By Steph Fink
Recently there was a rather disturbing incident in my neighborhood. Thankfully, no one was hurt but their personal security was certainly threatened. As I drove later the next day, the news reported of an Amber Alert and then of a tornado that touched down some miles from our home.
As I felt my airway constrict, I wondered, “What is going on in this world? What kind of world did I bring my kids into?”
I don’t love admitting that my initial response to almost any situation is to quickly bubble wrap my children and secure them safely inside a germ-free bubble. I want to tuck them away from all potential hazards and keep them safe. This is my natural instinct as a mother….as a former police officer…as a control freak.
Yet I know that when my comfort or safety’s been tested, I have experienced God power, love, help, direction, comfort, strength, and purpose.
There is a sweet spot where faith meets fear.
To be anal retentive, My husband and I have dry run some safety and security measures; we can’t (and won’t) brainstorm up all the worst case scenarios but we have laid a foundation.
Jim George wrote in, 10 Minutes to Knowing the Men & Women of the Bible, “Adversity is an opportunity for you to trust God.”
Fear is a good emotion because it can keep us safe. Well, fear in balance can keep people safe. Fear out of balance can keep people paralyzed.
I’ve recognized that my initial responses, my emotions, are fear based. Since I love God with all my heart, I want my final response to be faith based.
How do I inSTill a healthy faith when fear presents itself? The answer is found in the question. I can instill faith, when I can “be STILL and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
My first response to fear is that I need to be still. I need to be still, experience the high and lows of my emotional response and ask God for help.
I want my kids to understand that while the world may be crazy, God is good.
I want to teach my kids about faith and to do so they need to learn how to be still. Recently, my son had lost his wallet, we were still and prayed. Later in the week, my other son had stress from homework; we were still, prayed and released the stress up to God.
In order for my kids to see God, I need to get out of the way, stand by their sides and let them see God as I’m STILL and letting God move.
Fellow Momma Bears, what is something that you want to inSTILL in your child? What’s something that you’re currently not “still” with?
Steph’s writing has appeared in Proverbs 31 Ministry, P31 Woman magazine. In her free time she can be found encouraging numerous MOPS group in the northern Virginia area on the “Colorful Art of Friendship – Allowing God to Paint the Masterpieces” and MOPS leaders on “Being a Bright Light”. Steph can be found blogging at www.encouragedinheart.org or on Facebook at Stephanie Fink or on her Facebook page Encouraged in Heart – Stephanie Fink. She loves big hair, big cups of coffee and big bear hugs.
One Response
I want to inSTILL a strong sense of faith and also a strong sense of humor! Both will help get them through the good and bad days!
I “STILL” love being part of this 24/7 team and LOVE the new website! 🙂