Dear Readers,
Insecurities and fears often raise up in us as we raise our kids. We worry, overthink, and question. Fear may prevent important conversations. What we need is courage, supernatural courage. In the article below, titled Unfrozen by Grace, Tina Yeager beautifully encourages us to bravely move forward even in the slippery moments, with the knowledge that The Lord is with us and He will fight for us, for our families.
Tina is a licensed therapist and life coach. And… full disclosure, she is also a dear friend of mine. Her writing will touch your heart and bless your soul. She has just released a new book titled Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose, published by Bold Vision books. If you would like to be eligible to receive a free signed book from Tina, please answer the question at the end of the blog. Note: The winner must live in the contiguous U.S. and leave a comment by Thursday. The winner will be announced on Friday.
Unfrozen by Grace
by Tina Yeager
“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13b-14 (NIV)
I stalled on the riverbank. The spray twinkled in my peripheral view. I hesitated long enough to draw questions from other hikers. I froze on the mud instead of braving the rocky path to the waterfall.
What if I slipped? Consequences flooded my mind.
Overthinking consumed me. Again.
Yet another thought whispered into my soul. What if I missed the waterfall experience?
I proceeded with shaky steps. I slid on the damp moss. Seated, I inched from one boulder to the next. Without finesse, I reached the falls.
A magnificent cascade rewarded my efforts.
Such glory. I gaped in breathless wonder of the Creator who carved this masterpiece. And whose grace overcomes all my insecurities.
I’ve faced more significant struggles as a mom.
Fear halts me from confronting my kids on personal subjects. I hesitate at slippery issues. A careless word could cost dearly. What if someone gets hurt? I overthink and label myself a parental failure before I say a word.
I often stand frozen before an inner Red Sea.
Evil forces pursue, threatening to destroy our families’ future. We stall, hesitant to wade into the emotional swift water. But the oppressors approach. Darkness could enslave our generations if we remain in this comfortable camp.
We choose fearful silence or proceed across the unpredictable sea. Slaves to fear must leave their mental camps to pursue freedom for their families. To follow God’s parenting call, we abandon “in-tents” fears and lead tender toes toward the water of life.
God speaks encouragement into the insecure parent’s heart.
He reminds us of grace and his sovereign power to overcome our mistakes. He knows we cannot outpace the darkness pursuing our families. But Jesus can.
The Father’s love for our kids exceeds our imagination. He provides destinies for our families and equips us for the journey. It’s all established for our good, but not all up to us.
God’s love-whispers melt our fears. He can speak life through us into our children’s confusion or pain. Jesus’ indwelling breath of grace renews our words.
Courage-flow awaits our next step. Speak and trust him for the words. Christ’s hand steadies us. The Spirit blazes the trail. Focus on the goal of freedom beyond this risky step.
Jesus fills my heart with the courage I need as a parent.
I often lack perfect answers or questions. But he proves mightier than my stumbles. Jesus carries me from shaking on the edge to rewarding moments with my children.
The Holy Spirit upholds and transforms me with the spray and sparkle of his presence. He will continue to guide my family toward the glorious cascade of eternal blessings.
What images or verses help you move from mental ruts of fear toward venturing into Christ-centered, tough conversations as a parent?
Award-winning author, speaker, Flourish-Meant podcast host, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She hosts a Subdue Stress and Anxiety course featuring 15 expert presenters. Check out Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision, 2022). Connect with
Tina at tinayeager.com .
EVER FEEL WORN, USELESS, AND TOO BROKEN TO BELONG ANYWHERE BUT THE LANDFILL?
- Just as chippy cast-offs gain worth as vintage décor, the imperfect pieces of our lives hold incredible potential. Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose will take you on an interactive journey to discover how God reinvents rusty and flawed folks like us into cherished masterpieces who glorify him daily. Each chapter includes a gift or décor project which illustrates one of the ways the Great Artist remakes us to serve a beautiful purpose.Join us to encounter the loving craftsmanship of a Savior who makes all things new. Suggested charities for donating the projects offer opportunities to share hope of renewal with the world.Tina Yeager, a licensed therapist and life coach, invites readers to:
- Reevaluate their imperfections as opportunities for God’s upcycling artwork.
- Discover new ways to use what they have to honor the Lord.
- Create tangible reminders to share hope and purpose with others.
Click here to get your copy of Upcycled on Amazon.
© LoriWildenberg. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Lori Wildenberg is a licensed parent and family educator, parent coach, and co-founder of 1Corinthians13 Parenting.com. She has written 6 books including Messy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home; The Messy Life of Parenting: Powerful and Practical Ways to Strengthen Family Connections; and her most recent book, Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety, Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Contact Lori for your next event or for parent consulting or parent training courses. Lori can also be found mentoring over at the MOMS Together Group on Facebook.
Reading Psalm 91 helped me through my first teen daughter. Then my second teen daughter, and her eating disorder.
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