Encouragement for Those Who are Struggling

For a couple of weeks now, I’ve been so thinking of the many of you who are stressed, frustrated, and worn out by illness, concerned about children’s learning labels, and worried over educational planning. I’ve wondered how I might alleviate some of this for so many of you. As yet, I’ve only been able to pray for your peace and comfort. 

In a post yesterday, and I cannot recall which one at the moment, it occurred to me that all of these things have one thing in common. Fear. I understand it, all of it. I’ve encountered bouts of illness (mine, or DH &/or DC, relatives, and friends.) My children have each had their different styles of learning, requiring patience and practice. And, I have surely spent more time on planning than implementation over the last couple of decades. 

I don’t know that my words will come across in as caring a manner as I intend, but I do want you all to remember that most of these situations are usually not a matter of life or death, though they may FEEL that way at times. 

Remember Jairus?  His daughter WAS at the point of death. He came to Jesus, asking Him to hurry to his home to lay His hands on her that she might get well and live. The “interruption” with the woman with the  dozen years’ hemorrhage  occurred, stalling their trip back to Jairus’ house. I’m certain Jairus’ heart was racing at the time. “Hurry, hurry, hurry, or it will be too late,” may have been in his thoughts. The fact that he witnessed the woman being healed only confirmed what was true. Jesus could heal his daughter. 

Then, his worst fear is brought to his attention by someone from his home. “Don’t bother, it’s too late.”

But, was it?  What did Jesus have to say about it?  “Do not be afraid ANY LONGER, only believe.”

After Jesus brought her back to life, His concern was that she eat. 🙂

I don’t know about the rest of you, but that tells me that we should be more concerned about the care and feeding of our families than which book will resolve any checklist concern or learning struggle they may be encountering. I’m reminding myself of this truth, not pointing fingers. I get myself into such a dither sometimes and feel rather ridiculous when it’s all blown over. 

Somehow, I ran across the Book of Mottoes section of this forum yesterday. So, this afternoon, I pulled mine out to see if I had scratched some brave reminders. I hope that the reminder from Mark 5:36 and these quotes will be an encouragement to all of you. Some may seem quite silly, so giggle, even laugh!  You’ll feel better. And, Sonya has an awesome, free reminder to keep fear in check. 

http://simplycharlottemason.com/store/lessons-from-the-valley/

I’ll start with Miss Mason. ;0)

“Do not let the endless succession of small things crowd great ideals out of sight and out of mind.”

-Charlotte Mason

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee…and he that formed thee…Fear not:  for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

-Isaiah 43:1

“Deep down, each child knows he is only as worthy as any other child.  Casting some children in negative roles puts the very being of each and every child at risk. If even one child can be cast aside as unworthy, no child is truly safe. He feels keenly insecure at the ground of his being.”

-Donna Bryant Goertz (a strong caution against labels)

“The idea that men are created free and equal is both true and misleading:  men are created different; they lose their social freedom and their individual autonomy in seeking to become like each other.”

-David Riesman, The Lonely Crowd

“The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues.”

-Abigail Adams

“Our chief want in life is somebody who shall make us do what we can.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”

-Philippians 4:8

Shalom,

Becca<><