The effect of Parental Love...or lack thereof

Three years ago, after a series of tragic events; I was led to pray for children for a year.  It was challenging, exhausting and sometimes hard, but God blessed our obedience.  When I read the post from March 17, 2013, it blessed me all over again with a new revelation.

The post talked about what a parent should do when raising children.  Listed in the post was/is content from a wonderful article on Parents and Children in the Full Life Study Bible that say, "In bringing up their children, parents should show no favoritism, encourage as well as correct, punish only intentional wrongdoing, and dedicate their lives in love to their children with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12-14)."  As I reflected on this post, I immediately thought; "what if a parent doesn't possess any of that to give"?  I'm referring to the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Now I'm sure that you're probably saying, 'of course, a parent has that to give to their child, but I'm not talking about your typical parent.  I'm talking about your not-so-good parent.  The drug-addicted parent; The work-a-holic parent; The absent-because-I-missed-my-childhood-parent; The I-never-got-over-the-relationship-so-I'm-going-to-punish-you parent...any of these sound familiar?  Can you see how easy it would be for one of these ill-equipped parents to not have anything to give to their children?  Hence, the challenge we have with so many of our children and youth.  All you have to do is stand outside watching a group of young people playing basketball and there's bound to be cussing or fighting.  Those young people probably didn't receive a lot of kindness or patience.  As I go about my day in the school where I work; I see the children who have not received parental compassion, so it's no wonder they have none to give.  And let us not forget that the lack of kindness and gentleness undoubtedly breeds bullies to keep the cycle going.

We have to pray for those parents that are not equipped, for whatever reason, to raise and love their children.  When a child/young person doesn't receive the parental love that he/she needs, they end up being hurt people--who hurt, people...most likely your child or my child.

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that there are some parents who may not win 'Parent of the Year', but that's why we have You as the ultimate example.  We believe that even now, You can still renew and redeem those parents...show us how to love them and pray for them.  Thank you for Your grace and mercy that says every child, no matter who their parents are, has greatness inside of them.  Help us to see that greatness, pray for that greatness and cultivate that greatness.  In Jesus name, Amen!

My Flower

You're my flower.  I have tenderly watched over you since you were a tiny seed.  I've watered and nourished you.  I've been there through each day of your life, caring for you, providing your needs, and helping you through difficult times when the ground was dry or the sun was hot or those passing by stepped on your delicate petals and leaves.

I love the color of your petals and how they sparkle and shine when the dew of My love settles on them.  It makes My heart glad when you open your blossom to absorb the sunshine of My love and the warmth of My Spirit.  Keep soaking up the water of My Word so your leaves will stay green and healthy.  Keep opening up to the light and warmth of My sunshine, and keep absorbing My rays so your colors and fragrance can cheer others.

If fills Me with joy when I see you giving off that sweet fragrance that makes others happy, encouraging them and lifting their spirits.  You have so much to give, My little flower.

From Jesus with Love for Women

My favorite flower is the Lily.  I had them in my wedding bouquet, I love to receive them, I think they're beautiful and love the fact that there are several kinds of lilies.  They come in different shapes, sizes and colors.  "The Lily flower symbolizes purity and refined beauty.  Based on the color or type, the Lily flower can convey different meanings" (theflowerexpert.com).

When I read these words...calling me His flower, initially I didn't get it.  But then I searched for information about my favorite flower and it hit me.  HE CARES FOR ME!!!  If you think about the time, patience, love and effort it takes to grow flowers, you already know.  Not only do you have to make sure the flower has the proper nourishment; you have to protect the flower, you have to remove any weeds from around the flower, you even have to occasionally move the flower to ensure it has the proper climate to thrive.  SPEAK LORD!!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me Your flower!  I see that You delight in me and have taken time to fuss over me so that I grow and produce and bring joy to those around me.  You have covered me and made sure that what I thought would kill me...DID NOT!  "When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell."  I've lost a few friends/weeds along the way in the pruning and purging process.  When I thought I knew better, You blocked it for what was best.  I am Your flower and I thank you for helping me see the bloom.  I lift my praise to You...let it be a sweet aroma to You.  Amen!