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For All the Anxious Mamas

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Are you anxious about the coronavirus? And basically everything else going on in our world right now?

Then you have come to the right place, because, sweet mama, I want you to know that you are not alone. I also want you to know that there are a few things I am trying to do to help me live in these crazy times with faith and victory instead of fear.

#1 – Look Up

I took Jethro to his piano lesson the other day and while he was inside his teacher’s home, I sat outside on a swing that was hanging from a large tree in her front yard. I did what I normally do when I have a few minutes to myself – look down at my phone. I spent some time checking emails, social media, etc. Within 20 minutes I found myself stressing over a work situation, discontent over comparison to others, and discouraged about some things going on in the country.

Then a small breeze blew by and caused my skirt to fly up. I dropped my phone to catch my skirt so as not to give the piano teacher’s neighbors a surprise peep show (and let’s be honest, even if they had seen something, they would have been disappointed by granny panties and legs that haven’t seen a suntan in over 5 years). While looking around, another breeze blew past and I suddenly became very aware of my surroundings. The sun warmed my face. The leaves rustled quietly. A ladybug landed on my arm. Feeling lighter, I leaned back in the swing and looked up. I am embarrassed to say my neck hurt to look up because it is so used to looking down, but as I settled back, I felt peaceful. Present.

That whole situation reminded me of the power of looking up. When we get so focused on looking down at our phones, absorbing piles of information I am not sure the Lord ever intended for us to bear, we miss out on the gift of the present moment right in front of our eyes.

Another illustration of this happened the other day when I was seriously fretting over some news report I had heard. I spent the day distracted in my thoughts and tied up in knots emotionally. That evening, while I was giving Zion his bath, I looked down for 2 seconds to text a friend for prayer, and in that exact moment, Zion took a massive poop in the tub. It happened so fast and the mess was so epic I had to call Ryan into the bathroom for support. When we set our minds on things we cannot control, things get messy – and in my case, quite literally.

Matthew 6:34 says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Translation >> I don’t need to be focusing on outside poop when I have my own poop right in front of my nose.

#2 – Rehearse Truth

Do you know what I am really good at doing? Stewing. I will mentally stew on situations until I am so far down a road of confusion and fear I am almost paralyzed. Take this coronavirus. My thoughts have included is this the beginning of the end? Did this start as an act of terrorism? Do we need to build a bunker? Goes on Amazon to search >> HAZMAT SUITS FOR FAMILY.

And do you know where that kind of thinking ends? In a dark place of despair. So I have learned that I have to speak God’s Word out loud to remind myself of what is true, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When I am really struggling in my head, I will literally say out loud, “LORD, HELP ME TO LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING,” as a way to command my spirit to trust the Lord instead. My understanding is so so limited. And so easily burdened by the voices of the world! So, protect yourself! Turn off the media if it’s wearing you out. Lean not on your own understanding (or everyone else’s interpretation) of what’s going on around you. Submit your heart to the Lord. Depend on what HE SAYS about this life.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Matthew Henry’s commentary on this verse says the following in words better than I could ever say,

Throw your cares, which are so cutting and distracting, which wound your souls and pierce your hearts, upon the wise and gracious providence of God; trust in him with a firm composed mind, for he careth for you. He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events to you so as shall convince you of his paternal love and tenderness towards you; and all shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come unto you.

“He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it” >> all with the goal of drawing you closer to him and his undying affections for you! Take heart, sister! Everything is for our good and his glory!

#3 – Refresh Others

When I see myself spiraling down into a pit of sadness and fear over the state of the world, it is a pretty good indicator that I am getting too inward focused. That is my cue to try to find a way to bless someone else who is going through a hard time, too. And let me tell you, there are plenty of us out there! Take a meal to someone (HERE is my favorite), send them a card, tell a joke to someone who is tied up in knots (laughter is good medicine). Proverbs 11:25 says, “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” When I set about finding ways to make another’s world brighter, my own starts to light up.

I know this to be true! We never would have survived Jethro’s first year of life were it not for our amazing church family. It’s why I wrote a whole book about how small acts of kindness can make huge impacts on yourself, your community, and the world.

*SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT >> PLEASE BUY MY BOOK BY CLICKING HERE*

#4 – Be Quiet

I am still nursing baby Zion and I notice that he is not quiet or still until I meet his need for milk. In contrast, a weaned child will sit in his mama’s lap not seeking provision, but rather presence. This image can be found in Psalm 131.

“My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.”

God’s heart for us is that we not concern ourselves with all. the. matters. He longs for us to just quietly climb into his lap and trust him to be the Good Shepherd to supply our every need. Enjoy his presence. Stop striving for answers. Be still.

So whether you are at home in a hazmat suit (where did you buy yours?!) or losing sleep over media coverage or fearing the absolute worst, please know you aren’t alone. Find peace and joy in serving your community. Rehearse God’s Word frequently and out loud, and try to remain focused on what God has put right in front of you – today.

Which may simply be to clean out the bathtub with a joyful heart.

Joyfully,

Julie 🙂

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Encouragement
7 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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Reader Interactions

7 Comments

  1. sherri

    March 13, 2020 at 9:51 am

    Thank you Julie for sharing. I have noticed my 6 year old finding more ways to be naughty these past couple weeks, and I have a hunch its her way of saying “Mom get off your phone! and look at me please.” 🙂 Bc I’m very guilty of being head down looking for any news about the coronavirus for WAY TOO MANY minutes (hours?) a day.

    to sherri" aria-label='reply to this comment to sherri'>reply to this comment
  2. Ellen

    March 13, 2020 at 12:27 pm

    Thank you for these great reminders!

    to Ellen" aria-label='reply to this comment to Ellen'>reply to this comment
  3. Brandy

    March 13, 2020 at 12:48 pm

    Thank you so much for this post! It’s so nice to know we are not alone in our feelings and being home with Littles sure can be a lonely place at times. This is very refreshing and helpful to read today…again, thank you😃

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  4. Suzanne

    March 13, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    Thanks for this awesome word of encouragement, God spoke to me this morning through you. I too am guilty of looking down when I should be looking up. I shared your message with the Mops group that I am a part of. I hope they find it as encouraging as I did.

    to Suzanne" aria-label='reply to this comment to Suzanne'>reply to this comment
  5. Lynel Johnson

    March 13, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    Thank you for listening to The Lord’s leading as you blog.
    <3
    ~Lynel

    to Lynel Johnson" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lynel Johnson'>reply to this comment
  6. Carol Scarborough

    March 14, 2020 at 6:58 pm

    Julie,

    Your comments, Scriptures, and examples were just right for today. Maybe a “good” from the corona virus is that we are more in the present and talk with each other. God bless!

    Carol

    to Carol Scarborough" aria-label='reply to this comment to Carol Scarborough'>reply to this comment
  7. Faron

    March 15, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Thank you Julie!!! Funny and touching just what I needed!!!! No matter the storm, He is our shelter. Have a beautiful day.

    to Faron" aria-label='reply to this comment to Faron'>reply to this comment

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Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

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  • Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from @roolee! #roolee #rooleeambassador #yesroolee #modestfashion #gratitude
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    Things I am grateful for today... ✨Baby Z laughing and chasing me around the house with a giant oven mitt on his hand. ✨Having a plan for dinners this week. ✨The book I can’t put down. ✨Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothies before bed. ✨A church that observes Lent and desires to honor God with this season. ✨Clean sheets. ✨A backyard covered in sports balls. ✨This cute top from  @roolee !  #roolee   #rooleeambassador   #yesroolee   #modestfashion   #gratitude 
  • I saw this fun idea by my friend @melindaagriswold - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
    by happyhomefairy 2 weeks ago
    I saw this fun idea by my friend  @melindaagriswold  - can you guess who’s who? Comment below! Person 1 Love Language - Quality Time Pizza Forever Most Embarrassing Moment - Accidentally left a pair of their underwear on a cubby in 3rd grade and members of the opposite sex made fun. Adamantly denied ownership and abandoned that pair of underpants. Starbucks Order - Pike Place with cream, no sugar Person 2 Love Language - Words of Affirmation French Fries are life Most Embarrassing Moment - Once had a video published on YouTube and fly was down the whole time. Had
  • I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
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    I find myself spending more time looking at the world and the problems instead of looking at these 4 heroes right here. This is what needs our attention. This is where change begins. Spend time praying for them instead of scrolling vanity. Spend time memorizing God’s Truths instead of dwelling on flawed opinion. Spend time laughing and playing and breathing deep the smell of their necks. Spend time teaching and training and living in the ✨light✨. This is the future. God has great things coming.
  • Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
    by happyhomefairy 3 weeks ago
    Life Updates >> Ryan - This weekend I broke the garbage disposal for the 14th time in our 17 years of marriage and he has not yet given up on me and my lack of understanding of what NOT to put down there. Love always hopes! Noah - Playing on the school basketball team and totally killing it this year! I have no idea what is happening on the court most of the time, but I know enough when the ball swishes through the hoop! Jethro - Creative, funny Jethro. He loves to make people laugh. And he loves to
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  • I got to wear a crown and a tutu ✨ and eat sweet potato fries for lunch AND dinner. ‍♀️ So far, 38 is pretty great.
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    by happyhomefairy 1 month ago
    I went to church today. It was so good and so needed. I haven’t been in weeks. It’s funny how I let myself get comfortable with that. I tell myself it’s easier to just watch church at home online. Which is not true because basically every time I do that the children start a wrestling match in the living room while I am trying to listen to the sermon. Or the baby poops during the opening song. Or someone is inevitably injured. But I tell myself how nice it was to not wake up early. How lovely to stay in
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    We got fancy last night for our neighbor’s wedding. ‍♂️The wedding was about an hour drive away, so we had lots of time for car conversations without kids. This usually means that I vomit all the stuff I have been trying to process on my own and Ryan swoops in with a few ultra wise one-liners that talk me off the ledge. Things I learned on the drive... 1. Stop watching the news. Our souls were not made for so much information. 2. Never stop dreaming. Even if your circumstances are hard and you feel all your creativity and hopes
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    When I had covid, this precious mama of mine called me every day. She dropped groceries on our doorstep (and even decorated them with Christmas lights ). She had food delivered to our house. She wore silly Christmas glasses and FaceTimed me to make me smile. She watched every single one of My ABC Truth Tree videos and liked them. She texted me every day to make sure I was taking medicine and drinking enough water. She prayed for me and reminded me that it would all be okay when I called her in tears on Christmas Eve worried that
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