Growing up as the child of an alcoholic father who abused my mother and neglected us kids, taught me how to be a really strong protector, a really good nurturer, and a provider. I was well prepared to be a parent long before that event ever occurred.
There are two sides to every coin though. My childhood gave me the above strengths, but I discovered that most often my strengths actually hinder what God wants to do in the lives of the people I love.
The downside of my strength is: I had a hard time relating to a loving heavenly Father for all of my needs, and the nurturing aspect to my personality can lean in a mild degree towards a “savior type” compulsion. I was often guilty of trying to ‘fix’ the circumstances in my children’s lives so that they wouldn’t suffer.
Have you ever stopped in the middle of helping your kids or a friend out of a jam, and thought, “maybe it would be better if they took their lumps and let God teach them something from their situation?”
It wasn’t easy but I had to come to the point of surrendering my kids totally to God, meaning I had to assume a “Hands Off” attitude. I’ve learned that it’s safer to pray that God make the choices for the people I love, even if that means discipline, even if that means hardship.
That might mean not being there for a hand-out when one of my adult kids needs money.
That might mean keeping my mouth closed when it comes to advice and just listening and praying for them instead.
That might mean standing back as they hurt in hospital after a suicide attempt, and telling them to trust God and no one else, and crying buckets of tears with them.
Surrender your loved ones to God, and stop trying to save them yourself.
Sofi’s Bridge by Christine Lindsay.
This is the theme of Sofi’s Bridge, my latest historical romance, releasing this April 16 for digital, and May 1 for paperback at can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Books.com and Pelican Book Group.
To read the first chapter of Sofi’s Bridge, click HERE.
ABOUT CHRISTINE LINDSAY
Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Tales of her Irish ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India inspired her multi-award-winning series Twilight of the British Raj, Book 1 Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and the explosive finale Veiled at Midnight.
Christine’s Irish wit and her use of setting as a character is evident in her contemporary romance Londonderry Dreaming. Her newest release Sofi’s Bridge also features a dashing Irish hero.
Aside from being a busy writer and speaker, Christine and her husband live on the west coast of Canada. Coming August 2016 is the release of Christine’s non-fiction book Finding Sarah—Finding Me: A Birthmother’s Story.
Each year I like to blog about my favorite fiction and non fiction reads. Today is my favorite non fiction announcement and tomorrow I will do fiction. New this year will be my favorite Free Kindle read of 2011. Because most of my reads this year were books to review, that is what they will…
Book Description: Ginger Winters is a gifted hairstylist with scars no one can see. The last thing she expects from the New Year is a new chance at love. Overcoming a childhood tragedy, Ginger emerges from the pain and trauma with a gift for bringing out the beauty in others. From the top big…
The idea for Together For Good started forming before I finished A Powerful Voice. She appeared in that story as Gloria’s friend. As a contrast to Gloria’s character, Laney was good-natured and optimistic, though she was no stranger to loss. Readers might’ve picked up on hints of a story behind Laney’s romantic interests, which birthed…
She’s lost her dream job–but has she found the man of her dreams? Devastated by a downsizing, Marisa St. George has no choice but to return to the small Texas town where she grew up. Though it means a giant step backward, she accepts a position as business manager at the struggling Rainbow’s End resort….
IYOUR OWN BEAUTIFUL: ADVICE AND INSPIRATION FROM CHELSEA CROCKETT Inspired by Chelsea Crockett’s popular YouTube channel, Your Own Beautiful is a life, faith, and beauty guide, filled with her trademark tips on makeup and style alongside full-color photos, how-tos, and more to help young women with all the big issues they face—from self-confidence and friendship…
Are you an Adventure in Odyssey fan? The creators of the Odyssey Adventure Club have a contest to kick off your summer! In 30 words or less tell us how you are going to take the plunge to deepen your faith this summer. Send your entry to contests@whitsend.org for a chance to win a family…
Thank you for sharing this, Christine. It’s not easy to step back and allow God to work in our kids’ lives, but I’m learning (finally!) that it’s best for all concerned.
Thank you, Julie, for featuring Christine and her story.
Blessings to you both.
Christine Lindsay is the author of multi-award-winning Christian fiction. Tales of her Irish ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India inspired her multi-award-winning series Twilight of the British Raj, Book 1 Shadowed in Silk, Book 2 Captured by Moonlight, and the explosive finale Veiled at Midnight.
Thank you for sharing this, Christine. It’s not easy to step back and allow God to work in our kids’ lives, but I’m learning (finally!) that it’s best for all concerned.
Thank you, Julie, for featuring Christine and her story.
Blessings to you both.