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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Rachel Gardner, President of the Girl’s Brigade

Good morning.

A few weeks ago my young daughter set up a tent in her bedroom. ‘Did you fancy a bit of a holiday at home?’ I joked, bemused. She smiled and shrugged.

I thought she’d soon lose interest of sleeping indoors in a tent, but she didn’t. Night after night I’ve watched her visibly relax in this small, gentle space. For an adopted child, struggling with the upheavals of lockdown and the loss of supportive routines and relationships, this tent is offering her troubled heart and mind a refuge from the storm.

A new study released last weekend and conducted by Savanta ComRes, has found that almost half of British parents (48%) are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of their children. Many parents speak of a ‘fear culture’ where their children are afraid of going outside or meeting people. While every child is different, this constant feeling of fear can make everyday changes and pressures a huge challenge to cope with.

In Psalm 46 King David writes that ‘God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him.’ For a man used to living in tents, I wonder if that’s what came to mind when he pictured a God who could be his refuge when the storms of life became too much.

Ever Present God, we ask you to draw close to all the children and young people who are struggling in their isolation.

May those in need of protection find the support they need, quickly.

May those who are struggling to cope, know that they are surrounded with love.

Amen.

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