Forty years ago I looked and acted much differently than I do these days. I was a petite little thing weighing barely more than 110 pounds with waist-length hair. I had a cute button nose covered with freckles, which spread embarrassingly to my cheeks and forehead – and I had set my sights on marrying the boy next door. The only problem was – the boy in question wouldn’t consider marrying a non-Christian and I was a heathen!
In November 1975 I said “yes” to Jesus so I could “get the boy.” My intentions may not have been absolutely pure, but the end result was the same. I became a reluctant believer and I became a model for Christianity. Well — I tried anyway.
No I was never a real, live Supermodel – because anyone who knows me at all knows that’s quite laughable! When I became a Christian though, I became an ambassador for Christ. Based on the Word of God I became a new creation that was supposed to model Christ-like behavior.
It’s not always easy modeling what the Word of God lays out for us. I know I’ve faltered with things like: loving my neighbor as myself, turning the other cheek when offended or walking in peace when circumstances spell disaster.
While I’m far from perfect, the last many years I’ve considered myself to be a strong woman of faith. Recently, however, I overheard one of my adult children whisper something I wasn’t supposed to hear. The comment went something like, “Don’t tell Mom. She’ll only worry.”
I’m not sure when I developed the “worrywart” reputation with my children and it distresses me that rather than modeling peace during difficulties, I’ve modeled worry instead. Worry is in direct opposition to faith and not the spiritual legacy I wish to leave for my children.
I’ve searched the Bible pretty thoroughly and I cannot find one footnote that makes it okay for mothers to worry overly much about their children. Since being a mother is undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs around – you’d think God would cut us a little slack in the “worry department.” It’s so hard to “let go and let God” when the fruit of our womb is suffering.
In light of my recent worrywart reputation – God has impressed upon me that my word for 2015 will be: unshakeable.
Rather than worrying about the upcoming year – I am resolving … I will not worry. I will not be shaken. No, not even when one of my adult children is facing an adult crisis. I am resolving to rely more on Scripture and less on my excellent worrywart skills.
I may not be a Supermodel, but I can be super committed to modeling an unshakeable spirit thanks to the promises of God.
I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. (Psalm 16:8)
Happy New Year and blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.
I have also resolved recently not to worry about my children. I realized that when I was talking to them i was always point out the worse scenario in any situation they were in, “keep an eye out for this, make sure you do this, don’t let this happen, watch out for that”. One day a few months ago i really heard what was coming out of my mouth and I was ashamed. Not only was i worrying but if I continued my worrying it might rub off on them. I realized that my children are His children and he loves and cares for them more than I. So I placed them in his hands and there they will stay.
Thank you M. Claire for your wise words. I’ve been guilty of the same things you mentioned. It’s so hard to release our children to God even though we know He loves them more than we do.
To me , you’re a supermodel!!!
I like it!
Resolve unshakable!
Raising (encouraging) adult children is so complicated and challenging. I’m also guilty of the worry thing. Thanks for this relatable topic. I appreciate it.