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10 Minutes Peace

    by Susan McGrath

Protective Arms
Date Posted: February 19, 2005

I watched a couple on a talk show recently who purified the air and water in their home to give their two-year-old daughter "the best start" she could have. They also refused to immunize her and would not allow her to eat any animal products (dairy or meat).

The mother had never been away from her for more than two hours at a time and even the grandparents had not been allowed to watch her until she was well past a year old because something might happen to her. She was still nursing and was sleeping with mom while dad slept on the couch, because that was best for her development.

Their intentions were to protect her from any toxin in the air or food supply and make her feel safe. They even went beyond that, giving her classes in sign language, music and foreign languages to nurture her intellect.

(It was way too intense for me!)

After I managed to get my jaw off the floor, I wondered if they were as concerned for her spiritual well-being. Did they have her in a bible class? Did she attend Sunday school?

As parents we all have a protective instinct toward our children and a unique way of parenting them. The goal is to give our kids the best start they can possibly have.

We should be just as concerned with babes in Christ. Many are children who were brought up in church and make a decision to commit their lives to Christ. Other are adults when they make that decision, so they don't need much guidance, right?

What if everyone who came out of the baptistry was enfolded not just in a soft warm robe, but protective arms, encouraging words and firm hands to guide them in the path of righteousness?

We are to bring the lost to Christ, but we are also to make sure they stay found.

In John 21, Jesus tells Peter, "Take care of my sheep" and "Feed my lambs." He wants those who know Him to continue to learn and grow in spirit. Paul reminds us throughout the New Testament to encourage one another.

In 1 Corinthians 13:7 Paul says "Love always protects . . .". We know that we are to have love for each other -- so wrap someone in your protective, loving arms this week and show them Christ.

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Biography Information:
Susan McGrath is:

a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;

living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;

completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
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