Remember when Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her bed in 2002? I remember several conversations with other moms and how scared we all were. I didn't sleep through the night for months. I got up at least once to check on my kids.
Do you ever wonder if your parenting is motivated by fear? Perhaps it's fearing that your child will be hurt or killed in an accident. Or you fear wrong influences will cause them to deny Christ. Perhaps you fear drug addiction, mental illness, or that they will marry the wrong person. Would you be willing to share your story with me? And if you've learned to conquer your fears through your faith in Jesus Christ, I definitely want to know that, too!
As usual, my deadline fast approaches! Please don't delay in your comments, or if you would like to respond personally, just email me! Thanks!
As usual, my deadline fast approaches! Please don't delay in your comments, or if you would like to respond personally, just email me! Thanks!
5 comments:
I have a 10 year old son who is the sweetest most loving, sensitive boy you will ever meet. He is gifted and talented and loves to read. He's not your typical rough and tumble boy. He's very cautious and doesn't like to ride his bike or skateboard, due to his own fears. He loves to play with his younger sisters and he is a wonderful big brother. Despite his beautiful personality, however, I have a fear of my own. I am afraid as he gets older, society will look at his dossel personality and tell him that he is gay. You see it everywhere. You act this way...so you must be gay. I have learned that the only thing I can do, is teach him the right way, pray, and let God do the rest. I am not in control of what happens to my son, but I can teach what the Bible has to say and trust him to make the right choices, despite what society may tell him.
I have 4 kids ages 14 - 2, 3 boys 1 girl. For the boys my fear is peer pressure, one of the reasons I'm glad we homeschool. But I see it in my oldest with his "school" friends. But he has a good head and is not afraid to go his own way. He is tight with God for which I am so grateful. My middle son is another story. He is not as sure of himself and not as close to the Lord at this point even though he was when he was younger. I don't know if it's a little rebellion, he's 12, or just trying to prove he's not like his older brother. I just fear he can be led astray. Our 3rd son is 6 and at this point he just follows his brothers. Our daughter is 2 and my fear is different. In fact as I was changing her diaper today I was praying I would be around to see her married and become a mother. I had her when I was 45 and if I think of the age I'll be when she hits certain milestones, I will drive myself crazy. I just pray I will be here long enough for all of them to grow into God fearing, happily married adults who truly walk with the Lord. Then I could go in peace!
I just stopped in to tell you I voted in your poll. Of course I have plenty of maternal fears that weren't listed. :-)
I sent this over once but don't think you received it because I didn't hear back and you're always so good about responding. Anyway, here are my comments regarding my fears about parenting.
Initially I was terrified that I'd accidentally lock my keys in the car in the summertime with my daughter still strapped in her car seat. I actually thought I had done this one day and after a few minutes of frantic behavior discovered that the passenger door had been unlocked all along!
Today, 15 years later, instead of worrying about leaving my child in a locked car I wonder if we'll even make it home alive as I ride in the passenger seat while she drives!
Seriously, though, parenting brings all kinds of anxiety and I had to learn early on to claim a most powerful promise from God's Word. It is from 11 Timothy 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. No matter how big the worry, or how small it may be, God doesn't change the fear. He just takes it away and replaces it with His peace, love and sanity! Praise Him for that!
Hey Trish!
I guess I didn't get this the first time! Thanks for your comments!
That verse is such a powerful reminder! It's one that I cling to, as well!
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