Tagged: fighting fear in parenting

@audreycfrank She just had a feeling. It was that mother-gut, knowing feeling that words just can’t quite explain. Such a feeling is weighed and measured in units of anxiety and apprehension, intangible but real. Something was wrong, and her son was trying to hide it. Climbing the stairs, she said a quick prayer. Lord, please reveal whatever I need to know. As she opened the door to her son’s room, he quickly slid something under the covers, eyes avoiding her gaze, lips mumbling a weak explanation. The carefully laid household rule that electronic devices were not allowed in bedrooms had been ignored. The temptation was too great. Seizing the phone concealed in her son’s blankets, the mother turned on the screen. Images she could never… Read More

for David, and myself Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7) In the past week, I have Googled everything from sparrow photos, tossed broccoli salad, what causes insomnia, and where to find a halal sheep farm near me. More than revealing my eclectic interests and lifestyle, the ability to search such a wide range of topics in an instant discloses how dependent I have become on going to the internet to answer my questions and provide solutions to daily problems.  On a tough afternoon as I battled anxiety about one of my… Read More

@audreycfrank And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob. God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand…' Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy as he grew up. (Genesis 21:16-20, NIV) There is a time in many mothers' lives when, like Hagar, they “sit nearby”, a feeling of helplessness overwhelming them as they watch their children suffer. On… Read More

@audreycfrank “Mommy, come see this! Look at this!”  In her excitement, my young daughter forgets I am driving as she pores over her doll magazine in the backseat, wishing to share everything with me.  “This doll has her own spaceship, Mommy!” she exclaims. “Look! Look!” I peek in the rearview mirror while trying to keep my car safely between the lines on the road. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I find it very difficult to say no to the sweet invitation to join in her delight as she discovers new things. She is a teacher, my beautiful, growing girl. She teaches me about God. In her delight, I behold His. I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer… Read More