Texting the Truth

Michelle

I can’t sleep tonight because I keep thinking about the horrible story of the little boy who was dragged into the lagoon at Disney by an alligator and drowned. 😧

When I read that the mother was frantically searching for the boy, my heart just broke for her. I cannot even imagine.😪

Anna

Me either… I can’t let my mind go there! The sheer panic…

Ashley

I know! I had to stop reading the coverage, because I envision it happening to my family and it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I read and re-read this story just hoping the ending would change somehow, thinking of all the “if onlys.” For me, I think I need to put more faith in the Author of our own personal story than the authors of the media stories.

Anna

I think you’re onto something, Ashley. Maybe all the social media blaming and shaming is a need for control. If we can pinpoint whose fault it is and how it all went wrong, then we think we can control and prevent it from happening to us??

Ashley

I really think that’s it, Anna! At the heart of the blame game is fear. How can we make this less senseless so we can be more preventative?

Michelle

That is such good truth right there. I know I can try to control situations by worrying. It’s so backwards but somehow I think I am doing something “productive” by stressing about it in my mind and bracing myself for the worst case scenario.

Anna

Me too! But when my mind gets wrapped in sadness around stories like this, it really does help me to remember that God numbers our kids’ days. There aren’t enough safety precautions, “alligator” signage, or seat belts to change God’s plans. It’s scary to not have that control, but also freeing.

Michelle

That really gets to the heart of it for me, Anna. I have been replaying the situation in my mind, wondering what could have been different but sometimes that’s not the case. Sometimes really hard things happen. It’s more about surrender and trusting God with these situations, but oh my gosh, so much harder to actually do when it comes to our babies. 😳

Anna

So true. It reminds me of this verse: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline,” 2 Tim 1:7.

I looked up each of those key words and guess what “timid” means? The actual definition is “lacking in self-assurance, courage, bravery; easily alarmed; fearful.” That’s not the kind of mom I want to be.

Ashley

Love this verse, Anna! God encourages us to NOT be timid, and we are given a spirit of the opposite, if we reach out and grasp it– power, love, and self-discipline. God wants us to keep moving forward, but a timid spirit is paralyzed by fear.

Michelle

I have definitely been paralyzed by fear and then reading stories like these gets me right back there. I am finding the only thing that keeps me from freaking out is by telling God my honest fears rather than just mulling them in my mind and scaring myself!

Anna

Yes, when I do that and surrender how I want things to go, He gives me a peace…

Soaking in the Truth

Scripture to encourage you:

- “When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
- “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline,” 2 Tim 1:7

Music to inspire you:

- You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music
- No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

Readings to come alongside of you:

”Let your Faith be bigger than your fear.”
To the Mom of the Gator Attck at the Grand Floridian (WDW) from One Room Cabin
Every Mother’s Nightmare {Why Losing a Child isn’t Something You Should Fear} from The Better Mom
Brave Mom: Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears by Sherry Surratt

Living Out the Truth

Ideas to try:

- When you find yourself struggling with fear, consider journaling your thoughts or finding a trusted friend to talk to. It’s amazing what happens when we bring our fears to the light rather than keeping them in the dark.
- Ask God to speak His truth to you about your fear and what you should do about it. Listen for any revelations He may give you. One of the very best ways to hear His truth is looking in Scripture.
- Put down the phone. 🙂 Sometimes the best thing to do is not freak yourself out in someone else’s story but to live your own.

{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}

m31-conference-time

Michelle

Well, this feels weird! I am so used to thinking about my girls’ every need and for the first time in a long time, I am at a mom conference, only taking care of me!

Laura

Oh!! How wonderful to escape for just a little while! Do you have just a purse instead of diaper bag? Does it actually have lipstick instead of crayons?

Michelle

Ha! Right! No wipes or cheerios either! I don’t have to think about diaper changes or snacks or nap times…you know the list could go on and on.

Anna

I know! Life suddenly becomes very simple. Then, it’s just getting past the strange feeling of being alone. No one calling for you… No one needing help!

Michelle

Totally. It feels weird because in the crazy moments when the girls are both melting down, I dream of moments to myself like this but now that I have freedom, I am thinking about them!

Anna

Yep, it’s like a catch 22.

Michelle

Did I remember to tell hubby about dance class and preschool pick up and does he know Ellie will be really fussy when she wakes up from her nap and want a snack?

Laura

Wouldn’t you know that your mommy heart strings get pulled back home… just when you thought you were out, they pull you back in! Hopefully you can enjoy yourself anyway and not worry too much.

Michelle

Well yeah, I’m not going to lie, I’m really looking forward to sleep tonight and will enjoy just taking care of myself for the day.

Anna

Absolutely. Try to think of your time away as if you are actually doing something good FOR your family, because you are getting rested and refueled.

Michelle

Yes, I am telling myself it’s worth all of the work to get to this point!! And the kids will be fine without me!

Anna

YES! It’s true. Every time I was away, my husband and kids figured out how to get along without mommy, even if just for a short time, which was actually really good for them!

Laura

You mean the world didn’t stop spinning without you?!

Anna

Haha ? They all survived just fine. Can you believe it?

Laura

Well, of course they did! And yours will survive too, Michelle! I think a little recharging will do your whole family good, just like Anna said! Have a wonderful time and really enjoy yourself.

Michelle

Thank you. This is me for the next couple of days. (Minus the cat!)

me time

Soaking in the Truth

Scripture to encourage you:
- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Music to inspire you:

Just Breathe by Jason Diaz

Reading to come alongside of you:

48 Hour Mommy Vacations from A Mother Far From Home

Living Out the Truth

Ideas to try:
- If you’ve never ventured away from your little one before, start with just an evening out with a girlfriend. Go out to dinner, get your nails done, or just sit and read by yourself at a coffee shop. Do something that refuels you.
- If you’re going on a trip away from your little one, try to detach as much as possible by limiting calls home to check on things. Trust that your husband or babysitter can handle it. Spoken from experience, it will only distract you from relaxing and resting.
- If you’re getting away WITH your husband and without your kids, aim for a 3-4 day trip. You need the first day to start to detach, the second and third day to REALLY relax and refuel, and the fourth day to travel home and re-engage.

{These suggestions are ideas from novice moms. Sometimes our life situations need more. In that case, seeking out professional help is the right call.}