When Courage is Scary

When asked if they’ve ever been scared, every kid will raise their hand.  Some will be so bold as to say that they are scared often, and will name that thing which makes them afraid.  As adults- let’s be honest- we believe some of those fears are not only unwarranted, but downright irrational…monkeys under beds, monsters in the closet, dogs that may chase or jump, spiders in the shower.  (Okay…that last one is mine and it really happened once- creepy!)

The reality is that whether something seems rational or not, it is real to that person.  Who are we to judge what is rational and what is not?

As adults we have fears too…will my kids be “good” kids, will my kids be smart, will by kids have friends, will my kids stay healthy- with or without that debated vaccine…?  The list could go on and on, but do you see a pattern?  As parents most of our fears are related to things we cannot control. 

God calls us to be courageous, but courage is scary.  It’s scary to let go of control.  It’s scary to trust that someone other than us is looking out for our kids. It’s scary to think about what is best for our kids, all while realizing that the “world” has no interest in doing anything that is best… or even good for them. 

So how do we learn to be courageous? I think we look at our kids.  Yes, they are afraid of monsters under beds and shadows in their closets, but who do they call on when they are afraid- you, their parents.  They call on the one(s) who can comfort their fears and who can show them the truth- that the thing that scares them is nothing to worry about. 

I’ve also noticed that kids are much more courageous than we adults when it comes to things they can’t control.  Think about it…what can kids REALLY control for themselves?  Very little.  But do they spend all of their time in fear because of that.  No. Why?  They trust the one(s) who loves them- who is in control- to take care of everything.

So…how do we become courageous?  We call on the One Who can comfort our fears and will show us the Truth.  We trust the One Who is in control to take care of everything.  

Courage can be scary, but we have a Father who looks under the bed and into our hearts to assure us there is nothing to be afraid of. 

Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you.  Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions.  These sessions will be held twice a year.  February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August.  Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org  Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations.  Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.

What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons.  Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children.  Click on the links below to view lessons from this winter’s series on parables. 
January lessons: This link is no longer available
February lessons:
This link is no longer available

Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
There are so many great things kids say on any given day.  Here is a recent favorite…
Leader: What will you be when you're grown up?
Child: I'm going to be 13.
Leader: What will you do when you're grown-up?
Child: I am going to cut with scissors.