Raising Arrows
- Amy Brown
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
“We are raising arrows. Each arrow, a gift from the Lord.”
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.” Psalm 127:3 (NLT)
“Okay, what’s happening? Why is everyone crying and yelling?”
“Stop hitting your brother. That’s not nice. Say sorry.”
“Okay, I’m done”
“Children are a gift from the Lord… children are a gift from the Lord… children are a gift from the Lord.”
“Amy, get it together and be grateful.”
Welcome to my internal dialogue. It’s not pretty but raw. I often quote “children are a gift from the Lord” when my tolerance to extend grace is tapped out. As this verse marinates in my mind and heart, I realize I use this verse as more of a pep talk to get myself together. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but God’s Word is more than a pep talk.
Let’s start way back in the Old Testament days. Did you know large families, in the Old Testament, were viewed as blessed by the Lord?
Each child, a divine gift, intended to be raised like an arrow with a purpose to protect their family in times of trouble. With protection came stability and the opportunity to carry on the family into future generations. The more children, the stronger the protection. The more children, the greater chance to carry on the family name.
Okay, that’s the Old Testament. What does it mean for me, right now? How are my kids blessings from the Lord?
They are our arrows. Arrows…
To protect God’s family.
To create opportunities for the next generation to know God.
To penetrate and destroy the darkness.
To bring joy into the world.
To spread the Good News.
We are raising arrows. Each arrow, a gift from the Lord.
Just like any precious gift, we need to care for it. Arrows need sharpened, refined, molded, and held close.
And that is what we do, mom friends.
Action Steps:
(Insert your child’s name) to protect God’s family.
(Insert your child’s name) to create opportunities for the next generation to know God.
(Insert your child’s name) to penetrate and destroy the darkness.
(Insert your child’s name) to bring joy into the world.
(Insert your child’s name) to spread the Good News.
You’re not alone is caring for your arrow(s). You have the Holy Spirit available to you 24/7. Invite the Holy Spirit into your mothering, and spend time listening by reading the Bible, praying, being still, and/or worshiping.
What are some techniques you’ve found successful in sharpening your arrows? What are some techniques you’d found not helpful?
Written by Amy, mom of 2 arrows