Finding Hope When it Seems Hopeless
Updated: 4 days ago
At Connect Point Moms, we say that parenting starts with YOU (rather than your child) since you can only give from what you have. Therefore, this article is to help feed YOUR soul, so that you have something to give to your kids!
We are now moving into our 7th week of self-isolation, quarantine, social distancing. We've done this for SIX WEEKS already!? How are you doing? How is parenting, "home-schooling," your family/step-family/co-parenting life going for you during this difficult time? Are you feeling relaxed, scared, content, stressed, grateful, bored, giddy or stir-crazy at all? I am!
But remember, we ALWAYS have a choice: We can choose to stress and worry, or we can choose to pray and trust! Here's what I am doing:
I am praying for my parents, in-laws, and the many others who are over 70....
From what we know, this virus does the most harm to our older population. Are there elderly neighbors for whom I can bring groceries or other supplies so they don't have to be unnecessarily exposed? What if my own parents get sick? Will we be able to care for them - heck will we even be able to GET to them? What if they die and we can't gather for their funeral? Have I said and done everything I think I need to? Am I ready for them to die? Can anyone ever actually BE ready for such a thing?
Oh God, help me remember and trust that You are before all things and IN YOU all things hold together (Colossians 1:17) at all times! I can rest in You for You are always faithful, always loving, always good. Even when I don't understand I am going to trust that You want what's best for me.
I am praying for our children, the children in our church family, and children across the world as they struggle with loss of activities, milestones, and peer connections.
Let's face it, all of our lives have changed and our kids are the ones who are going to be coming out of this either better or worse for it! Are they learning they can continue to love and trust God even though the world seems completely upside down? Of course, it's always been upside down and it's only through Jesus that it can be set right again! Are they learning to handle disappointments with grace, still able to be grateful and kind to others, even when things aren't going their way - or the way they hoped? Am I doing all I can to help them be successful now and once this is over? Oh God, help me know that, like the good shepherd You are, You will tend to your flock, gather us in Your arms, carry us in Your bosom, and gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11). Thank You for Your grace that is never deserved, never withheld, and never ending.
I am praying for people's jobs and our world's economy - but especially in Las Vegas - where hundreds of thousands are out of work and out of pay.
It's easy to feel scared about what the world is going to look like when this is all over. I mean, what if the casinos never recover and our community falls into despair? What if crime rates rise with unemployment and our family and neighbors are in danger? What if people stop giving to Grace Point Church and the Pastors and staff are out of work? What if many churches close down and people lose the opportunity to gather weekly to worship together and hear God's truth? Oh God! Help me remember that You are good - all the time - and that I can trust in you - all the time - as You are my refuge - all the time (Psalm 62:8). Renew my faith in You so that I know that all I need is Jesus....that this world is temporary....that You will provide for our needs...and help me know that all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28)!
The hope in this pandemic (and in life!) is not working harder or smarter or better or waiting until it is over. The hope is found in reorienting ourselves from looking at our current circumstances - no matter what they are - and turning our eyes toward the One who has created us, the One who loves us, the One who has saved us!
Just like you want your kids to share EVERYTHING with you, good, bad, their worries, hopes, dreams....The same is true for us and God. We're His children!
In what are you finding hope during this time? I'd love to hear how it is working for you! And, as always, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or needs, I can be reached at [email protected] or just comment below.
#ConnectPointMoms helps you create stronger relational connections with the children in your life. This starts with being aware of your own stuff so you can BE PRESENT with your children in the moment you're in, and then knowing and using the best ways to communicate with them.
For quick, helpful parenting videos, find "Kate Connects" on YouTube or join the Connect Point Moms Facebook group to find encouraging supportive moms struggling through it all together!
#ConnectionIsThePoint #LearnToDoItDifferently #ConnectionCreatesCooperation
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