Fearful Parenting
I tend to be very laid back about things that come along in life with our kids, but there have been moments in my life as a parent that have caused worry and fear. I remember that feeling being separated from my family on a business trip on September 11, 2001. I was uncertain and fearful about what would happen next. It made me realize that uncertainty for the future can be worse for a parent. The question nags until it develops into fear: Will it happen again?
I had a similar experience when my son had two seizures last month. I was fairly cool and collected during those moments, focused on caring for my son. But the feeling afterwards, night after night, sometimes lying in bed right beside him. Will it happen again?There are so many moments in life that can cause fear. Will my child get the flu that is going around? Will we be able to pay for college? Will he be safe?
It is in those moments that God wants us to place our trust in Him, to give our children to His care. It is easier to say than do for sure! But in God is the only place of perfect peace.
I was so glad to be able to go back and read Rebecca Powell's article "By Fear of Faith?" in our August issue of ParentLife. When the article was published, I may easily have thought, This article isn't for me. But how quickly one life event can change everything! Then the process begins of turning those fears over to God.
If you ever discover there is a past article that you would like to read again, e-mail us, and we will be happy to send you a copy of a past article.
Are there times when you are afraid for your children? How have you been able to turn them over to God?
