True Protection

Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I can be about my children…yes; just like most parents I’m ready to rip apart anyone who gives even a side eye or foul word to any of my children.  However, something that I have grown to understand is that I can’t always be there.  There are going to be times, situations and people that; because of my absence; will get the best of my children.  Now, sure I can run behind it all and cut anyone down afterwards….but, I realize that this would be too difficult some days and I’d like to stay this side of prison bars and be with my children as much as possible.  (said lightly, but felt very strongly with the heart!)

We as grown-ups and parents know just how hard and cruel this world and the people in it can be.  We need to learn to be there for our children; uplifting them, encouraging them, preparing and empowering them to handle this life and whatever comes their way.  We can do this through loving talks, heartwarming jesters and even through our tough love; but, the best and most effective way to fill them with the necessities to combat this world is in and through God’s word. 

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) ⁶ Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

I know my children are going to go through hard times and even with the best of intentions I may not be able to help or have all the right things to say.  So I teach my children that while mommy may not know, the Lord certainly does.  I’m learning not to quickly give “my” answers to their problems or life crises, but instead to lead them to the Lord and to seek His answers.  It’s so very important that my children know that all that they are, all they can and will be is because of Him.  He loves them even beyond what mommy and daddy possibly can and He is the one who can carry them through anything. 

Through church, daily devotionals, praying and other ideas I’m blessed with to share the Word with them, I can see some very positive results in my children.  They are truly learning that God is their all in all.  They are strongly gaining an understanding that even when they come to me with a question or concern and I may not have “the answer”, we can take it to God and pray about it.  This is also teaching them that even when they don’t understand; it’s ok because they can trust God to take care of them because of His unconditional love for them. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (TLB) ⁶ And you must think constantly about these commandments I am giving you today. ⁷ You must teach them to your children and talk about them when you are at home or out for a walk; at bedtime and the first thing in the morning.

I do my best not sugar coat it and tell them that because we love Him that everything is going to be peaches and cream either. I am as honest about His love for them as I am about the fact that there are going to be hard times and things that they will just never fully understand.  I do admit that sometimes I worry that my children will think that I shove God and His word down their throats too much, but I do my best to remain open, loving and consistent.  To be honest, because of my diligence I can see their love and trust for Him growing more and more each day.  Praise God!!

I’m all for “what doesn’t kill you will only makes you stronger” but, I’m also realistic enough to know that while it may not kill you it can sure as heck break you down and destroy what’s beautiful inside you.  I love God first and will admit that is sometimes difficult to say…putting my children behind that love, but I love them with my all and enough to know that I cannot be their all; BUT knowing Who can…I will spend my days pointing to Him for their eyes to see and their heart and soul to know!