Preparing our Children for Real Life {a simple phrase}

When I look past the never-ending, daily,mundane, do-I-have-to-do-it-again tasks of my days as a mom….when I really look past them, I am struck with an overwhelming sense of urgency. An urgency in my being to “prepare” my children for life. Real life.

Sure I prepare them for life in the everyday circumstances. But do I REALLY prepare them???

I mean lets be honest. Life is hard. Really hard. We all learn that at some point. As moms, we do everything we can to prevent our children from learning that hard truth, but instead of preventing maybe we should focus on preparing.

Follow along with me as we join Joshua in the Bible. Moses has just died and Joshua has the enormous responsibility ahead of him to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River (and they weren’t always the most compliant, if you know what I’m sayin!  ). At this point I would say “Ummm are you sure God? There is no way…”

And God says this to Joshua:

“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give to them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:6-9

God was encouraging Joshua. He was standing beside him, cheering him on. When every circumstance seemed against Joshua, God told him to be strong and courageous! Be strong and very courageous! Be strong and courageous!

This may seem simple to you, but I think it can be life changing for a small soul.

In our home we have taught our children a simple phrase.

Hazaq V’ Amatz! (Hahzahk Vah Amahtz)

Sometimes we say it quietly, sometimes we shout it, and sometimes we pump our fist in the air as those words roll from our tongues.

It is Hebrew. It means Be Strong and Courageous. Hazaq V’ Amatz!

Our children NEED those words. And do you know why I know they need those simple words? Because I do too. I have had to whisper them to myself in the dark moments of despair just to remember that He. is. there.

One thing I want my children to know is that God is fighting for them. He is beside them. He won’t give up on them. As they face trials that will surely come their way, I pray this simple phrase that carries the freedom of God’s promises with it, will give them hope, as it has given me.

Mom, will you teach this simple phrase to your children? Will you instill in them a hope and trust that God is with them no matter what the circumstances? Will you remind them that His strength will make them strong? And will you remember that this promise you are teaching your children, is for you too?

Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.