She’s only ten, and she’s stressed? Only a decade into living and this Tightly Wound Woman has already taught her daughter how to live stressed. How do I help her work through this when I am still trying to navigate my own uptightness, sensitivity and the big emotions that I was born with?
So I called out to a few of my social media mamas and asked them, “How do you help your kids deal with stress?”
Here is what Sue Cramer (of Praise & Coffee) tweeted back, “Be there. Face time. Dinner together. Connection. Listen for what’s really behind stress- where is the fear? “
Betsy DeCruz (of Faith Spilling Over) responded with this, “Predictable daily routines, family dinner, be available to listen and talk over problems. Help with organizing school tasks.”
So today, after years of promising it, Darling Daughter and I finally went ice-skating together. We didn’t have any earth shattering conversations but we skated together in circles and enjoyed the company of one another. We did not solve the stress issue but we relieved some of it but skating somewhat gracefully to Stay With Me.
And the weight of the stress issues, the predictability of skating in circles and the security of being side by side reminds me of a tour we took on vacation— to a place called Saving Grace.
Saving Grace, Inc. “is a transitional living home for young women (ages 17-25) who have aged out of foster care or group homes, are facing homelessness, and/or have been orphaned by critical support systems.”
What a delight to meet Jennifer’s friend, Executive Director, Becky Shaffer, and have her graciously give our family a tour of this place of grace.
My daughter is dealing with the “normal” stress of sibling relationships and the challenges that come from being raised by a Tightly Wound Woman. The young women served by Saving Grace have experienced beyond-normal turmoil in their lives.
Becky and her team help relieve stress by providing a predictable schedule and the security that comes from a safe place to live, healthy boundaries and on-going support; walking by their side as they help the residents navigate the transition to adulthood.
My favorite part of the tour was hearing how Becky stepped out in faith with the idea of Saving Grace and God met here there as she committed to offer a haven for the hurting. He surprised her by providing the people, the place and the provision to offer hope to the wandering.
And isn’t that what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown?
A haven was provided for the hurting
A Savior was given for the sinful
Mercy met the wayward
Grace covered the weak
Restoration came down for the wrecked.
Jesus, and His redemptive work and unending love, is what Christmas is all about.
He opens the doors of His love and helps us navigate the choppy waters of our circumstances. If we believe in and receive Jesus, He sets us free from our past as He heals us with His unconditional love and faithfulness. He forgives our sin and points us on the path of His righteousness.
May we all take a tour of this place of saving grace as we remember the manger, filled with the Savior, who provided a way to lay down our sin and stress and carry His light to a dark and hurting world.
It is with joy that we end the year with Saving Grace as our focus for December’s Extension 26. Would you prayerfully consider giving a year end gift to this incredible ministry? Click here to see tangible ways that you can give (through prayer, volunteering, employment and providing practical needs).
Each month in 2014 we have highlighted a different ministry and encouraged others to join us in giving to them (or to another one of their choice). Our family just wanted to take a minute to say a heartfelt “thank you” for generously giving this year. We know that it is often inconvenient and difficult to give but we believe that God multiplies our prayers and our small offerings and allows them to have big impact.
Thank you #WoundUpWoman and #MakeADifferenceMen for doing more good around the globe!
Love,
Katie and family
View the Extension 26 list from 2014 and take a moment to learn more about these incredible organizations and lift them up in prayer as this year comes to a close.
P.S. I’m linking up with Kelly Balarie today for her first Cheerleader Linkup! Come join the fun as we cheer each other on in the faith.:)
Great post Katie. I am so right there with you. So often I let anxiety overtake relationship. I love how you incorporated other blogger’s thoughts and feedback on this post. You are encouraging me to be more intentional with my kids. Thank you!
Thank you Kelly! I have so far to go (with motherhood and blogging), but trying to be more intentional and not abandon/neglect my post as a wife and mama.:)
Amen! I’m ready for my tour… “May we all take a tour of this place of saving grace” . This is a perfect Christmas reflection- in the tension of stress we find Emmanuel. Thanks for your beautiful words.
Thank you Karen. I appreciate your encouragement. I can’t remember if I told you or not, but I read your advent post (Zechariah/Elizabeth) to my husband and he loved it too. We may read it at our Christmas Eve service.:)
I’m on the tour with you, my friend! I remember having dates with my daughters (one at a time), and how important that was in building relationships with them that helped them navigate the really tough years. Those seemingly small, inconsequential dates kept us connected and able to talk things out–some pretty horrific things like cutting, eating disorders and depression–I can’t even imagine how awful it would have been not to have had those connections.
Thank you for your example Anita. I need to get better at doing these dates (with each child) more often!
I love how time can provide so much healing. I know I did something right when my adult sons still want to be with me and call me to talk, ask advice or just to share life. Thank you for sharing about Saving Grace. What a beautiful ministry that is so needed. Christmas blessings Katie to you and your family.
Thank you Mary. I pray that for our kids too.:)
“We didn’t have any earth shattering conversations but we skated together in circles and enjoyed the company of one another.”
Loved this line, Katie! As a mom of 3, I know the power of times where my children & I are just together. They need these times and so do I. Thanks for a beautiful reminder of this as well as introducing me to this ministry,
Thank you Renee. I appreciate your support and encouragement. Blessings to you friend!:)
Blessed by your article and can relate on many levels. My daughter has been telling me she feels anxiety lately though the way she explains it is more stress than anxiety…but regardless, I know she learned it honestly…trying to please all those around her while forgetting to slow down and experience grace. Thanks for the blessing!
Hi Sandra- Thank you for coming over and commenting too. “Trying to please all those around her while forgetting to slow down and experience grace”…yes, that describes me too. Thank you sharing this.
Keep up the good work, mama! Now that my daughter is 20, I look back and see how God used me, a TWW, to point her in the right direction to Him. Your relationship with your daughter sounds absolutely precious! Love the advice you received as well!
Hi Julie! Thank you for the encouragement.:)
Hi there, Katie. So glad you went skating with your daughter. Just spending time together is a great stress reliever. My daughter was stressed out today, too. And just a 15 minute talk in her room seemed to help…Thanks for sharing about Saving Grace. Sounds like an important ministry. I love that you high light different ministries.
Thank you for the tips Betsy- I cherish them.:)
Katie, love this piece and how you got so many others involved. Awesome!
Thank you Christy:)