Navigating Motherhood in a World of Tragedy and Violence

Some days, I feel like the weight of the world is sitting right on my chest.

I’ll wake up, scroll through the news, and there it is again—another tragedy, another act of violence, another story of heartbreak that makes me hold my babies a little tighter. And if I’m honest with you, it terrifies me.

It terrifies me to think about the world my children are growing up in. The innocence of childhood feels like it’s slipping away faster and faster. I look at my daughter’s little hands, my child’s laughter, their wide-eyed wonder at life—and I can’t help but think, Lord, how do I protect them? How do I raise them in a world that feels so unsafe?

I know I’m not the only mother who wrestles with this. Late at night, I’ve lay awake, staring at the ceiling, whispering the same prayer over and over: God, please. Cover my children. Keep them safe. Keep their hearts pure. Don’t let this world steal their light. But here’s the thing I keep learning—I cannot control the world. But I can bring my home, my children, and my fears before God every single day.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

That verse has become like oxygen for me. Because in times like these, I need to be reminded that I am not navigating this motherhood journey alone. God is my refuge. God is my children’s refuge.

That doesn’t mean I stop being scared sometimes. It doesn’t mean I never feel anxious. But it does mean I have somewhere to run when fear threatens to take over. And that has changed how I show up as a mother.

Creating a Safe Haven

I anoint my home with oil, walking through the rooms and praying peace over the walls. I lay my hands on my children’s heads while they're asleep, whispering words of blessing and protection. I speak scripture over them, sometimes out loud, sometimes silently, but always with intention. I worship while I clean, letting praise shift the atmosphere in our house.

These aren’t just things to make me feel better. They are acts of spiritual warfare. They are me saying: Fear, you do not get the final word here. God does.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

Fear is real. But it doesn’t have to rule us.

And here’s what I’ve realized—my children are watching me. They’re watching how I react to the chaos of the world. They’re paying attention to whether I let fear take over or whether I lean into faith.

I don’t want my kids to grow up with a fearful mama. I want them to grow up with a mama who prays. A mama who worships. A mama who creates a home filled with peace, even when the world outside feels anything but peaceful.

Intentional Choices

So, I choose to be intentional:

• I limit how much news I consume. I want to be informed, but not consumed.

• I replace worry with prayer. If my mind is racing, I stop and pray out loud—sometimes short, sometimes long, but always surrendering it to God.

• I speak life over my children. Daily. Because as much as I want to protect their bodies, I know I need to protect their hearts and minds even more.

  
  

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” – Psalm 56:3

If I’m really honest, there are times I want to wrap my children in bubble wrap, lock the doors, and keep them sheltered forever. But motherhood in a broken world doesn’t work that way. My job isn’t just to protect them from the world, but to prepare them for it. And part of that preparation is showing them where we run when we’re afraid: into the arms of God.

That’s why prayer isn’t just something I do for them; it’s something I do with them. So it becomes a part of their every day. When they get older and understand things differently, I want to explain, gently, that yes, there is evil in this world, but there is also a good God who never leaves us. I want to tell them the truth, but I also remind them of the greater truth: God is still in control. God is still sovereign. God is still our safe place.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1

And here’s the reality: some days I nail this. I show up strong, rooted, prayerful. And other days, fear gets the best of me. I snap, I panic, I worry. But motherhood isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, and it’s about leading with faith even when it’s hard.

Every time I feel fear creeping in, I try to pause and ask myself: What kind of legacy do I want to leave my children? Do I want them to remember a mother who lived afraid? Or do I want them to remember a mother who leaned into God for strength? That perspective shifts everything.

Embracing Community

If you’ve been carrying the same fears I have—know this: you are not alone. We cannot control the tragedies we see, but we can control how we respond to them. We can raise our kids in faith, not fear. We can create homes that feel like safe havens. We can cover our children in prayer every single day. And every whispered prayer, every scripture spoken, every act of faith matters more than you know.

Journaling Prompt

Write down the fears you’ve been carrying as a mother. Be specific. Then, beside each fear, write a prayer releasing it to God.

Example:

• Fear: “I’m afraid for my child’s safety at school.”

• Prayer: “Lord, I trust that You go before her, behind her, and beside her. Cover her in Your protection.”

  
  

Choose one scripture from this post to declare over your family this week. Write it on your mirror, your fridge, or your child’s lunchbox as a reminder of God’s promises.

An Anointing Prayer for Your Home and Children

“Lord, I thank You for the gift of my children. Today, I anoint my home and my family with Your presence. May every room be filled with peace, joy, and safety. Cover my children as they come and go. Protect their bodies, guard their minds, and keep their hearts close to You. Remind me daily that You are their refuge and strength. I surrender my fears to You and choose to walk in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Mama, the world may feel uncertain, but we serve a certain God. He is our refuge. He is our strength. And He will never leave us nor forsake us. That truth doesn’t just carry me—it anchors me. And I pray it anchors you too.

Finding Joy in the Journey

As we navigate this beautiful chaos of motherhood, let’s remember to find joy in the little moments. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room or a quiet moment snuggled up with a book, these are the treasures that fill our hearts with warmth.

Connecting Through Faith

Let’s also connect with each other. Share your fears, your joys, and your victories. We are stronger together. When we lift each other up in prayer, we create a powerful network of support.

Embracing the Unexpected

Life is unpredictable, and that’s okay! Embrace the unexpected twists and turns. They often lead to the most beautiful memories. Let’s celebrate the journey, imperfections and all.

xx

Santa Naisha