Two Beasts-

Survival mode. It seems to be the term used most often with moms. I have even used that term several times. But when I think about it, am I really in survival mode. No!

Survival mode is the mama who spends hours sitting at the side of a hospital bed.

Survival mode is the mama who just lost her spouse and is trying to figure out how to raise her children on her own.

Survival mode is the mama fighting for her own life because cancer has taken over her body.

Survival mode is the mama whose husband has been cheating on her and she is trying to figure out what to do next.

Survival mode is the mama who is beaten by her husband or significant other and is praying she wakes up from the blow she just received to her head.

Survival mode is the mama who just laid to rest her two little children who were killed by a drunk driver.

Survival mode to me, is literally the fight for your next breath, your next step, your next…how.

I feel selfish thinking I have even been in survival mode, because the truth is. I haven't. I have this overly blessed life with a husband who loves and adores me and his two boys.

I have two boys who are healthy and can walk and see and hear and think and feel and talk and laugh and do.

So life gets a little stressful, but it's just that, a little stress brought on by me taking on more than I should.

Survival mode and stress are two different beasts. But they are beasts that the Lord steps in and gives us  extra doses of strength to rise and overcome and move forward.

As I begin studying Serving/servanthood/A servants heart, I want to be able to look outward to needs of those who are in survival mode or stressed and show them I am willing to walk into the trenches with them, and whether we sit there for a moment or stand, I will sit or stand with you.

I might not know what to say, or how to help you put one foot in front of the other at that moment. But with the Lord's help and guidance we will figure it out together.

To me, that is what serving and loving and doing life with and caring for others is. It's walking into the messy and scary and unknown and dirty.

It's being still and real and honest and vulnerable and compassionate and an ear that listens and a heart that says, 'I care. I am here. We will do it together.'

Jesus, I know this month will be very life changing, and I welcome those changes in my life. They are needed, necessary, and welcome here. I seeking an attitude like Yours. A heart like Yours. A vision like Yours. Jesus, its scary, but I trust You. Its unfamiliar, but I believe in the One who is familiar with all things, all situations and all people. Amen