Being a mother can teach us many things about being unselfish, but it also can bring out a wild possessiveness and fierceness that can be hurtful to others. The term ‘Mama Bear’ comes to mind.   However, we are not animals! Many times our claws come out when there is no threat!

From the Journal  .  .  .  . February  1990

Oh, Lord.  Yesterday at recess, Mrs. L. tried to patch up a fight that Wendy had with Sara.  I let her know that I thought she should have let them handle it themselves. Oh, God.  I crushed her.  It’s true that she made me mad.  It’s true that I think she’s horribly overprotective of her own kids, but she said she felt I was always scrutinizing her and treating her like a little kid.  I’ve evidently caused her a lot of hurt.  God, I’ve been possessive of the school kids. The school and her kids are her life, and I’ve come as a threat to her.  She did so well in communicating even though she was crying.

God, please protect her.  Take the hurt away.  I don’t know what I can do.  She drives me nuts with her overprotective ways concerning her children.  God, I want to give her the love that she needs, but I’m not sure I can. Even with Your grace, I’m not sure.  Actually, I’m sure that I can’t.

And I Believe God Said:

My grace is sufficient.  You think it’s up to your abilities.  It isn’t. Confess your needs.  Confess your doubts.  Confess your fears.  I am abundant.  I am true.  I am able.  I am God.  Mrs. L. is your sister, whom you can learn from, as well as teach.  Pursue this relationship.  Pursue it.

2 Corithians 12:9. ⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
Phil. 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ,^[a] who gives me strength.

God, I feel you changing my attitude.  Oh God, please continue.  I confess that I want to be the kids’ favorite.  I don’t know if that is wrong or not.  I think maybe it is but I’m not sure.  I will obey.  I see that my possessiveness can hurt others.  Please forgive me.  I don’t want that.  I don’t want to hurt anyone.

I was sincere as I said this to the Lord, but as I read back there is no question that I was the bad guy.  Later, I was humbled because my daughter made things right with her friend and went a step further to apologize to Mrs. L. for herself and me.  I was relieved to read that I also planned to tell Mrs. L. that I was wrong, and she was right.  I was possessive of my position at the school.