I have learnt an important lesson about how my faith can influence my parenting. For a week or so Matt has been slowly been trying find his confidence after his fall. We have been trying to help Matt build his self confidence by focusing his attention on tasks that he has mastery over, rather than introducing new challenges. Despite this Matt still appeared to be very fearful of trying to stand or walk.
On Friday I was leading a bible study which focused on fear. We learnt that fear is not from God, in fact God tells us not to fear. We learnt Jesus can truly break the power of fear in our lives, and how instead we can live with faith, courage, strength and boldness despite our circumstances. That evening when I was putting Matt to sleep I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me – “Matt is living in fear, and fear is not God’s plan for him. Pray for him – just as you prayed for yourself this morning”. And I did just that – I prayed that Jesus would set Matt free from fear, and instead fill him with courage and boldness knowing that Jesus was holding his hand. It was a most special moment where I truly experienced the presence of God.
Over the weekend we noticed that Matt was more willing to try to stand. He even enjoyed some “fall walking” – this is when Lloyd and I sit a meter apart and Matt walks from one to the other, however his walking is more like falling forward with feet moving quickly to catch up with is body. “Fall walking” requires fearlessness as one must feel out of control. At his physiotherapy session on Monday he was boldly trying new activities and enjoying more challenging tasks.
I am thrilled to see Matt embracing challenges with courage. I am glad he has found his self confidence. I am also humbled and joyful that God can be such a source of support for us in our parenting. I am inspired to be more intentional about praying for Matt so that he can become all the person that God has created him to be.
On Friday I was leading a bible study which focused on fear. We learnt that fear is not from God, in fact God tells us not to fear. We learnt Jesus can truly break the power of fear in our lives, and how instead we can live with faith, courage, strength and boldness despite our circumstances. That evening when I was putting Matt to sleep I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me – “Matt is living in fear, and fear is not God’s plan for him. Pray for him – just as you prayed for yourself this morning”. And I did just that – I prayed that Jesus would set Matt free from fear, and instead fill him with courage and boldness knowing that Jesus was holding his hand. It was a most special moment where I truly experienced the presence of God.
Over the weekend we noticed that Matt was more willing to try to stand. He even enjoyed some “fall walking” – this is when Lloyd and I sit a meter apart and Matt walks from one to the other, however his walking is more like falling forward with feet moving quickly to catch up with is body. “Fall walking” requires fearlessness as one must feel out of control. At his physiotherapy session on Monday he was boldly trying new activities and enjoying more challenging tasks.
I am thrilled to see Matt embracing challenges with courage. I am glad he has found his self confidence. I am also humbled and joyful that God can be such a source of support for us in our parenting. I am inspired to be more intentional about praying for Matt so that he can become all the person that God has created him to be.
Here are some pics of Matt bravely standing and then "fall walking" to his dad.
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
Isaiah 41: 13
7 comments:
What a great lesson, Jacqui! We often pray for general things for Natalie, like that she would walk and that she will talk, but I love your reminder that we should pray for the specific day-to-day things too, just like we do for everyone!
Too cute! Well done Matt.
Great lesson! And I just LOVE that second photo!
Go Matt! You inspire me to be fear free!
Way to go Matt. I will pray for Noah to overcome his fears tonight. He has been dealing with a lot of anxiety lately.He will not try to stand on his own yet.
Congratulations Matt! It's a step toward doing it all own your own! I remember Austin's "fall walking". I was so proud of him! Thank you for the reminder that fear if not of God...Austin is a very fearful child and your post put things into perspective for me.
Ag this is so cute Jacqui!! Congrats Matt!!!
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