Five Minute Friday — Fake

My son is six. These days he is scared of the dark. He always shares about this monster in the corner of his room. We always tell him that the monster is fake and that it is just a shadow. We tried different strategies to get him to sleep. Keep the door open. Monster is still there—books about being okay with being in the dark. Monster is still there. Sleeping in the room with him overnight. Monster is still there.

One day, the monster went from being small to more significant. As an educator, I understand the imagination of a small child being so strong. And my son was becoming more and more overwhelmed by the monster.

One day he took his concerns to my husband.

My son: The monster won’t go away.

My husband: Buddy, it is fake.

My son: No, it’s real.

My husband: I want to tell you about being brave and strong. Remember that God has created you to be big and strong. That means that even though the monster is there, God can defeat the monster. He’s bigger than a superhero. Bigger than Black Panther. But he needs you to trust him. He’s with you.

The conversation continued, and they agreed on new strategies to combat the dark.

I loved the lesson that my husband told my son at that moment. It reminded me of the scripture verse Deuteronomy 31:6.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Dear Reader,

There are times that there is fear over something fake, such as the monster in my son’s room. It could be dealing with a difficult person or facing an uncertain situation. These things can feel as big as a monster but are only a shadow. They are so small. God tells us not to fear amid these situations. He is always there with us. Take his love.

Yours,

Deirdre

P.S.: The monsters were gone after my son discovered that God was bigger than Black Panther and that he would defeat the monsters. However, he still keeps the door open. ;)