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All of our children have quite a few lovies, but they each have one or two things that are extra special to them. Olivia has been long attached to a gray bunny creatively named Bunny and a yellow blanket that used to be mine. Angela’s main constant has been a multi-colored blanket that has alternately been referred to as Rainbow Blankie and, more recently, Bubby. Steven has a brown stuffed dog named Harvey and several small security “blankets” (they’re only about 12 sq in) we call silkies.
Snatching someone’s lovie is a fun game in our family – as long as it’s not a critical time of need. Steven is still learning that it’s a game to have Harvey or one of his silkies snatched, but the girls are full-fledged into it by now. Bunny has been all sorts of places from the oven to roof of the van. As for Bubby – well, the phrase “Fear the Bubbie!” has been adopted around our house. In addition to using it as a scarf or turban, Daddy loves to snap Bubby while chasing the kids around the house (never actually hitting them, of course!).
The other day Doug had Bubby and was snapping it while chasing Steven around. During a lull, Steven asked, “Mommy, do you fear the Bubby?”
“No,” I answered, “because I know who controls the Bubby. I know he loves me and would never hurt me. So, I don’t fear the Bubby.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I knew the implications of them.
How much do I fear in life? And, then there’s the deeper question. Who controls those things?
To be honest, I’ve always struggled with anxieties and fears. I struggle to this day with making decisions because of fear. Even the simplest of decisions can leave me full of anxiety. I fear the unknown. I fear the future. I fear disasters. I fear want. I fear so many things.
I have grown a lot in being able to deal with anxieties. It has been a long time since I have had a panic attack in the middle of the night. I am able more and more to hear God’s promises in the middle of times of stress and uncertainty. But, making that statement about Doug and his control of the Bubby reminded me that I have so far to go.
Reality is this: God loves me. He controls everything. Not one thing can happen in my life without His explicit permission. Do I like it all? No. Is it all easy and pain-free? No. But, is it all for my good? Yes, especially in light of my place in His eternal kingdom.
I truly have the freedom to stand and say that I fear nothing because I know who controls everything and He loves me! What an amazing freedom! The catch is that I have to decide to walk in that freedom. Oh, that I will grow in my confidence to the point that I can say, “No, I don’t fear ___________ because I know who is in control and I know that He loves me. I have no reason to fear!”
Not Quite Ordinary 