There were lots of tears this morning as I was preparing my sweet daughter to start her school week.
My 1st grader Elise is troubled by a friend using a nickname in the classroom that is embarrassing her--and her friend won't stop despite Elise's kind plea. Another friend called her 'stupid' and make a few other rude remarks. She did not want to go to school today because of them.
My heart aches for her hurting heart. But I cannot solve these issues for her. The reality is that throughout her entire life, navigating the waters of friendships is an on-going process. Having 'mean' kids verbally assault her is unfortunately part of growing up.
Every Wednesday afternoon for Adam, and every Thursday morning for Elise, I meet with a small group of praying moms and we claim scripture over them using the format of Moms in Prayer International (formerly Moms In Touch). We take an attribute of God and read scriptures about God's love, his patience, his faithfulness, his protection; Him being our helper, a miracle worker, our confidence, our rock, our foundation, our hope, our peace. The list goes on and on. Whether encouraging or correcting, I tell my children over and over who they are in Christ.
As Elise came to me with tears in her eyes about being called stupid, I reminded her of what God says about her: She is fearfully and wonderfully made. She is made in the image of God, She is God's delight. I tell her she is smart, kind, funny, and a good friend. No longer crying, but still looking dejected, I sent her off to school, encouraging her to let her teacher or counselor help her mend those relationships.
Her counselor called me just a few moments ago to tell me how articulate Elise was in explaining her problem. She was able to lovingly explain to these young friends on how her feelings were hurt. And the most amazing, incredible, sweet and God-breathed thing happened.
She recited back to the counselor that she did not deserve those words. That 'my mom said I am sweet, kind, loving and smart because that is what God thinks of me, too.' Yes, she is living in this world, but she is not of this world. And she knows it. And I am proud of her declaring the truth; sharing the gospel, and yes, listening to me. Maybe I am impacting her life more than I thought.
Thank you, God, for the encouragement that I needed today. When so many things can go wrong--so many things left unsaid--and the busyness of life to make us forget to take the time to build up our children (not just correct them), you revealed yourself in a mighty way.
Amen and Amen.
My 1st grader Elise is troubled by a friend using a nickname in the classroom that is embarrassing her--and her friend won't stop despite Elise's kind plea. Another friend called her 'stupid' and make a few other rude remarks. She did not want to go to school today because of them.
My heart aches for her hurting heart. But I cannot solve these issues for her. The reality is that throughout her entire life, navigating the waters of friendships is an on-going process. Having 'mean' kids verbally assault her is unfortunately part of growing up.
Every Wednesday afternoon for Adam, and every Thursday morning for Elise, I meet with a small group of praying moms and we claim scripture over them using the format of Moms in Prayer International (formerly Moms In Touch). We take an attribute of God and read scriptures about God's love, his patience, his faithfulness, his protection; Him being our helper, a miracle worker, our confidence, our rock, our foundation, our hope, our peace. The list goes on and on. Whether encouraging or correcting, I tell my children over and over who they are in Christ.
As Elise came to me with tears in her eyes about being called stupid, I reminded her of what God says about her: She is fearfully and wonderfully made. She is made in the image of God, She is God's delight. I tell her she is smart, kind, funny, and a good friend. No longer crying, but still looking dejected, I sent her off to school, encouraging her to let her teacher or counselor help her mend those relationships.
Her counselor called me just a few moments ago to tell me how articulate Elise was in explaining her problem. She was able to lovingly explain to these young friends on how her feelings were hurt. And the most amazing, incredible, sweet and God-breathed thing happened.
She recited back to the counselor that she did not deserve those words. That 'my mom said I am sweet, kind, loving and smart because that is what God thinks of me, too.' Yes, she is living in this world, but she is not of this world. And she knows it. And I am proud of her declaring the truth; sharing the gospel, and yes, listening to me. Maybe I am impacting her life more than I thought.
Thank you, God, for the encouragement that I needed today. When so many things can go wrong--so many things left unsaid--and the busyness of life to make us forget to take the time to build up our children (not just correct them), you revealed yourself in a mighty way.
Amen and Amen.
