I didn't use a scripture passage today. I had a problem, and I took it to my Father for help. The problem is my mother. Her chronic negativism, temper tantrums, and her demands that everything be her way has gotten to me. It's affecting John (1), and my relationship to him. Something had to be done. I took her to my Father in prayer, and asked His help in seeing her as He saw her, with His love.

He gave me the imagery of a Russian nested doll. It was a big, imposing figure that opened to reveal a series of successively smaller, more fragile dolls within. The final doll was very tiny, and extremely fragile. This is what she is in her own estimation; the outer dolls are her defenses protecting her from the reality of her vulnerability.

This moved me deeply to a great pity for her, and I asked my Father to help her reach a realization of her value as a human being, as He had me. Then He told me that He wanted me to help her. My reaction to that was wanting to go hide under the bed and never come out again! That big, imposing doll was very big and very imposing. I gave Him all sorts of excuses. He just quietly reminded me Who He is and that He would be with me. Well, I have prayed, daily, to be the instrument of His peace. I suppose this is my chance.

I prayed for guidance, then, and He gave it. The first thing I have to do is lower my own defenses. I have to be vulnerable to her in order to be sensitive to her. Jesus was with me, reminding me of His vulnerability during His passion. What our Father has asked of me in response to my prayer isn't going to be easy, but, if I will unite my cross to His, He will be with me as my Brother. He reminded me, too, that Easter always follows Good Friday. This is going to be a very special Lent. God be with us until it's over.

(1) my, then, 12-year-old-son