Lifelong Projects: Project 2

Project 2: Changing my “mama bear” attitude

This project is a difficult one for me because I have the natural instinct to protect others. I think we all have this instinct to a certain extent. But the “mama bear” attitude takes protection to a different level. Not only do you want to “protect”’ others from harm but you want to “hover” over them so to speak.

At some point you have to let go and let them grow and be independent. It’s not easy to let go, in fact sometimes it is downright terrifying! This is why I pray every day “God give me the strength and wisdom to surrender to your will and not my own, today and every day.”

Sometimes I catch myself letting my ‘mama bear’ attitude slip into a conversation, but then I stop and let myself breathe before I continue the conversation.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

This is the first part of the Serenity Prayer and it applies to everyone in everyday life. It reminds me that I cannot change other people and I cannot ‘fix’ anyone including myself without God’s help.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” is what keeps me going and working on being who I was created to be, a child of God.

God bless you and Peace be with you.

Prayer:

God, I pray you help me to remember that I need to be the person you created me to be not the person the world wants me to be. Give me patience, wisdom, and guidance to help others help themselves. Help me to remember to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger and most of all to always speak with love. Help me to not only “tame my tongue” but to control my “mama bear” attitude, in the name of your son Jesus, I pray your will be done. Amen

Author: Bernice Barnes