Three weeks after giving birth to my third child, a violent thunderstorm tore through our town, knocking out power to our neighborhood. While it wasn’t the end of the world, for this mother of three small children, it was problematic. It meant no television, lights, or toilet . . . not to mention the much needed coffee for this sleep deprived mommy.
The Isolation of Independence
My husband was reluctant to leave for work as I tried to reassure him that I could handle the chaos. Sobbing, I watched him drive away as I picked up the phone. Despite the 800 miles between us, hearing my mother’s voice would ease my anxiety. Unfortunately, she wasn’t home. I thought of calling a friend for help; however, my pride wasn’t ready for such humiliation. So I stood in the kitchen, tears rolling down my face, asking the obvious question: What am I going to do? I needed help, but felt there was nowhere to turn. I remember jumping into bed, wanting to pull the sheets over my head. Instead I instinctively grabbed my Bible. Pulling it tightly to my chest, I began to pray.
Declaration of Dependence
I remember begging God to help me find peace and strength in him. For the first time I relinquished total control, acknowledging Christ as Lord and Savior in every aspect of my existence—not just those I was willing to relinquish. At that moment, in the middle of chaos, I felt peace. The electricity was still out, my problems still apparent; but I was calm, and most importantly confident, that God was in control. I think about the woman from Syrian Phoenicia who solely addressed Christ as Lord. For that seemingly simple, yet undeniably bold acknowledgement, Christ healed her child (Mark 7:24-30). It makes me hopeful to think about all he is willing to redeem in each of us if we acknowledge his complete and sovereign reign as Lord and Savior in every aspect of our lives. |L
Deirdre Catlett is the founder of Youth Mission Challenge, a non-profit organization focused on educating and engaging children in the importance and need of mission work around the world. Deirdre lives in Maine with her husband and three children.
