Cowardice vs. Retreat and Bravery

      Der Fiege droht nur, wo er sicher ist. – Goethe

     (The coward only threatens when he is safe.)

     He heals the brokenhearted
         and binds up their wounds. – Psalm 147:3

     ²⁰ My son, be attentive to my words;
         incline your ear to my sayings.
     ²¹ Let them not escape from your sight;
          keep them within your heart.
     ²² For they are life to those who find them,
         and healing to all their flesh. – Proverbs 4:20-22

The Princess and I had a good day together yesterday.  It was refreshing to take the time to have a little retreat of our own, away from the world, and even away from the guys in the family.  We spent time talking, playing, cleaning, working on some social studies homework, and we especially took time to find comforting reminders in God’s Word.  We prayed for ourselves and for those we love.  We prayed for those who have hurt us.  We spent some time healing.  She did so well.  She just needed to be reminded she was safe.  It’s hard to remember that sometimes when you’ve been hurt so deeply.  My little girl is so much more than a survivor, though.  She is tough.  Yet, she is sweet and has a soft heart.  She really cares about other kids.  I love that about her.

We added some social navigation tools to her toolbox.  We practiced them.  We drilled so she could more easily remember them when she is triggered or under stress.  We rehearsed responses to unkind remarks.  We rehearsed how to ignore certain actions, and how to refuse to participate in the cruelty of what is seen as “normal” middle school mean girl stuff.

Today, when The Princess woke up, she was her usual, positive, happy self.  She felt prepared for her day.  She went to school with her head held high, thankful for a day to recover yesterday, and the reminder that she is loved and highly valued.  She was a little nervous, but she went to school ready to face those who might attack her.  She was ready to feel those nervous feelings, and prove to herself she really was okay anyway.  The cool thing for me, as her mom was that she also went to school, sincerely wanting to hurt no one.  I am so proud of her.

My girl is one of the strongest, bravest people I’ve ever known.