From the time my older daughter was old enough to sit and listen to a story, I have read her Bible stories. Then, of course, the younger daughter participated when she was awake! When we moved to our own place, the Lord impressed upon me to start teaching them scripture. At 3 years old, Carlisle could recite 15 verses. Amazing! If we are not careful, we will underestimate our children. At such an early age, they are sponges. We must be careful what we are exposing them to whether we believe they are old enough to remember or not.
As you know by now, my husband, their father, and I have been separated for well over 2 years now. With the new year, the decision to divorce has become final. A chance for us both to start fresh and begin again, free. So, the rigmarole of that process has also begun. The part I dreaded most happened this weekend. Visitation. He lives in Atlanta which is 3 1/2 hours from where we live. Ugh is an understatement.
On the way, and of course the days leading up to the drop-off time, I prayed. And prayed and prayed. The Lord allowed everything to fall into place so I knew that they would be okay. For I know, He loves my children even more than I am humanly capable of loving them. Luke 8:16 tells us, "But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He sure loves children! :) So, the trip up was peaceful other than the dilemma of who gets to hold the Fairy Barbie and who has to settle for the lesser Snow White doll.
When we pulled in at the local Burger King at the half-way point, Reesey looked at her older sister and said: "Carlisle, I'm scared. Hold my hand." Carlisle responded with, "I'll hold your hand. God does not give me fear." (2 Timothy 1:7) I had to fight back the tears...God let me see that He is inside and He will be with them even if they are 3 1/2 hours away from me. Can't He take even better care of them than I can? I'm mere mortal, but He IS the God of the Universe. He IS Jehovah! He IS!
As I pondered the exchange between my sweet angels, my mind went back to a time when I was in complete hell and disarray. My husband and I were heavy drinkers, alcoholics is the more appropriate term. One night, I was lying on the floor annihilated. The night had gotten out of control ending with a fight that became physical. My husband called my mother because he didn't know what to do with me at this point. The demons in me could not be quieted. This often happened when I crossed a certain line. There was so much rage inside.
Anyway, he put the phone to my ear and she began to pray. I remember she began quoting scripture. The awesome part is that I, in oblivion, an unconscious state almost, began to quote the scripture with her. My flesh was completely out, but my spirit man cried out because the Word was in there. Deep down under all the garbage, all the things I was taught growing up came forth when I was unable to call it forth myself.
It is oh so important to teach our kids the ways of the Lord. This is the only gift we can give them that is everlasting. We do not know what's ahead for out children so it is imperative, it is our responsibility as parents, to give them the tools they need to survive this life on earth. They must know God or they will not be able to withstand the wiles of the enemy. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us to "stay alert and pay attention. There's an enemy out there." I do not want my children to become his prey. I will not stand by and let them be swept away. They must be rooted and grounded in Him or they will have no chance in this wicked, wicked world. It is never too early to start...
Psalm 8:2 "Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger."
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