Q: It seems like every time our family gets together for a reunion we end up arguing about politics — sometimes pretty viciously. We’ll be having a family picnic on the Fourth of July and already I’m dreading it. How can we get out of this rut? — S.D.
A: One way to avoid this, of course, would be to agree among yourselves that you simply weren’t going to talk about politics. You may even be able to suggest this in advance to one or two people who can influence others.
However, I know this may not be realistic; you may even have one or two people in your family who actually enjoy causing controversy. Plan games and other activities to keep people busy and if necessary try to steer the conversation in other directions. If someone brings up politics, you might even say with a smile on your face, “Now you know we always get into an argument over this. Let’s instead make this a happy time.” The Bible says, “It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (Proverbs 20:3).
Why not use this as an occasion to help your family think about the meaning of this special holiday? Before you eat, pause as a family to pray — and as you lead them, thank God for the freedoms we enjoy, and for the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to purchase it. Thank God, too, for your family, and ask for His blessing on them.
Not only will this turn your family’s hearts to the true meaning of this holiday, but it could also set the tone for your whole gathering and make it a time of peace and thanksgiving.
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call (877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
Features
Picnic, politics never blend happily
BILLY GRAHAM
- Features
-
-
VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse
The solar eclipse that took place Sunday evening was an annular eclipse, one in which the moon blocks almost all of the sun. Some of the best viewing was in Asia, as with this video filmed in Japan.
-
Comedian Lee Cruse to perform Saturday at Plaza
When Lee Cruse isn’t working doing the morning and mid-day programs for NBC affiliate LEX18 in Lexington, he is on a stage somewhere making people laugh.
-
Viral video: Zoo lion goes crazy over zebra-striped baby
A baby boy wearing black and white stripes -- like a zebra -- looked awfully tempting to a lioness at the zoo in Portland, Ore. this week. His parents captured video of the big cat pawing at her glass cage, trying to eat him.
-
Series books popular with younger readers
Books in series have typically been adults’ favorites for many years, but now they are becoming a favorite among younger generations.
-
Viral video: Tornado touches down on sunny day
Storm chasers frequently capture video of tornadoes touching down in dark, stormy weather. But this video of a bizarre tornado in the French town of Toulouse was captured amid sunny, blue skies.
-
Viral video: Family sings 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on way to school
One dad starts the weekdays off right by staging a sing-along to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" with his three kids during their morning ride to school.
-
Viral video: Bears interrupt weather report at Pa. TV station
A mama bear and three of her cubs were caught on camera at a northeastern Pennsylvania television station seconds before a live weather report was about to begin.
-
It happened on an island: GHS’ new production
For a crowd of high school students, a musical about embracing differences is something they can relate to.
-
Ready for the big time
Tristan Arnett has high hopes of playing the Grand Ole Opry one day.
-
WEB ONLY REPORT: Crowd greets 'The Hunger Games' in Glasgow
- More Features Headlines
-
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Revived Focus on Regulation After JPMorgan Loss
Gerard Butler: the Good, the Bad and the Cannes
At Least 25 Dead in India Train Collision
Raw Video: Private Rocket Blasts Off
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Doctors and Devotees Debate Barefoot Running
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Houston Museum Unveils $85 Million Dinosaur Hall
Chicago Police: 90 Arrested in NATO Protests
Ex-Rutgers Student Gets 30 Days in Webcam Case
Obama Sees Inspiration in Joplin Graduates
Raw Video: Man Saved After Niagara Falls Plunge
NATO: Afghan Exit 'Irreversible'
Catholic Groups Sue Over Contraception Mandate
4 Arrested After Man's Beating at Dodger Stadium
Investors Slap Facebook 11 Percent Lower
Raw Video: Dramatic 270-Foot Waterfall Rescue
Fingers Do the Fighting at Wrestling Tourney
