Sing the title of this post to the ’80’s tune “Ghostbusters” – remember “I aint ‘fraid of no ghost”?
Again, I’m a grammar/english nerd. It pains me to write it and yet it’s what’s going through my mind as I do. I can’t help myself.
Susannah, my oldest child, has a personality in which she is frightened of much. Daddy Long Legs. Strangers (thank God). Cars in the parking lot. Going down a slide. Water. JJ and I often worry that she is going to grow up to have panic disorders, anxiety levels off-the-charts, OCD. I have faith in God that it’s because she is our very careful firstborn but I do find myself looking for ways to pull her out of her shell. I don’t ever mutter the words “Be careful!” when I leave her because, God love her, she will take that literally. Instead, I tell her to “Take a risk!” because if I slip and utter the dreaded “Be careful!” she will spend so much time being careful that she won’t do anything else BUT be careful.
And then there is our second-born, sweet Sawyer, who needs no help in this area. He’s pretty much not scared of anything. Except for ladybugs. Go figure.
I absolutely tell him to be careful ANY TIME I am not around.
Exhibit A
For the record, Solomon is pretty much following in the footsteps of his older brother and will someday, mark my words, jump from airplanes and participate in extreme sports competitions. I’d rather not think about that for now. I pretty much tell him to “be careful”, too.
Susannah is very particular about water – in fact, earlier in the summer when she took her first round of swimming lessons, they suggested she actually GO BACK to the class below because she would never leave the wall.
This is fine and dandy except for the fact that Sawyer was in the class below and, when I asked her if she would like to try his class (I didn’t dare tell her that it was suggested she should) she informed me that she would not be doing that because “that class is for babies” thankyouverymuch.
Luckily, I didn’t have to broach this topic because another round of lessons wouldn’t have worked out in our summer schedule anyway. Therefore, to help her work through this intense fear of water which really equates to the fear of being out of control (I have no idea where she gets this…), we decided to have her take a few private lessons.
They are working.
When we went on vacation to Wisconsin a few weeks ago, she swam like a fish with her “hippo floaty” – albeit she was in the baby pool but still…She submerged her entire face under water and had a ball.
When I later praised her for her courage and asked what made her feel like she was ready to fly free and leave the wall, she said, “I knew God was with me. I knew you were there and I knew He would not let you let me drown.”
Out of the mouths of babes.
God will never, ever, ever, EVER let us drown. He may allow us to walk through trials – in fact, he guarantees it. But our God will never let us drown.
Not ever.
So if you find yourself holding on to the wall, find yourself treading, remember that He won’t ever let go of you.
Not ever.
For more Word Filled Wednesday, visit Internet Cafe Devotions. You’ll be blessed beyond measure.
First off, I just love, love your children’s names!!! They are precious.
Great word and such a cute picture to go with it.
I’ll agree with you she’ll get bolder and bolder as she grows up!!
Blessings to you this WFW♥
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Sweet Shot Tuesday =-.
Perfect promise and perfect pictures. Thanks for sharing on WFW.
When our daughter was that age, I shared 1 John 4:18 (There is no fear in love but perfect love casts out all fear) with her. She drew it on a piece of paper and framed it for her room. To this day (she’s 17 now) we get a kick out of it because she wrote perfect love CATS out all fear. ;) Give her a promise (among others of course) that she can make her own and put up as a constant reminder. There are many throughout God’s Word but some are a very special part of our journey. Blessings.
That was beautiful! I love the pictures and how the stories of your childen illustrated the verse! What stands out is when Susannah said ““I knew God was with me. I knew you were there and I knew He would not let you let me drown.” That is something we can all cling to – knowing God is with us, we do not have to fear anything. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings to you today!
Natalie, I love that you encourage your daughter to take a risk. Could of really used that advice has a child. Beautiful reminder that my Father is always with me and will not let me know. Children captured the essence of God in such profound simplicity.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..The Power of a Song & Praise =-.
I loved this post.
.-= Denise´s last blog ..What Does Love Look Like In Your Home =-.
love this post!
.-= che´s last blog ..WFW 5- A prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective =-.
You always have such a wonderful way of making us feel good. “So if you find yourself holding on to the wall, find yourself treading, remember that He won’t ever let go of you.” I LOVE THIS! I often find myself in the “middle of life’s pool paddling like a fool” because I just can’t let go and let God do His work. Maybe I should move over to the side of the pool and just keep hanging on.
Thank you.
Natalie,
Now I’m going to INSERT in there my own “I ain’t afraid verse!” I may use this for my girls Bible Study this fall! I simply LOVE it! We could even do a “Fear BUSTERS” theme!
You’ve inspired me…well, your lovelies have! :)
Awesome! Thank you so much!
peace,
lori
I am SO right there with you.. we have had the same struggles with our oldest with swimming as well.. ( I often thank God for sending me a cautious first born-not to give me a heart attack! ).. I have tried to encourage and yet realize that my children are created differently and each with their own unique qualities (and hang ups!) we have celebrated just this week w/ some minor advancements in the swimming lessons(we’re on our 2nd session, last week.. lol) I love that your sweet one “got’ the big picture.. and that she is clinging to those comforting words. I myself have been barely able to tread thru some trials these last couple weeks.. and yet, I know that they are here for a reason and that above all I have a lifesaver to cling to!
thanks for the post!! =)
.-= Elizabeth´s last blog ..maybe just a bit overstimulated- =-.
Blessings Natalie…What beautiful precious children!!! What a vivid where to depict this verse! Great WORD! Great illustrations in Word, examples and cute photos!!! Such a good application and I stand with Susan…and you that your daughter will be bolder & wiser, more discerning as she grows. Relax mom… with 2 risk taking sons, that’s enough for you! Be thankful. Meanwhile I will just TRUST! Thank for such a WONDERFUL WORD today! EnJOY every moment with these treasures & precious ones!!!
Thanks for your visit. Peggy
.-= Peggy´s last blog ..LETTERS OF CHRIST =-.
I have to come up with something new to tell you…I laugh, I cry…it’s all good! The part about the ladybugs sort of tickled me. Truly, out of the mouth of babes…indeed! Smiles and love!
.-= Bobbi´s last blog ..WFW- Epiphany on Reconciliation =-.
bizarrely my firewall wants to block your site!
anyhow, you do realize i’ll have that tune in my head for the next day! ahhhhh
Precious pictures and a wonderful Word ~