It's hard not to be afraid sometimes in a world that is constantly uncertain. The Bible tells us not to be afraid 365 times; most think it is not coincidental that it is one time for every day of the year! And still, anxiety can be a powerful thing for many of us whether children or adults. In the coming two weeks you will hear again a Gospel message of "Do Not Be Afraid." Let those words linger with you and spend some time in reflection about where your fears lie. As parents, addressing our own anxiety and helping our children to address theirs can be incredibly important. How can God help you face what you fear? What can you give over to prayer? This issue helps us all to examine the power of fear and anxiety in our lives and come up with some strategies about how to address it through a lens of faith and family.

SUNDAY READINGS:

Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday's Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in Mass this weekend! For a Mass schedule in our diocese click on the orange button below.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013022.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020622.cfm

Family Stories: Story Time with a Positive Message.

• Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
• AAAligator! by Judith Henderson
• Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace and Courage by Carey Wallace
• For Teens: Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Courageous Catholic Youth by Ginny Kochis

Parenting Articles: Helping your child address fear: https://parentingforfaith.org/post/five-ways-help-kids-face-their-fears

This song is about setting your eyes on God when your life is uncertain instead of turning away or feeling abandoned; faith is about trust. Take a listen and enjoy some quiet prayer time.

This prayer from St. Augustine will help you to overcome and face your fears with God at your side:

God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage.
Flood the path with light, run our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to your honor and glory.

Philippe de Champaigne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

If you or a family member is facing a lot of anxiety, studies show that walks outdoors can be very calming. Take a walk during which you focus on your breathing, silence, and the serenity around you. Make a point to let your thoughts focus only on your walking, your breathing or your silent prayer. Allow yourself to put your worries on a shelf during this healing walk and invite God to come to you in the quiet.

Next time you catch your child bravely facing a situation or doing the right thing, talk about courage as a Gift of the Holy Spirit. Remind your child that the Holy Spirit is present with him or her and that when he or she feels afraid, they can pray to the Holy Spirit to be filled with this gift!