than avoiding them?
Most American children, age six and above, spend the better part of each weekday in school. Today, younger and younger children find themselves in school programs as more mothers take on full-time jobs. Most schools do an inadequate job of teaching life skills–that’s where parents come in. What if parents spent 30 minutes a day teaching their children to deal with the real world, instead of spending a lifetime trying to protect them and solve all their problems?
In John 16:33 (ESV), Jesus tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In John 17, Jesus’ prayer reminds us that his followers are not of this world, even as He is not of this world. We will all suffer at times during our lives, but we need look no farther than the cross to find peace amid life’s tribulations.
The Bible is the best source of wisdom about dealing with adversity and controversy. Just consider what might happen if you spent a mere 30 minutes each day sharing the Bible with your children. This amounts to one TV show you wouldn’t have to watch…a blessing in itself!
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.
–2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)
Divine Simplicity 
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