3 Keys in Crisis – for Moms
Three keys to consider for yourself and the sake of your children during crisis situations.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
from Isaiah 43:1-3 NASB
I have called you by name; you are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,
Nor will the flame burn you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”
1. Take a Breath
It is important to stop and breathe. Both literally and figuratively.
If you are having a hard time thinking clearly, just take a moment.
It may help to get a journal or piece of paper and get everything out of your head.
Get Your Focus off of Your Circumstances
When we can get our focus off of our circumstances and fix our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith, just like when Peter locked eyes with Jesus and was able to walk on water, we can handle the storm we are in the middle of. Focus on God and His attributes. This list of the names of God is a good start.
pray with thankfulness
Despite all that is going on or what has just happened, what can you be grateful for? Speak that to the Lord or write it out. His goodness alone should keep us thanking Him for the rest of our life. Here are some verses for giving thanks which can change our hearts and again bring our focus from our mess to the King of kings.
read your Bible
If you have access to your Bible, get it out and read some out of Pslams.
worship
If you have the ability, turn on praise music. If that is not an option singing outwardly or inwardly is always an option.
Give yourself and your children grace. It takes a minute to process shocking things.
2. Think Outside the Box
Back up. Get perspective. Simplify.
So many times we do things because it’s just what you do. There may be another way to get things done when things are confusing and overwhelming. Ask the Lord for creativity.
If you are in need of temporary schooling for your children, check out my suggestions for Emergency Homeschooling.
3. You are the Thermostat
A thermometer merely says what the temperature is. If it is hot or cold, a thermometer says so.
A thermostat is different. It sets the temperature. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, a thermostat makes the correct changes for the temperature to be corrected, comfortable and pleasant.
As the Mama, you set the tone for your children.
You are the thermostat in your home.
No matter how awful the circumstance, you can buffer the trauma for them.
You can be honest while still protecting them from unnecessary stress.
choose joy
Don’t lie but you can be steady and dependable if you fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Your children are taking it all in. They are learning how to or how not to respond and cope and manage feelings.
use discretion
I can’t tell you how many times I have had to stop a mom trying to tell me all kinds of horrible things with children present. Ladies, this has to stop.
Sharing every detail and answering every question in full is not necessary for honesty and surely isn’t necessary for the emotional stability of your children. This includes talking around them about the situation to people or on the phone.
choose your friends wisely
On this subject, when dealing with sensitive situations, who you share with and speak to is critical. In matters of privacy, who you share with should be a woman who is seasoned in the Lord and has proven to have consistently used utmost discretion. Not all matters should be shared with people just because they are close in your life. In fact, not all people should be close in your life just because of blood or fate.
you set the tone
No matter your feelings, it is very important not to let them be at the forefront of your world. Controlling your responses can be incredibly important to help your children.
They may not even realize that your life is not ideal if you practice gratefulness and stay in the peace and joy of the Lord.
“Today when you nurture, love and meet the needs of your beloveds with beauty, it will make a difference in how they face their whole day.”
Sally Clarkson
