How To Confidently Lead Your Family Through Crisis

We need to go into lockdown mode as a nation for fifteen days so we can beat this thing, President Trump announced in early March. Please stay home, go out as little as possible, and shut down the economy. STAT.

Yes, by golly, we were ALL IN as patriots who love our country because we do hard things together.

And then...

Six months later. Still in lockdown. Still confused. 

So how do you confidently lead your family through crisis? 

1. Don't panic.

Panic is one of the worst emotions you can show your children, regardless of their age. You are their leader and as you lead, they will follow. Your objective is to instill a sense of calm (you can panic after they've gone to bed!) so that your children can sleep at night. Just like the President's job is to keep the country calm, your job is to keep your home calm and provide reassurance.

2. Don't believe everything you hear or read.

Instead, do your own research from a variety of sources and viewpoints, then apply common sense and critical thinking to filter through the noise. Stay current with what's going on around you and formulate your opinions based upon information and knowledge. Your job is to not be taken off-guard or by-surprise. 

3. Talk to your children.

Share what you know, age appropriately. Your children trust you and need you to talk to them so their imaginations don't run wild. Your children need to feel safe and secure in their own home and with you. Let them ask questions and answer to the best of your ability, while still maintaining calm. (You can always freak out later!)

4. Give reassurance and hope.

Now is the time to let your children know that you will all get through this together and that together you can and will do hard things.

Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect God to get here soon. Psalm 31:24 [MSG]

5. Stock up.

Being prepared for an emergency has been underrated for too long. Regardless of how short or long the crisis, what will you do should there be an interruption in the food supply, electricity, water, gas, or the ability to drive your car? I'm serious. You need to always have on hand at least 30 days worth of emergency supplies, just in case, and longer if you have the space. Have your children help with planning, stock selection, organizing, labeling, and more. This will not create fear, rather, it will give them confidence in your leadership. Plus, it's fun!

6. Read your Bible.

Hold on tightly to God's Word and promises. Memorize scripture. Write it on your heart. You were made for such a time as this and reading your Bible will continue to give you strength and wisdom for today and the days ahead. Journal what speaks to you as a means of talking to God directly--shouting works too--although writing is quieter yet both are deeply effective!

7. Put on God's Armor.

Lastly and likely most importantly as you lead your family through crisis is to put on God's Armor, every single day, for the greatest protection and for the greatest peace. In short, the Armor of God includes the following: the Belt of Truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Gospel of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit. [For the full reference, see Ephesians 6:10-18] 

You've got this! 

Don't go it alone...

xo and amen, 

PJ