"Look," he said to his people, "the Israelites have become much too numerous for us. Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become ever more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave our country." Exodus 1:9-10
Pharaoh made the Israelites slaves, oppressing them to kill their spirit, and stop their growth. What does Satan do to us today? The exact same thing. Just like our struggles and burdens made us stronger and developed qualities in us, it will do the same by preparing our children for their future.
It's been such a burden watching two of my children struggle these past few weeks. No mother wants to see their child struggle, much less two of them. For me as a mom, I want to make the struggle go away. I don't want my children to experience pain. Both situations are totally different, but both have brought this momma many tears.
My second grader reads slow at school and is not on expected reading level. We read EVERY night. I have seen his reading improve so much over the past year. To me, he doesn't read all that slow; but that's when he's reading in the comfort of his home. Problem number 2…the kiddo never meets his AR goals.
Long story short...I met with his teacher and there's just not enough time in the class period for everyone to take their AR test, so they are suppose to go to the library before or after school to take their test. Before leaving the meeting, I let the teacher know I will train him to go to the library every morning to take his test. Stick with me…we are fixing to get to the 'struggle' part.
So the next morning, we go to the library and he sits down at the computer. I'm standing behind him watching him just sit there while other kids (in his grade) are having no problem logging in and taking their test. There's my kiddo lost as a goose. He didn't know where to find the AR program, he didn't know how to use the mouse, he didn't know how to log in, and in that moment all I could see was me. Me as a child that struggled socially and academically. Not because I wasn't able, but because I was timid; too shy to ask for help. AND now my kid has the same struggle.
I have walked my second grader to the library for a full week. He now knows how to use the computer. He now is one of three in his class that has reached his AR goal already for this quarter. He is overcoming!
Then there's my eighth grader. Last year was his first year playing football. A few weeks ago, he was ready to quit football. I didn't get it. He went to football camp. He was so excited for football to start. But now, I could see the fear in his eyes again. He never really got over the fear of tackling or being tackled. He's never really played sports before and he struggles at it. He wants to get it. Honestly, I probably would have let him quit, but my husband said no.
We traveled almost an hour and a half last night to watch him play. Quarter one. Quarter two. Quarter three. We watched as he stood patiently on the sidelines. At this point, I couldn't hold back the tears any longer. I've seen the bruises he's endured in practice. I was hurt. I was broken. I didn't want him to struggle with this fear anymore. And for what? To stand on the sidelines on game day. Finally, the fourth quarter the coach put him in the last 50 seconds of the game. He ran out on that field with his head held high.
After the game, I went over to the fence and got his picture. I told him how proud I was of him. And, I am! He's a fighter. He's strong. He's not quitter. This kiddo's heart is so BIG, it's not even funny. Before we left, two of his friends came over and patted him on the back with 'cheers' as if he had scored a touch down. These two kiddos are amazing athletes on the field, but more importantly they have a light that shines off the field and this momma saw it and appreciated it. (Thank you Ryan Irvin and Carson Zant) My son will overcome!
Fear and shyness is something I have always struggled with, but with Christ I have overcome. I will leave you with this…
Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth" who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind" Is it not I, the Lord? Now GO; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." Exodus 4:10-12
Moses begged God to let him out of his mission, much like my son begged me. But God looked at Moses and knew all he needed was some help. His help. All my kids need is some help. My help. I will encourage my kids not to focus on their weaknesses. If a task at hand involves weak areas, I will encourage them to trust in God to provide words, strength, courage, and ability where needed. I am a mom. A mom that will raise her children to be OVERCOMERS!
