Don't Worry, Just Love Us

Lectio Divina Out Loud: Erika Dix listens to her daughter when her heart is weighed down with worry.

Worry weighs down the heart, but a kind word gives it joy. (Proverbs 12:25)

How does one write about worry? It is on everyone’s minds, and can weigh heavily on someone’s heart. It can be something that is obvious, or can sneak up on someone without being noticed. It can be serious, or can be casually tossed out as an afterthought in a conversation.

I had that experience recently when I casually shared with my family at dinner that since I am a mom, I am always worried. My daughter reacted so strongly to that statement that it shocked me! I was so grateful for her kind words, and I definitely felt my heart getting lighter with joy. I will share what she said in a little bit.

A Heavy Heart

First, I want to share that the day after our dinner conversation, I was excited to see the daily Scripture verse was from Proverbs, and how applicable and appropriate it was. “Worry weighs down the heart” is something that just about every person experiences. I also believe moms would hold the most medals for this if worrying were a sport. But what does worrying give us? How does it help us be better moms?

Be Kind to our Hearts

Our hearts are precious, and our children’s hearts are even more so. As moms, we can show our children how to worry or how to be kind, and the kindness can start with ourselves. God shares this wisdom with us in Proverbs, and that the best way to lighten our hearts is with kindness. In our dinner conversation, my daughter shared with me that worry is a part of us we cannot do anything about. That is why we worry! It can keep building upon itself, which will weigh down our hearts and make them feel so heavy.

So Much Joy

She also shared that instead of worrying, we can adjust our reaction to the situation and most importantly, give ourselves a break. She was talking to me as her mom, but I know she meant it for any mom out there with heavy hearts. Giving ourselves a break from worry is exactly that kindness that will bring our heart joy. I know it brought my heart joy when my daughter said with a smile, “Mom, instead of worrying, just love us!” How very kind of her, and this mom’s heart is swelling with joy. I think she deserves a medal for that.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to show our children that we can be kind to ourselves when we worry. Please help us to love our children instead of worrying, and share our joy with kind words from our own hearts.

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Copyright 2026 Erika Dix
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