Last night I found my son crying in the tent-fort he'd made from his blankets. Sometimes I ask "what makes you sad?" but this time I asked another question: "What negative phrase is looping in your brain?"
I had seen what had triggered him. He was reading the report card and noting every area that indicated an imperfection. Needing improvement in the "organization" department means that he's a 4th grade boy--it shouldn't mean that you put your chin on your chest and slink to your room like a beaten puppy!
So I knew what had caused him to be sad, but I also suspected that it would be something more "core" than dismay at his report card. When he looked up at me I asked again "What negative tape is playing in your head?"
"It's difficult to love me."
That's my negative tape, not his, but his is very similar. Jesus encountered me last September and helped me into a new identity. I am no longer cursed with the mental refrain of "unlovable." I have broken free!
Let's not have my son listen to this negative tape for 30 years and then break it off. Let's go after it when he's a little guy. He's just a kid. Why does the Enemy take advantage of us when we're weak? Why attack little kids?!
There are appropriate scriptures that help answer this question. Name one in the comments?
[If you'd like to join us for any of our Easter-week celebrations, starting next Thursday night at our house, let me know. We'd love to include you!]
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
ReplyDeleteThis is what instantly came to mind when I read your dear blog. Also:
We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19 KJV)
As we briefly talked about, I'd love to know what you are planning that is open for all. We are busy Friday evening, and church for us is Sunday 9:30-11ish, but other than that I'd love to know what we might be able to unite with you in.
Your friend,
John (and Lindsey)