Children & Forts

Came across this article from The Washington Post under Parenting and Perspective titled, Why kids love building forts—and why experts say they might need them more than ever. It was an interesting read on how building forts is a universal part of child development driven by a "biological genetic disposition" according to author, David Sobel, professor emeritus at Antioch University’s education department. His book is titled “Children’s Special Places: Exploring the Role of Forts, Dens, and Bush Houses in Middle Childhood.” 

​The concept of fort building for children happens across different cultures and reveals our basic connection to each other and how, at times, we also need to pull away and find refuge from the world around us. Apparently, fort building plays a bigger role in our development than many of us realized, and I believe is still a necessary tool in coping for us adults.

Anyone else feel like they need a find a fortress this year?  

Ever since things started to shut down in March, due to COVID-19, I've been reading Psalm 91 as a covering over our family and loved ones. While reading the article from The Washington Post, it occurred to me that this whole time, as an adult, I was finding my refuge inside a fort, because the first verses of the chapter lets the reader know up front that it is "fort" based. In fact, if you read the whole chapter, you see God is making some big promises to those who . . .

1) dwell in His shelter, abide in His shadow & make Him their dwelling place
2) hold fast to Him in love
3) know His name

When I first started taking acting classes, I not only learned about the methods of Strasberg, Adler and Meisner but also remember the great emphasis on finding one's inner child. I would now warn against some of those techniques, because there is a spiritual principle at work. However, I share that to show that many already realize there is a powerful need to reach the childlike part of ourselves. In reality, simply humbling ourselves is the truest way to becoming like a little child. 

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me," Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV)

Jesus also said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 (ESV)

Hope you find comfort in knowing that God gifted us all with an instinctive need to find shelter in Him at such a tender age, and no matter how old and tough you are now, you can still humble yourself as a little child and climb inside the fortress he has prepared.

Above, our youngest is looking at one of his favorite Bible stories, that of David and Goliath. While scholars think Moses may have authored Psalm 91, King David certainly held on to these words and was inspired to author many more. 

Child, I hope this encourages you to find the best fortress of all! 
​

​ With love,

Christina
Stay humble & be BOLD!

​"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105

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