Monthly Archives: August 2019

Don’t. Be. Afraid.

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His desk is the one closest to the door of the classroom. I noticed it right away at the teacher meet and greet. The scenario of a gunman entering the room filled my thoughts as I visualized where the shots would most likely be fired first.

A lump welled up in my throat and a shot anxiety passed through my body. I took a deep breath and reigned myself in, for the most part.

————–

I know these thoughts are irrational but it’s a fear I see played out in my head as my children happily choose or are assigned their seat at the beginning of a school year.

I’ve not thought about it much since school has started but in light of the recent rumor of a school shooting the lump and anxiety are back.

I think of how my parents never had to think of things like this, how schools were just open…so different than the way things are today.

So what are we to do?

I know my children’s school is safe but I also know evil is lurking everywhere. We could all just stay home all the time in a bubble, Amazon everything and stay safe, right?

But what good is it to live in fear???

Do not be afraid. The Bible tells us over and over and over.

Jesus is with my children in their classroom. Jesus is in their school. Worrying will only cause me grief and no quality of life so I must pray and trust. And when I worry I pray and trust some more.

Be anxious for nothing. But in everything with prayer and supplication make your requests known to God. Philippians 4:6

I must take every fearful thought captive to my Jesus. I trust that He is good and just. He is righteous and can save. I know that this world is not our home.

And the peace of God which surpasses all will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The minute the fear creeps in I must replace it with truth. His word tell me His peace will guard my heart and mind– goodness, how I need this peace!!

When guards are set up, they keep bad things out, right? So this peace from God will come when I Philippians 4:6, when I PRAY. And when I “be anxious for nothing”. Agh I can’t do that one without praying. My own strength can only do so much at getting rid of anxiety, I need Christ and His words to truly combat it.

Such a war we live in– in the world but also in our minds and hearts. But we are not alone- we have the Spirit of God to help us, to guide us and to equip us.

No matter what.

To the schools who hold our precious babies for 35 hours a week, please be vigilant. In prayer and protection. To the moms, dads, grandparents and teachers – pray like crazy. But trust like crazy too. We must teach our children to pray as well, and to not be afraid. Why? Because God is with them (us), He loves them (us), and He is good.

“I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me. People can’t do anything to me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:6‬

Dear Lord-

Just no. No. Please, Lord. You see all and know all. Please stop this evil. I beg of you. Please help us to pray and give you every ounce of anxiety and fear. Help us to not. Be. Afraid. Help us to teach our children who you are so they won’t fear. Guard our hearts and our minds please. Stop any evil plans, let it all be a hoax and just an opportunity to turn to You, children in hand and walk with Your peace surpassing all. Help us to trust You and know You are good even in the bad and You do not change. In Jesus saving name, amen.

Alright, people. Let’s pray and trust and go about our day with the strength and peace of the Lord. May our children see the difference in us today and be transformed as well.

When We Don’t Know Why, God is in the Why

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In less than a year, our community has lost two precious women I had the privilege of knowing. They both loved the Lord and lived for Him, teaching others His Word and shining brightly for Him. They leave behind husbands and children…and it all seems so unfair.

I find myself asking God a lot of questions– “Why?” “Why someone who loves You and follows You?” “Women who teach Your Word?” “Why someone so young?” “Why, Lord?” “Why these women, these moms still raising children?”

I know we are supposed to ask “What now?” rather than “Why?” But for today, I cannot stop the why. And that’s ok because God is in the why. It’s in our questions and our desperation that we seek Him and if we seek Him we will find Him.

I feel that when I doubt God’s plan or His ways I am disregarding all the truths I know to be true about Him, but as long as I find myself back at His truth’s, its’ OK to ask questions, right? Surely His grace still overflows when our hearts are breaking in the unfairness of life and the why’s that may never be answered.

As I wrestle with why, these truths stand out to me the most:

  • God is good even when life isn’t
  • He is always there with His people and to help His people
  • He can redeem hard situations
  • To these women, to live was Christ and to die was gain
  • Even in death and tragedy, others can be saved (hello, Jesus!- the cross!) or brought closer to Him
  • This place is not our home
  • We will be reunited again one day

We just don’t want these people gone from us, do we? We want them here to continue to do God’s work, don’t we?

Then I’m reminded that our work on earth is never done; even when we die, what’s done for Christ will last and these ladies certainly did a lot for Christ. A lot of eternal work. The impact they had on their families, friends, church, and community will live on forever.

“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” C.T. Studd

God is always working for those who love him as I know these women and their families do. We must hold on to that truth and fill it in our minds when we wrestle with the “whys” of this world.

“God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

To my town as we mourn…let’s turn to Jesus and seek His face as I’m sure these women, if still with us, would be so honored and happy if we would all do just that. And please pray- when the only thing you can do is pray, you pray.

In Jesus Mighty name, AMEN.

Verses to cling to from God’s Word, the Book both of these women stood on:

  • “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts. My ways are far beyond anything we could imagine.” Isaiah 55:8-9
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
  • “O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption.” Psalms 130:7
  • “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18
  • “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

There are a million more I could post, but I encourage us all to get into His Word for ourselves and let the truths of who He is comfort and guide us.

For Wendy and Kristie ♥️

To the Anderson and Stokes families…you all are loved and prayed for by so many people who grieve with you. Praying you see, feel and know that the Lord is near.