The Baby and the Bathwater

Mama Said

Psalm 46:1 ESV, Romans 8:28 ESV

When Mama said “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water’ we weren’t sure what it meant because

when she said it we didn’t have any babies. To be more precise, I was the baby and I was a big girl (or so

I thought). I was not grown up but I knew I wasn’t a baby anymore.

However, my brother often threatened me and told me to stop being such a baby. He also called me ‘cry

baby’ after he hit me. By the time he was old enough to leave bruises on me for hitting me, my dad got

wind of the hitting and we were told hitting is not an option.

I was glad physical violence was no longer an option.

That meant my brother’s only option was to tell on me. The problem with that is he often got grounded

because he was wrong and I was right. I’ve said before my Mother and my brother were (are) both type A

personalities. Type A personalities, (according to Web MD) are hardworking, driven to succeed,

competitive, and they work well under pressure. They define Type B personality types as being laid back

and relaxed. That doesn’t mean type B personality types are sloths. They tend to be more

focused on finishing the task well in their own time. I might add webmd cautions that personality A people

are more prone to have health issues (headaches, sleeplessness, and digestive problems).

Because I sat with my dad often and (who was Type B) he taught me not to stress about life, to take my

time, and pray asking God to help me. I’ve been told by other Type A people that is a cop-out, but I’ve

found that my dad was right. God stands ready to help when we ask and wait.

Scripture tells us in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I don’t remember ever missing a deadline at work, in college, or in Seminary. The only time I was late for

work was when the snow was piled so high I couldn’t get my car out, but God has always been my helper. Somehow it always worked out.

When my life was really difficult in my early fifties I continuously repeated Romans 8:28 to myself , “we

know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to

his purpose.” I knew God would take care of everything.

God has never failed me yet. Even in my darkest hour God was with me.

God strengthened me and God opened new wonderful doors.

Everyday God’s peace is in me, guarding and guiding me through the day.

If I do begin to get anxious the Spirit reminds me I am never alone.

Deborah,