HOUSE OF ROBERTS BLOG

One of the most repeatable sayings I say in motherhood DAILY is “Take a Deep Breath” or “Just Breathe.” If my kids are angry, crying, or don’t understand something and are trying to communicate with me, I first stop them and say “Okay, stop and take a nice deep breath.” I am not sure if this is more for me or for them in those moments but what I will say is, it certainly helps both parties in a moment of tension. I love that the Holy Spirit has taught me how to do this in my life, and now I am teaching my kids and others the same. Here is what I like about it:

Oftentimes in life, we can be SO driven by our thoughts and emotions and if not regulated this can result in wild emotional outbursts. When you are little you can SOMEWHAT get away with this but as you get older this is a habit that doesn’t display so cute in life. Having the muscle built to STOP in an emotional moment and regulate your breath, heartbeat, and let’s be honest your MOUTH before responding to whatever life has handed you will serve you well!

Breath allows oxygen to come to the brain and helps you think CLEARLY. I am sure we have all been in a moment of tension and emotion and it feels like we can’t even think straight. Typically, the heart is always racing at this moment as well. Deep breaths slow your heart and allow oxygen to actually get to the brain which helps you think clearly. This is why in these moments the only thing our mouth should be doing is breathing NOT TALKING. Moments like this are when we get ourselves in trouble because we start spouting off insanities and hurtful things. Nope! Stop and Breathe. It takes more discipline to breathe but this is the muscle we want in life. Discipline is the muscle that allows us to not be ruled by our emotions but by our spirit.

I also hear the Holy Spirit when I stop and breathe. If I had to count all the times the Holy Spirit has talked me off some crazy ledge in ONE MOMENT we’d be here all day. I remember this one time years ago when all four of my kids were under five all at once. The day had been utter insanity and I felt I literally had no control over anything. The kids wouldn’t nap, the girls were teething and angry, Ford had energy for days and wouldn’t stop making his siblings cry, Crew was overly tired and wanted to do nothing but nurse, the house was a mess, dinner turned out gross, Michael was late coming home from work, should I go on? It was bad! I literally couldn’t think and could hear all my thoughts all at once (is that possible?). I remember I walked to the garage to get a new bottle of ketchup. From my kitchen to my garage (maybe 30 steps) I thought “I am going to lose it. I can’t do this!” My heart was beating faster than it ever had and tears welled DEEP in my eyes, and my soul ached. By the time I reached the garage fridge the Holy Spirit responded to my thoughts and said “No you aren’t, I am right here with you. He said to me, “Where does it hurt? Close your eyes and see it.” The pain was in my heart. As soon as I saw it, no lie, I felt a warm peaceful pressure over my heart almost like someone placed one finger there and peace came IMMEDIATELY. All He needs is a moment and when we can slow our emotions and breathe we give Him that one second, He needs to get in there and deliver truth to our pains and pressures of the day.

Psalms 34: 17-18 MSG says, “Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.  If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.”

Today and always Mom, the Holy Spirit wants to help you catch your breath! Breath is a discipline, a muscle that has to be built. It’s easy to breathe when things are good but it’s a discipline to breathe when tensions settle in. Practice it! When you’re mad, stop and breathe before you act. When you’re sad, stop and breathe before you act! When you’re confused, stop and breathe before you act. Give the Holy Spirit room to help you catch your breath. Your husband will thank you, your kids will thank you and really YOU will thank you!