BRAKES TO FREEDOM
"Helicopter mom. Tightly wound. Over-protective. No offense, Andra, but these describe you."
Maybe it’s the writer in me (always finding an interesting “what-if”), but I live with a million possible stories of dire consequences in my mind.
They could get run over by a car.
They might be kidnapped.
What if he doesn’t pass the tests, go to college, and then can never get a job?
Today my youngest daughter and I took our bikes on country roads. It’s downhill nearly all the way to the tiny convenience store where I bought her ice cream, and I kept the brakes screeching so I wouldn’t crash into the cute little nine-year-old in front of me.
Coming home, I rode in front. On one magic stretch of straight downhill at the end, I was tempted to let my fingers off the brakes and fly at full speed. To really let go. To feel the rush of wind in my hair (under the safety helmet).
I wanted it so badly, but what-ifs flew at me like gnats.
Then the Lord spoke to me. “Do you see how hard it is for you to let go of control? Why is it difficult to be free and trust Me?”
Every evening, I review one of my favorite verses that I’m hoping to fully assimilate and accept. “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.” (Job 36:16, NIV)
I did let go of the brakes, and it was full freedom. I don’t think I’m going to suddenly stop being a cautious mother, but I can stop braking on what God wants to do in my life. It’s in His hands, and I’ve got nothing to lose.
By guest author Andra Loy
To leave a comment, please click on the title above "Brakes to Freedom" and scroll down. Thank you and God bless you! :)