Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Praying for Peace

Our oldest son had a bad week last week.
Bad. Just about anything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Some of it was done to him and some he did to himself.

As any Momma will tell you, it is difficult to watch your child struggle.
And when someone hurts your baby. . .well everyone better just stand clear as we go into Momma Bear mode.
But, several of the things he dealt with last week were of his own making.
It is hard to grow up.
But growing requires being stretched. And sometimes stretching hurts. As he (and the rest of our children) learn this difficult lessons-that we want them to learn at home-I was reminded how much I want our home to be a place of safety and security for them.

Like you I've been watching the news around the world. And, I'm no foreign policy expert, just a mom in the middle of the United States. But, as I see men, women and children yearning for freedom and all the struggles that go with that journey, I found myself praying for peace for them.
Especially the children, who are always the ones who get hurt, forgotten and walked over first.

As I was praying for peace around the world, that still small voice began speaking to me. He asked 'When was the last time you prayed for peace for YOUR children?' 'What about peace for your own people?'. OUCH! His voice may come quietly, but that doesn't mean it isn't powerful!

So, this week, in my quiet time and then throughout the day, I've been praying for peace for my children. Let's face it, the world they live in does not desire peace. It can be a dark and scary place. Our goal as parents is to rear children who make a difference in their worlds. Who are light in the darkness.
I've even began taking a votive candle and lighting it for them as I pray- a symbol of the life we would want for them. (no small feat for a little Baptist girl! )

Would you join me in praying for peace for our children?
That our homes would become places of peace-safety harbors-where no matter what battles are raging all around them and in them, our children can come and know peace.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

4 comments:

Jane said...

Sweetly written. And I so sorry to read about your oldest having a tough time. I can so feel the pain you were having. Yes, I will pray for peace for our children and yours specifically.

Angie said...

Thanks Jane ! I'll pray for your precious one as well!

Miss Hillbilly said...

I have a daily list of things to pray for my kids. I plan on posting it on Mothers Day. Sorry it's been a tough week. Up and down...that how it goes isn't it?

Angie said...

What a great idea!
I've just never thought of praying for 'peace' for my children-lots of other things but that one never occurred to me.
He's growing up, and that is a learning process-not easy when you are trying to Follow Jesus!
But, I know C is in the shadow of the cross and belongs to God! That is what gets me through as a parent some days ! :)

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