As leaders in any capacity, it is our job to keep people safe, but also to help them become strong. This is especially true in parenting and grandparenting. In today’s world, there’s a built-in tension between protection and the pain that leads to growth. In an effort to shelter our kids, it’s easy to keep them from trying the things they need to in order to build strength of character. For instance, maybe you have a child who wants to pursue a sport or activity that puts them at a certain amount of physical risk. As the person responsible for their physical safety and also for their overall development, it’s important that you weigh the cost vs. the benefit and make a decision that will result in them becoming the better person in the long run. While there are things that are absolutely unsafe and many evils against which we must protect our children vigilantly, we never want to allow our own fear to get in the way of their growth of character. The same is true of being a spiritual leader or mentor. While we want the ones we care for to stay safe and secure in the love of Jesus, we also want to encourage them to do things that require that they exercise faith and trust the Lord through difficult and stretching action. 

Friend, as a leader in the Kingdom of God, you are safe and strong. You rest securely under the wings of the Lord Almighty, and He is your fortress and shield. In turn, you are filled with strength to impart Christ’s love and courage to the ones who follow you. Take confidence in the covering of your Savior, then step out when He calls you onto the waters of uncertainty, knowing that where He beckons you, He will also build and sustain you. Embrace a rhythm of trust in your own life and then impart it to those around you, with the understanding that as you do, you are walking and leading as Jesus did.