Thursday, April 10, 2008

Fearless Parenting


Sam, during our Sunday Service, asked the questions: "What are your fears?" I immediately started thinking in my head - "yeah, what is it that I am afraid of?"

Death? - Not for me. At least not exactly. I am not afraid for myself to die, for I know that to live is Christ and to die is gain.... but ... in a way I fear death because of the thought "who then will take care of my kids if I die?"

Deeper self examination revealed that most of my fears are "family related", especially related to my kids. It does not help that many of the news today consists of crimes, accidents, doom and gloom.

I am constantly praying that nothing bad will happen to my kids and my family, that they would be safe from harm. I am constantly praying that they will make good decisions; that they will choose wisely.

And yet I know that I cannot let fear be my guide. In parenting, I need to be fearless; to do my best and trust God for the rest.

I cannot protect my kids every minute. I cannot shelter them from all harm. They must learn to deal with conflicts and to overcome hardship. They too must learn to trust, and to have faith.

The Bible says "There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear". I guess, that's the kind of parenting I would like to have - perfect love, no fear.

For more "fearless" scribblings, visit Sunday Scribblings.

9 comments:

Katrina said...

This post just spoke for me. I feel the exact same way, and struggle daily not to be mastered by fear for my little ones--both for their physical well-being and their spiritual well-being, which is also being attacked from every side. How right you are to point to the peace of God as the antidote for fear. I want to be fearless, too!

Anonymous said...

hi,

i do agree in parenting you need to be fearless.

anthonynorth said...

With 7 kids, most of my fears concern them.
good post.

murat11 said...

Beautifully spoken, and what a challenge to us all. Thank you.

Granny Smith said...

And because of these fears for our loved ones, we hope to change the world into a better safer place for them. The fear may be local,h but the ope is universal.

Anonymous said...

This post reaches out!

shapely ghosts

Forgetfulone said...

I know I should let go of fear, but it is so difficult. I constantly fear for my family as well.

Tumblewords: said...

Nice post - for sure, it's easier said than done. Thoughtful and genuine. I like it.

Anonymous said...

Ok thanks for writing a post for me, I think I will just copy and paste this post onto my blog! I can so relate and feel the same way. Thanks for sharing so honestly.

LOVE that picture btw!!!! :)