From Guest Author, Susie Kiphart:
April 2005 - Be Not Afraid
Now that I am a proud Grandmother and feel that the formative chapters of parenting are behind me, I can share with you that the single most important change I would make in my adventures in parenting would have been less panic and more trust. Our Christian Faith gives us our life’s instructions in Jesus’ words to “be not afraid”. Giving the message to children that: “life is good, we will prevail, and I will help you with whatever ugliness comes your way” is a gift to them. I know that standing on the bank of the turbulent river with a life-line in hand is better than jumping in with your child in their emotionally difficult moments. I was of no use to them when I was gasping for air too.
I know that being afraid that our children won’t be successful in school, sports, friends, and future only makes them afraid also. Of course, as parents, we suffer and there are reasons to fear but our children need to know that we have made a decision about life and our decision is to trust God and trust that their lives are in God’s hands. So how do we do such a thing as “fear less” and “trust God more”? How can our Faith in Jesus’ Faith become stronger? Jesus was not afraid of the storm on the lake, remember? In fact, he let go and went to sleep! Here are some thoughts: 1-Choose inspiration in your reading, viewing, and listening. Fill your mind and heart with the best thoughts just as you fill your body with the best food. ( I get some of my best moments right here in church.) 2- Find and embrace friends who support you in your God-Trusting approach. There may be friends who create toxic worry in you about expectations and comparisons between children. You can give them up or intentionally re-direct your conversations. Go ahead, do it! Choose some friends who support you and your children and trust life too. 3- Pray, pray, pray for your self and for your family. I can promise you that the prayers I have said for my children and for myself as a parent have helped. Sometimes I think God must be bored with me! I am always on the same subjects. Sometimes I think God has forgotten me but just when I least expect it, the help I have begged for or the solution I have longed for appears. Often it comes in a form I was not expecting. Today I pray again for faith and to trusts that God is GOOD! Happy Spring! Susie Kiphart (guest author)