“Even the saddest things can become, once we have made peace with them, a source of wisdom and strength.” ~Frederick Buechner
After picking the boys up from the nursery a couple nights ago, and after the usual celebration of our reunion, Connor said, “Mommy, I was scared!” My heart dropped a little and I stopped walking, knelt down and asked what scared him. He didn’t really tell me anything other than, “That door scared me.” I’m not sure what door he was referring to or what happened with the door, but whatever it was, it scared him enough to talk about it the rest of the evening. I comforted him, assured him he was safe, picked him up into my arms and we kept walking.
As we walked out of church, Ethan joined in and said that he was scared too. They proceeded to tell every one we passed that they were scared. It was equally as adorable as it was sad.
Because I didn’t know the details, I decided to just use it as an opportunity to explain that sometimes we get scared, even mommy, and when that happens, we can always pray and God will always be there. I told them that they can always come to me and talk to me about anything that scares them, and that if at all possible, I will protect them and comfort them and they’ll be safe with me. I explained that sometimes, like that night in the nursery, I might not be there, but God is always there. I encouraged them to pray anytime they felt scared or sad or worried, and reminded them they can even pray when they’re happy or excited. I prayed with them and showed them that all we have to do in those moments is say, “God, I’m Scared.” And He will comfort us and keep us safe.
They prayed with me and said, “God, I’m scared,” and I think my heart might still be in the hallway at church.
The boys loved this and got very excited about knowing God is always there, even if mommy can’t be. Ethan said, “God is so cool!” 
I wiped the tiny tear that found it’s way to my eye, agreed with him and we continued to talk about prayer, sing songs all the way home, and move on from the big scary door.
I am always amazed at how present God is and how He is continually communicating His love for me through my children. I am also astounded at how wise the boys seem to be and how receptive they are to all things God. I pray that never ends. Heaven is in their little hearts and I see glimpses of God’s face when I look in their eyes.
Lately, if I allow myself the time to think about it, I am consumed with fear. Luckily, I don’t have much time to think about it, but I realize it presents itself even if I don’t acknowledge it. As I look into the future at a road I know nothing about, I am scared. I feel like I’m walking around blind folded and all I know is that there are a lot of scary, difficult things ahead; but I can’t see them, I don’t know when I’ll step upon them, and at times, I’m not even sure where I am.
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”- Psalm 23:4
I fear the times that I can’t be there to protect my boys. I’m scared of what will happen to them as we get further down this road. If I allow myself, I worry about the impact of not only the divorce, but the unhealthy influence of their father in their lives as time goes on. There are a million things out of my control, and the older the boys get, the less control I have over their safety. I know close to nothing of what lies ahead.
“Be strong! Be courageous! Do not be afraid of them! For the Lord your God will be with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
What I do know is that I don’t have to know all the details (though I want to). What I do know is that God has gone before me and He will go after me. I know that He will stand in every gap for me and my boys. And I know that all I have to do is say, “God I’m scared,” and He will be there, wrapping His arms around me, just as I told the boys He’d do for them.
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” – Psalm 9:9-10
Sometimes when we are most afraid is also when we are most brave. My boys make me brave. They believe in me just as they believe in God. Just as I believe in God. Today, I am reminded that all I have to do is say, “God I’m scared,” and He will comfort me. He will still the waters, lead the way and fight the enemy. He will protect us from the unknown doors that scare us. And for tonight, that is all I need to know.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~Marianne Williamson
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Three Boys and a Mom 
So touching! It brings me great comfort that God is always with us. Love the pictures of your sweet boys praying.
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Thank you Melissa! It touches my heart every time they pray, and now they’ve started praying without me even prompting it. Amazing! I pray every day that continues and they grow up to be prayer warriors and leaders with hearts for God.
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Awww! I just want to hug him <3! "Sometimes when we are most afraid is also when we are most brave. My boys make me brave." = my favorite line. So much heart and truth. I always pray, both to God and the angels I have in heaven aka, people I've lost from this life that I like to believe watch over me and keep me and my family safe. ❤
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Oh thank you sue!!! That’s great. I absolutely believe in angels watching over us and keeping us safe. God needs a team to help us out down here lol! Kids are so amazingly in tune and it blows me away! I love moments like these, and they do make me brave! I’m not sure where I’d be without those guys! ❤
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Good lesson for the boys. Continue leading them, though technically not your “position”, to be Godly children. Who in turn will become Godly men.
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No offense meant by the not your position part. Did not mean to hurt or offend if I did/have.
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None taken ☺ I understand what you meant
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Thank you! I absolutely will and know they will be wonderful men!
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Reblogged this on Something to Stu (stew) Over and commented:
Rachel probably thinks I am stalking her page by now…but this one caught my heart, as I have two children of my own.
This one spoke volumes on how we, as parents, should take every opportunity given to us to teach and train our children. To let them know they can not only trust us but God as well..because God is always with us.
“Because I didn’t know the details, I decided to just use it as an opportunity to explain that sometimes we get scared, even mommy, and when that happens, we can always pray and God will always be there. I told them that they can always come to me and talk to me about anything that scares them, and that if at all possible, I will protect them and comfort them and they’ll be safe with me. I explained that sometimes, like that night in the nursery, I might not be there, but God is always there. I encouraged them to pray anytime they felt scared or sad or worried, and reminded them they can even pray when they’re happy or excited. I prayed with them and showed them that all we have to do in those moments is say, “God, I’m Scared.” And He will comfort us and keep us safe.” Amen!
Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
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I just now saw this stu! I appreciate it so much and love that you find my posts shareable! Thank you!
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You are a wonderful mother and example for your beautiful boys! Protect them when you can and know that God will be watching over them when you can not.
As a mom to “older” children, I can tell you there are many scary times that you know you can’t protect them and can only pray something “bigger” can.
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Absolutely! Thank you so much, That means a lot. Its comforting to know God will always be there even if I can’t, and I want them to always know that!
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that was beautiful! So glad I found your blog!
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Thank you so much! I’m glad I found yours too ❤
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Love the quote at the end!! And did you notice your verse selections were largely from Psalms? Excellent for those who are fearful. Thank you for such an honest post.
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Thank you so much Traci! I really appreciate that and good catch with the psalms. It is such a powerful book of the bible with so much wisdom! Thanks again! ❤
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And the quote at the end is one of my favorite quotes 😉
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I don’t know why, but I was sure I had commented on this one but in looking through – I didn’t!
Anyway, this is such a wonderful topic. We have fears just like children, and just like they need us, we need God. Thank you for another beautiful post. XO
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Thank you so much Valerie ❤ and thank you for sharing it on Twitter!!
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touching story! It is wonderful that God is in their life and is there to comfort them!!
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Thank you very much, I agree! ☺
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That is completely adorable! Good for you for taking the opportunity to teach a great truth insead of just hurrying your kids along.
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Thank you so much. I’m amazed how many opportunities there are each day for things like this. It wonderful and always encouraging to me as well! Kids give us a beautiful direct line of communication and insight into God’s heart if we pay attention to it.
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[…] week, my favorite post was “God, I’m Scared” by Three Boys and a Mom. I love her sweet story of how she took a small little moment with […]
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