Letter from the Editor by Cheryl Swope

When we teach a child who has learning difficulties, medical conditions, or other daily struggles, we may find ourselves praying for that which is beyond our grasp. We need a strength deeper than our own, a joy richer than our own, a hope truer than our own, a love greater than our own.

This is why we hold Christian studies in such high regard. Scripture memory, prayer, Bible stories, sacred art, sacred music, hymns, and spiritual songs—all of these point us to the holiness, mercy, and love of God in Christ. All of these inform our thoughts and our daily lives. Learning the faith is not an elective.

Christ Himself is our hope. So, too, Christ Himself is our children's hope. The glimpse of virtue and of glory, and the promise of righteousness beyond ourselves give us a hope beyond ourselves. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (I Corinthians 1:30-31).

No matter what else we attempt, let us be single-minded in our devotion to Christ and to teaching the faith. Let us be diligent in hearing, reading, and receiving the divine gift of the Word. Let us gather with other believers. Let us cultivate devotion in our schools and homes, as God grants us the immense and humbling privilege of doing so.

We know that we cannot do this alone. We need each other. We need our Good Shepherd. This is why we include Christian studies in all of our Simply Classical packages from our earliest levels through the most advanced.

In Readiness Level A, little ones listen as we assure them, "Jesus hears me when I pray / In the night and in the day." By Level 12 students have learned comforting, poetic verses by heart: "'Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest'" (Joshua 1:9).

We do not know what will come of our efforts, but surely we can pray for our children every bit as much as we scold, correct, or chastise them. Let us never give up on our children, on God's work in them, or on God's work in us. Let us keep loving our children, as we are called to do.

May the Lord keep all of us in His care for His good purposes. May He continue to give us and our children all we need for this life and for the life to come.