From 1 Mama to Another

I came across this meme the other day and while I definitely giggled I also understood the serious side of this. This. Is. A. Crazy. Time. Everyone has a different idea of what is really going on, some things that sound ridiculous to some are probably true and some normal sounding things could be wrong. As a Mama I want to protect my family the best I can. I want to be ready just in case X,Y, Z happens. I want to be able to dive in head first because I've done the research. Many of my Facebook friends are right there with me. If this is you, I want you to take a few more minutes and finish reading my post that is probably a bit too long. Chalk it up to research even 😀.

Today and for the last several weeks our world has drastically changed. Jobs have been lost, plans changed and in the states I hear that toilet paper is still hard to find. Life is drastically different (for some) and it can cause us to go into a tailspin trying to plan for what is coming next. But I want to warn you that "what next" can consume you if you aren't careful. I know this because I've been through situations in my adult life that had me grasping at straws and trying to figure out what was next. Then before I knew it I was completely stressed out and disconnected because I was trying to plan and/or fix things. It can become something quite unhealthy. We are, of course, trying to make sense of things and fix things, but mostly we are (usually) leaning on our OWN understanding.

Leaning on our own isn't what God has called us to. Proverbs 3:5-8 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord , and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones." We have to trust Him, He knew this was coming, He has a plan and His plan is BETTER than ours. Please hear me when I say planning and researching can be very wise, I do both of those things, heavily on some topics actually, but we can definitely take it too far. This did not catch God by surprise, in fact He is sovereign over all things, including pandemics.

Now to learn to lean into Him more and learn what He would have us learn during all this. Now to address the other part of this. President Trump, Dr. Fauci, Bill Gates, The WHO, sensored internet searches, videos and every "Karen" of the internet...none of them have all the answers. So while we are researching and planning we must use discernment. We must ask God how He would have us handle this pandemic. We must first go to Him and not off on a wild tangent of ideas and theories no matter how true or false they are. I know some of us have very strong convictions/thoughts/ideas about certain things. Some of us may even feel led to warn others about dangers we see coming. God may be using some of us to help others see, but we can't allow this to consume us, we have to trust Him. We can't allow it to cause us to checkout from our families and we can't let it take over our lives.

Mama, I know you are tired, overwhelmed, scared and probably a bit confused...I've felt all of those things lately too. Unplug from this pandemic for a bit and plug in to your family. While we are trying to figure it all out they are also experiencing their own set of emotions. In the end no matter how much we internet search, watch videos or research we won't have all the answers. I know Who does and He calls us to trust in Him with ALL of our heart. He's got this, really He does. If you read Romans 8:28 you will see just that because it says "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.". He is working ALL things together for good for us (true believers)...the cancer, the pandemic, the unexpected death... everything. Breathe a bit easier because we don't have to carry this huge burden. God has this. I have so much love for all Mamas because our job and the pressures we take on is anything but easy! Find true peace, rest in Him and love your family hard during this crazy time! 💜

*Dad's are great too, I've just never been one so I'm not trying to talk to a father's heart or relate to Daddy emotions and since I've never been a dad I can't speak to how difficult it is.*