Every pulse of my being desires to keep her safe. Draw her up close and not let go. Surround her with covers and the tenderness of my mama arms, stroking her tired head, rubbing her sore tummy in circles.
I am still drunk on coziness, the wonder of stories read on pillows and shared tales and inside joke silliness when the littlest’s papa comes to move this sleeping girl to her bottom bunk.
In the middle of the night our middle comes to our bed and says she can’t sleep, tucks herself in the space between. She almost never does this, and I am struck by the near silence of her breath as she sleeps, the slight rise and fall the only sign she’s sleeping at all.
I read that safety is wrapped up in belonging and not the absence of trouble. When you pass through the waters, you will not drown, when you pass through fire, you will not be burned. You are mine, God says. Mine.
These images dance in waves and flame and stutter stop in the back of my mind.
It is true, I know. They will face pain. They have.
Perhaps it is more true. They are claimed.
I am thinking as we gather close that the safety of a warm bed and a mama’s sing-song helps us remember that belonging is safety is being named is love, wrapped up as we are in everlasting Embrace.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
![Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: "And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart." The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e35/17934124_1877271335863004_8139172358331039744_n.jpg "Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: \"And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart.\" The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!")
This is so beautifully written. Thanks for sharing! Love the idea of safety being about belonging, not lacking trouble.
Thanks so much for reading, Denise. I am so grateful for the life and hope I’ve found in that very knowledge. Bless you!
Thanks for the reminder that we WILL pass through the waters and the fire- BUT GOD is still there keeping us safe every step of the way!! From your neighbor at #fiveminutefriday!!
Thank you, Amy. I just read your post, as well. Very similar themes for sure. So grateful for that steady kind of hope — true safety that allows me to exhale.
Wow. How your girls are blessed with an abundance of love. Your words are the gentle touches
that re-assure your sweet girls that things will be alright.
Thank you, Papa. That is what I so desire. That, imperfect though I am, I’d be a reflection of God’s reassurance and care. I love you.
They are claimed indeed. I’m in the 62 spot this week.
Yes! Thanks, Tara. :)
I love your quote about safety being wrapped in loving arms rather than being trouble free. Reminds me so much of so many Psalms. Great job!!!
I realize that my cries are personal psalms, in essence. Beyond grateful for those loving arms. Thank you for your words here, Karen.
Beautiful. I’ve raised two and have two teens at home. It’s so hard to let them go. Stopping in from #8 this week. Blessings!
I can only imagine. I am beginning to taste that with my oldest in high school. Thanks so much for stopping in with your “me, too.” Bless you and yours, Barbie.
Hope-filled, truth speaking post. Our safety is indeed found in the belonging yet, our flesh is not immune to trouble. In fact, Jesus promises it. Thanks for the reminder found in the small details of scripture: “When.” I am number #40 over at the FMF linkup.
Thanks, Stephanie. Yes, “when.” Such a seemingly small detail that is so profound, right? I appreciate your visit and words here. Bless you.
Ashley, this is such a heartfelt and beautifully written post! I especially love these lines: “safety is wrapped up in belonging and not the absence of trouble”, because they are so true in my own experience. Whenever I have felt orphaned in any way, our tender Father-God has gone out of His way to ensure I am aware of His non-stop, unconditional approval and love. It’s such a freeing thing to remember when we get stuck in hard situations or painful circumstances. I’ve just subscribed to your site again (seems I lost the connection for some reason :(), for my heart is hungry for the way you shape words about everyday life in the light of God’s grace. Bless you, friend! xo
Oh Joy. So good to hear from you again. I have a feeling you’re not the only one I lost in the transition to my new website. :-/ What an encourager you are. And I have to agree, when we feel orphaned, God goes out of his way to assure us…such a beautiful thought and — reality. Bless you, dear Joy! You are a gift.