Everyday when I say goodbye to my kids, since they started school, I've prayed in my heart for their protection, knowing that I have to TRUST others with their safety. When the terrible things of this world start entering your child's bubble in life, getting too close for comfort, the mama bear fear explodes. What is a mom to do?
I know you are dying of curiosity, so without getting into too much detail, here is a condensed version of the news circulating around our town. A youth minister at a local church was charged for having an inappropriate relationship with a teenage girl. This totally disturbed me as both a mom and the wife of a student minister. Then I found out that four SECOND GRADE boys held a girl down on the playground the other day, doing who knows what! Well I know "what," I just don't want to really think about it. SECOND GRADERS!!! Then to top off my week of worry, I was stopped by someone yesterday and told to tell my daughter to be on alert. Evidently there is some crazy man, camping out around the middle school, picking on the girls... they haven't caught him yet. As you can imagine, I wanted to snatch my kids up, lock them up in their rooms and never let the craziness of this world get to them...but I can't.
Last night my husband spoke about Joseph, in youth. It is a story I have heard over and over in Sunday School. I know all about Joseph and his beautiful coat of many colors. Yet, I don't think I've ever really truly thought about this part of the story, until my husband pointed it out last night to our group; God allowed some crazy things to happen to Joseph. However, even when he was mistreated (by his own family, no less!) God had a plan.
I don't think God wants us hurt. I honestly think he hurts when we hurt. But unfortunately we live in a sinful world. The comfort comes in knowing that he has a beautiful plan for each of us. He is there through all the tough moments that will soon enough find us and burst our "bubbles." I honestly don't know how people make it in this world without faith, someone to believe in. I can't imagine life without my Lord! It is hard enough as it is!
So, as I said goodbye to my kids this morning, thinking about all that has gone on lately in our town, trying not to worry myself to death, I let them go once again in God's hands. That is all I really can do every minute of every day. I have to totally trust my Heavenly Father, when I can't trust the world.
"For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:11-12
3 comments:
Sis,
Yes, scary, but with parents like you, the world had better be scared. They don't know who they're messing with when they come face to face with He Who is your strength and defense in time of trouble. In your generation's words, "I heart you, daughter!"
Dad
Your children are blessed to have parents of such strong faith to be examples for them!
Scary...you are right about that! I've heard more crazy stuff this week than I have in a LONG time. (Remind me to tell you the other stories I heard....sceery.)
Love you guys.
And look at Dad saying, "I heart you." He's gonna use it in a sermon.
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