Things Moms Can Do as the COVID-19 School Year Approaches
This school year, perhaps more than ever before, we’re aware of the things we can’t do. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, new and ever-changing safety measures might say that our kids can’t be in common spaces without masks, can’t eat hot lunch in the cafeteria, or can’t enter the building without having their temperature taken. Some schools can’t meet in person or can’t meet every day of the week. Perhaps your children can’t ride the bus, participate in their favorite music or sports activity, or enjoy a typical game of kickball at recess. Even for private schools, classical education models, co-ops, and homeschoolers—there are new roadblocks. Students can’t meet in their typical location, can’t go on family field trips to local attractions, or in some cases, can’t even check-out books from the public library. And sadly, vulnerable and at-risk children are under great stress, because many can’t get the therapies, services, stability, and regular adult supervision needed to make sure they are fed and physically protected.
Perhaps what’s even more stressful and concerning for many of us is what we can’t know. Will school start and end at it’s usual time? When will our kids be in the school building versus at home? Do we have enough family devices for distance learning? What will happen if there is an outbreak at our local school? Will our homeschool curriculum be in stock? Will our kids have access to their regular resources, social activities, and lessons? In a world of “can’t” it’s extremely challenging to make plans, arrange work schedules and childcare, and even walk our kids through the ever-shifting picture of the upcoming school year.
All of this and more leaves parents and teachers—Christians and non-Christians alike—feeling anxious and fearful. While we’ve never really had full “control” over our circumstances, the shade has been lifted and we’re struggling to adjust to this more realistic view.[1] In the midst of COVID-19, there is a lot to be unsure of, but we still have a firm and sure foundation.[2] If we are in Christ, we stand in the Lord, hold tightly to the truth of the Bible as we trust him in all things. This school year might feel like uncharted territory, but it’s the Lord’s territory and he’s charting it. We live in a world of “can’t” while he is able to know, see, and do all things according to his power and wisdom. In him, we stand secure.[3]
Even though many of us know these good truths, they can still feel hard to apply. We need specifics to cling to. While there are innumerable truths to rehearse in these trying times, here are seven things that we can do as we approach what's shaping up to be the strangest school year ever:
1: We can talk to our kids about the stresses and challenges we’re facing. (Eph. 4:19, Deut. 6:4–9)
Kids pick up on more than we think. As we talk to our husband over dinner or share school details in the front seat of the van, our children sometimes listen-in. They may not know the lingo or even what questions to ask, but they can sense our stress and observe the way we process big decisions. Even though we might not be able to give our children all the answers and stability about what the upcoming school year will look like, we can bring them in (at age-appropriate levels) and use this as an opportunity for discipleship. We can ask them how they are feeling, engage their questions, and point them to scriptures that give truth and hope.[4] We can show them that although we don’t know what tomorrow will bring, we can pray and tell God about our concerns. We can take time to explain how our choices—even in less-than-ideal circumstances—can still honor God and care for others who are hurting (ex: at-risk community members and classmates, teachers, etc.). For a family who orbits around Christ, every situation and challenge can point back to him.
2: We can do our best to live peaceably with others and honor governing authorities. (Rom. 12:18, 1 Pet. 2:13–17, Rom. 13:1–5)
In Western culture, we tend to think our household is an island—pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, securing our family’s success through strategic scheduling, creativity, and hard work, and doing things that are best for us, even if that means we can’t help others. While some of these principles are rooted in biblical principles, others are cultural and lead us to unbiblical thinking and behavior. Christ and his teaching implore us to be peaceful people who care about the community around us and submit to governing authorities when they aren’t asking us to sin. There is a lot to unpack here. This doesn’t mean that we never stand up for our beliefs. But as we look ahead to the school year, we can respond as Christ followers—having conversations in school board meetings, city council meetings, with teachers and administrators in ways that convey wisdom and love. We’re not quarrelsome. We can be quick to listen and slow to speak.[5] Where there are legal channels to have our concerns heard, we can ask questions and offer push-back with humility and grace. We can fill out surveys, make phone calls, and seek to understand. But at the end of the day, we have faith that God is on his throne and he’s called us to appropriate submission—to honor and not scoff at, whine about, grumble, or stir dissension over school or community regulations. What would it look like to be a parent who engages others with peace and joy?
3: We can pray. (Eph. 6:18, 1 Thes. 5:17, 1 Pet. 5:7)
For some, this feels like a pat answer. But it’s one of the most critical and helpful things we can do for ourselves, our children, and our community. While we don’t always understand how or why, prayer changes things. It molds our will to the Lord’s. It changes our perspective on everyday things. It puts us in a posture of dependence on him and it brings our concerns to the only one with the power to really do something about them. The Bible gives us lots of reasons and instances to pray. A few for this year might be to pray at all times (in the car, before meals, before making decisions, when receiving news about school changes, etc.), pray when you feel anxious or worried, pray to give thanks for things (children, access to education, provision, etc.), and pray for the practical things you need (quality childcare, high-speed internet, books, etc.). Pray according to scripture and pray often. And don’t forget to pray for teachers, administrators, and school employees who face tough decisions and might feel anxious themselves as they go back to work under new and difficult circumstances.
4: We can shape the culture of our home and community. (Matt. 5:16, Matt. 28:19–20, Eph. 5:15–20)
Yes, COVID-19 is “out there” but we have a deadly virus in our hearts—sin. And it’s something we need to be cured from through trusting in the sacrifice of Christ.[6] We need to be born again and for that new birth to impact every area of our lives. This “every area of our lives” thinking is another way to describe the concept of culture. Culture is the compilation of the actions, words, and practices that are common in our home. So common, we hardly even know they exist! While we can’t always influence school restrictions, closures, and changes, we can mold our lives around Christ. As moms, we are often the heartbeat of the home, pumping love, joy, peace, and hope to every other member of our family. As they see reading the scripture and in prayer, we can grab them and draw them in. They can be ministered to by our gentle and quiet spirit.[7] We can establish family rhythms that emphasize missionary stories, prayer, Bible study, hymns, and gospel-rich conversations. We can influence our families toward eternal things. Let’s keep shaping the culture of our homes and watch how that flows out to our neighborhoods and communities.
5: We can use wisdom. (Prov. 4, James 1:5, James 3:17–18)
Over and over again, the Bible encourages us to “get wisdom” because it’s precious and important. Why? Because wisdom allows us to apply the things we know about God and his commands to real life situations. The Lord doesn’t give us a point-for-point textbook for every way we should respond in every specific situation. Instead, he gives believers the Holy Spirit and the inerrant words of scripture to guide us as we pray and live in community with other believers. In the case of this school year, we need wisdom! How do we get wisdom? We read and think deeply about the Bible, we talk to other godly mentors, and we prayerfully consider our circumstances. With wisdom, we can make decisions in faith, trusting that the Lord will work all things together for our good in Christ. We can plan our course, and trust the Lord to establish our steps.[8]
6: We can see and care for the vulnerable around us. (Mark 12:31, Phil. 2:4)
Most of us don’t need to be told to care about our own children. Without hesitation, we see the ways that this year’s restrictions will impact them and we move into action. We become advocates who go to great lengths, investing time, money, and relational capital to swing things in their favor—even putting our own needs aside at times to ensure our children have love, shelter, food, stability, and a solid education. As Christian moms, we also rush to defend our religious freedom and ability to teach our children about the Lord. But as the impacts of COVID-19 grow, services for vulnerable children drop-off at an alarming rate. Who will care for the vulnerable children among us? Those who can’t count on a meal at home or whose parents are not able to provide supervision and nurturing care? What about children with special needs who struggle to benefit from distance learning? What about foster parents who rely on the local public schools to partner with them in the care and support of the children in their homes? The list could go on and on. As we think about the things that our own kids can’t do this year, let’s also consider how we can help those around us get the resources they need in this trying time. There are no easy answers, but if we each look around and do our part, maybe we can reach more children and families in the name of Christ.
7: We can have hope. (Ps. 39:7, Rom. 5:5, Rom. 12:12, Titus 2:11–14)
As mentioned at the beginning, there are innumerable truths we can remember and act on in the midst of this unfamiliar season. Many of them can be summed up in this last point—the fact that Christian moms can have hope, no matter the circumstances. In his letter to a group of scattered and persecuted Chirstians, who had almost none of the comforts we enjoy today, the Apostle Peter encourages them with living hope.[9] In fact, most believers throughout history have been in really tough situations. Modern moms are just getting another taste of life-after-the-fall. No matter how bleak life is on earth, no matter the challenges and trials—and for moms in 2020, no matter how many times the school options change or falter—if we have faith in the resurrected son of God, then we have a reason for inexpressible joy.[10] Peter also says that, “The end of all things is at hand,” which reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on eternity, knowing that the suffering we face in this life is only temporary.[11] This school year will end. Lord willing, this pandemic will end. And eventually, this world will end. For those who are in Christ, we have an eternity of joyful fellowship with God to look forward to.
If the Lord Wills
James, the brother of Jesus, has something to say to every believer who wants to make sure-footed plans for the future. Perhaps it’s also for every Christian mom who wants to map out her fall schedule down to the hour, knowing when she’s going to have kids at home, when they will be at school, when they will be on zoom, and who is going to help her out with all of this. Perhaps it’s for the Christian mom who is continuing another year of homeschool and she’s frustrated by how much changes in the community are impacting her vision for education. Perhaps it’s for the Christian mom who had a plan two weeks ago until a press conference called everything back into lockdown. But here is the word:
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”[12]
Come now, friend. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. What is our life? Instead we ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will go back to school in August and sign up for piano lessons. And if he doesn’t, we will trust the Lord.”
There are so many things we can’t do right now, but we can always trust and rejoice and give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.[13]
[1] Acts 17:16, Psalm 139:16
[2] 1 Corinthians 3:11
[3] Psalm 40:2
[4] Psalm 119:130
[5] James 1:19–20
[6] John 3:3
[7] 1 Peter 3:4
[8] Proverbs 16:9
[9] 1 Peter 1:3
[10] 1 Peter 1:8
[11] 1 Peter 4:7, 1 Peter 5:10
[12] James 4:13–16
[13] Psalm 136
