Raising kids in a scary world!

Dad rock's the sweater vest and Baby Jill!

In the King James version of the bible the phrase “Fear not” appears 74 times. The phrase “be not afraid” appears in the King James version 29 times.

Here are some other great verses about fear:

1 Timothy 1:7	Psalm 55:1-2, 4-5	Psalm 27:1
Isaiah 41:10	Psalm 34:4	Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 6:25-34	1 Peter 5:6-7	John 14:27

Expectant parents go through nine months of anticipation, preparation, and excitement. But, in reality, nothing really prepares you for the moment the doctor hands you an infant. And then it hits you—you’re a parent. It’s not like babysitting or being in charge of your younger siblings. This is different.
As new parents we found it necessary to share anything and everything our little darling did, as if it were the first time a baby ever laughed, crawled, ate vegetables, pulled up to stand, took a step, or even went potty. For parent each accomplishment is stunning. Pregnancy and baby photos on social media sites like Facebook and twitter can become so numerous that an extension has been created for Chrome web browsers that block constant sharings of cute and quirky baby images on Facebook. Its called “unbaby.me.”

For parents, it is a different experience all together. We can’t get enough of our bundles of joy.

• Remember that first time we laid eyes on our little precious treasures?
• Remember checking out every little feature, we made sure that nothing was missing?
• Remember how we sat mesmerized by this little being, tenderly touching the softest skin ever felt.
• Remember how even menial tasks like feeding, ricking, and changing dirty diapers was delightful?

But the attitudes can shift when we take our babies home from the the hospital! Fear sets in immediately. How in the world could we continue doing all those new parenting duties without the nurse looking over our shoulders?

Sheila Wray Gregoire writes,

“We love our kids so much that the thought of anything bad happening to them sends us into a panic. Yet, if we’re not careful, this caution can become oppressive. When we let fear dominate our parenting, we can actually shield our kids from the very things they need to be learning.

The world is a scary place. A mere glance through the newspaper reminds us just how many dangers our children face. ”

And yet, we soon learn that we are not parenting alone. Even though this world seems more fraught with danger than the one we grew up in, we can still commit our children to our heavenly Father, who always watches us. How often do we send up quick prayers throughout the day because of an elevated fever, unexplained crying, or not knowing what could be wrong? Yet God is always available.

• Years ago, extended families provided more of a sense of community.
• People were less mobile and spent more time with each other.
• The number of single-parent homes and latchkey kids has grown over the years.

It’s also true that we don’t parent alone. Thankfully, God is available 24/7. He doesn’t have an answering machine. He doesn’t ask us to hang on as he takes another call. He doesn’t screen his calls or decide not to pick up. In fact, Scripture tells us He longs to hear from us.

John 14:21-24 When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. 22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. 23 In that day you will not ask Me anything. “I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

All we have to do when we are unsure about a decision is to call on the Father. He will readily disperse the wisdom we so desperately need. It’s there for the asking.

On Fridays, for the rest of the summer, we will address how we parents can lesson our anxieties and learn to trust God with our kids.
Be not afraid!