South Central and Family13 May 2008 11:47 am
The helicopters and sirens have been going all morning. I am aware of the ways this makes me edgy, in general, with my kids. As my anxiety increases, my patience shortens. I don’t think the solution is to just ignore and pretend there is nothing the matter with the fact that police and emergency vehicles are in a flurry around us. And yet I don’t want that to define who we are.
How does it look to live with the peace of Christ in the midst of chaos or fear?
I’m not sure, but I think it would be beyond human understanding….wouldn’t make sense.
That’s not very helpful to you in the moment.
I’m learning that the peace of Christ is not so much a “feeling” as it is “heart knowledge.” You probably have a greater understanding of Christ’s peace than the rest of us living in comfy suburbia. Wish I could be more encouraging to you. The fear of being a mom to young children in an atmosphere you have no control over…I can relate to that.
it’s amazing how REAL christ needs to be in some situations. it’s easy to talk about it and “feel” it when it’s not really necessary. the buffers from danger and REAL NEED of christ’s peace and protection are usually pretty thick. but not when it’s happening literally outside your door and the mama bear instincts go on high alert.
jeff did a talk recently on psalm 3. david is really scared of all the violence coming in on him (hunting him down, actually) and in the key verse (5 or 6 i think?) he falls asleep peacefully in the midst of it all, and then God wakes him up because there’s still a battle to fight. it’s more about personal attack, but the peace is there and it seems relevant to your situation. i’m pretty sure the talk is online if you think listening to it would help. it’s at www.lagunachurchbythesea.org go to “teaching” then “sermon archives” and select jeff psalm 3 - sorry, i don’t know how to just put the link here. good luck erika. you’re a total warrior. it’s good you are there, although i’m sure not easy all the time.
Been reading your blog for a while now Erica, and it’s such an encouragement. Praying that God would give you and your family the strength, peace, encouragement and wisdom you need in every situation you come to face.
I wish I had more than that to offer you, but all I can do is say that I’m praying for you.
Thanks all for the words of comfort, wisdom and care. Surely this is a place where God ministers peace to me through so many of you. Thanks.