Covid, the Classroom, & Confidence in God’s Covering
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Jeremiah 17:7, NLT
Real MOMent
I can hardly believe we are almost halfway through the school year! As I think back on the past few months, I’m reminded of the thoughts I had about having to send my child back into the classroom:
How will children, whose parents have different beliefs about the Covid vaccine and/or wearing masks, impact my child?
Can I trust the constantly changing information coming from various health organizations?
Will my child’s school district adopt policies similar to other states that make mask wearing optional?
Let's just say my confidence in the safety of my child was nonexistent.
The “what ifs” and my anxiety, at one point, filled any empty space in my head. I will spare additional details because there is not enough real estate on this site for all of my fearful thoughts. YES, I know that God does not teach us to be fearful, however, I understand that fear is a REAL feeling ( at least it was for me).
I literally cringed every time I heard or read the statement, “this next pandemic will be the pandemic of the unvaccinated.” HELLO! At that point, children under 12 years old were not able to get the vaccine and therefore were included in that “pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
The conversations with trusted friends, which included others that did not have to send their babies into the germy school hallways, quickly and consistently offered up the statement “God has your child covered.” While I truly knew this to be, as the young folks say, “FACTS!” - Why was it so hard to have total and unwavering confidence in His covering of my baby? As any mother would, I would do anything and everything to protect my children. Without any regrets, I would take on every future heartache, hurt, sickness, or whatever to keep my children from having to experience any of life’s inevitable hardships out of pure, unconditional love.
MOMent of Clarity
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE! Hmmmm sounds just like someone else I know who sent His Son to lay down His life for us.
How could I think my love for my child is greater than the love God had for Jesus or us, including the students in the classroom? That is where my confidence was renewed… in His pure, unconditional love. In the days leading up to the beginning of the school year, I decided that my confidence must start and end with the confirmations that are found in the word of God.
The words of our friends provide comfort, but confidence should be rooted in God's promises.
There are many examples that we are given in the Bible that remind us of God’s promises. The familiar story of the children of Israel, who struggled in their confidence in God’s promises, but still, God faithfully and consistently showed up and showed out! HELLO Red Sea! Pharaoh’s army who? Let’s not forget about Daniel, who totally understood the assignment. He publicly prayed to God, while understanding that his actions would get him thrown in the lion’s den.
If these Bible stories (along with the many other Biblical examples) don’t resonate with you, then think about your own life. Specifically, for me, I have to rely on God for my career decisions, marriage decisions, and now, as a mom, I have to rely on Him in the decisions I make for my children.
God loves me unconditionally even through my fears, for the Bible tells me so. God loves you. God loves our children. A simple concept that makes the most meaningful impact on truly being confident in God.
 This week’s PRAISE is rooted in God’s pure unconditional love. With a statement as simplistic as that, the song that many of us were taught at a very young age is “Jesus Loves Me.” The video clip under the “P.R.A.Y.” table, is one of my favorite renditions of the song. RIP Whitney |
 Am I intentionally showing God’s love to my children? How am I ensuring that when they are scared about various things in life that they know to turn to God? Am I setting that example for them? |
 Younger Children: Listen to the song “Jesus Loves Me” in the car on the way to daycare/school. There are several children’s versions out on YouTube. Here is a personal favorite: "Jesus Loves Me" by Listener Kids - Bing video Fun Fact- I have only heard my 2 year old say ‘yes” when singing the words in the chorus “Yes, Jesus Loves Me”. In all other scenarios, the answer is always “No” even when she really means “Yes.” :) Older Children:
As a Family: At the end of day, during night time routines or even at the dinner table, share ways God has shown you love each day. Talk about similarities and even some of the smallest ways that God has shown his love. |
 Dear God, Thank You for unconditional and everlasting love. Thank You for loving me when I might not have loved myself in the way that I should have. Thank You for leaving me with examples in my life, in Your Word, and through the testimonies of others, that has allowed me to remember how Your love prevails in all situations even in the moments where my fear seems to have taken over. Thank You for understanding that when I do become fearful, it is not a reflection of my lack of love for You. Please help me properly teach my children of Your love through my actions and help them seek their confidence solely in Your promises and through Your word. AMEN |
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