Written by: Pastors Henry & Lorre Lavender
One Memphis | For Parents & Grandparents

Welcome to a heartfelt message for our community in a difficult time. Today, we want to speak to how we can help our children, students, and families stay strong, respectful, and hopeful as Memphis faces the upcoming National Guard deployment announced recently.

This is not an ordinary moment for our city. There may be military vehicles on our streets and an increased law enforcement presence in our neighborhoods. It’s normal for young people—and adults too—to feel anxious, confused, or even scared by these big changes. This message exists to comfort, prepare, and encourage every child, parent, grandparent, teacher, and community leader as we navigate this together.

Why This Matters to Our Kids

Children are always watching the adults around them. Whether we’re parents, teachers, pastors, or neighbors, our reactions shape their sense of safety and their understanding of the world. The sights and sounds of National Guard troops and new rules can be confusing or frightening for kids, especially for those who have already experienced hardship in their communities. But the way we respond—with calm, honesty, respect, and faith—can help them grow braver, kinder, and wiser through this experience.

Comfort and Guidance for Every Age

For Young Children (Ages 3–7)

• Speak Simply and Reassuringly: “There are helpers in our city right now, working to keep everyone safe. If you see big trucks or people in special uniforms, know they are here to help.”
• Model Calm: Show peace in your words and actions. Children copy the adults they trust.
• Routine is Comfort: Try to keep bedtime stories, mealtimes, and family traditions as normal as possible. Familiar routines make children feel secure.
• Pray Together: Use simple prayers for safety, peace, and courage.

For Elementary Kids (Ages 8–12)

• Offer Honest Answers: When kids ask, “Why are there soldiers in our city?” or “Is something bad happening?” explain that adults are working to stop crime and keep neighborhoods safe.
• Emphasize Respect and Honor: Everyone deserves respect—law enforcement, community members, and especially each other. Encourage polite behavior toward all adults and classmates, even if they are nervous or upset.
• Teach What To Do If Approached:
  • Stay calm and polite.
  • Listen carefully and answer honestly.
  • If scared, ask your parent or another trusted adult to be present.
  • Remember it’s okay to walk away after the conversation if the adult says you may.
• Share Stories of Heroes: Remind them that many people—including family members and teachers—work hard every day to make Memphis safe and strong.

For Teens (Ages 13+)

• Invite Open Conversation: Ask how they are feeling about everything happening in the city. Listen deeply, without judgment.
• Discuss Obedience and Dignity: “Obey” does not mean agreeing with everything, but it does mean honoring guidelines and showing maturity in difficult moments. Teens who show respect, even under pressure, become true leaders.
• Guide Them on Encounters:
  • Always carry identification.
  • Respond politely and do not argue, even if anxious or angry.
  • If you feel your rights are violated, share details with a family member or trusted adult right away. Write everything down.
• Remind Them of Their Influence: Teens are looked up to by younger kids and even their peers. Use social media for unity and kindness—not for spreading fear or anger.
• Connect to Faith: “Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14) Teens who walk in love and integrity stand out as lights in a tense world.

Reminders for Parents, Grandparents, and Adults

• Kids Learn What They See: Speak with respect (“yes sir, yes ma’am”), remain orderly in public, and handle disagreement calmly. Children mirror how adults handle conflict and uncertainty.
• Stay Informed, Not Alarmed: Get facts from trusted sources. Explain the situation to kids in age-appropriate ways, focusing on what is being done to keep them safe.
• Model Unity: Talk about people working together, not fighting against one another. If children see adults working across differences, they learn humility and peacemaking.
• Acknowledge Feelings: Allow kids space to share their fears or confusion. Pray with them, hug them, and encourage them to come to adults with any questions.
• Be Ready for Change: Schedules might shift, events may be postponed, and neighborhoods may look different. Flexibility, paired with honest communication, helps kids adapt.

Practical Safety Steps for All Ages

• If you see a military patrol or law enforcement vehicle, do not run or act nervous. Simply continue with what you are doing, or wave hello.
• Always carry some form of identification if you are old enough.
• Do not join crowds or protests without a trusted adult’s supervision.
• Stay with your group on the way to and from school or activities.
• If you witness something concerning, tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult right away.

Honoring Authority, Honoring Ourselves

Obedience, respect, and honor are not just words for children—they are roots that keep us steady in windy times. When we honor those in authority (Romans 13:1–2), we also create space for our own voices to be heard. It is possible to stand for justice, encourage peace, and love our neighbors all at the same time.

As a faith community, we trust that God is with us, even in uncertain times. Comfort your children with the reminder that no situation is forever. And remind them that “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

A Call to Adults: Model the Change

Let’s remember—kids will follow what we do, not just what we say. If we respond with panic or anger, they will too. If we show poise, faith, and respect, they will gain courage for their own journey. Memphis is watching, and our youth, more than ever, need heroes at home.

Use every encounter and conversation as a chance to reinforce dignity, discipline, and the profound hope that brighter days are ahead.

Final Encouragement: Growing Greatness in Memphis Youth

These days may test the spirit of Memphis, but they can grow greatness in every young person. Let’s teach our children to respect themselves, honor their families, and obey those tasked to protect them—while never losing hope, truth, or kindness.

Together, we can lead youth through the troubles of today into the promise of a better tomorrow.

Share this message with every family and classroom. Stand with our youth, Memphis. Their greatness begins with our love—no matter the headlines of today.