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Strap On Your Fins of Faith: How We Can Guide the Next Generation Through Stormy Times

Writer's picture: Donna BollingerDonna Bollinger

As life gets turbulent, it's essential to strap on our fins and teach our children to do the same. While the world may feel chaotic around us, we can still find peace within. Living in Florida, we’re getting plenty of practice as we brace for hurricanes.


In previous newsletters, I’ve talked about how clear communication and active listening can ease tension. With fear running rampant and the news adding to the anxiety, our kids are often caught in the middle of all this drama. How can we create an environment where they feel heard, understood, and equipped to think critically and solve problems?


First, we can make them aware that they have a choice. They don’t have to believe every thought they think or accept everything they hear. We can teach them to listen to their bodies and their minds, and to recognize when they’re in alignment—or when they need to take a break and regroup.


When I face difficult times, I’ve learned to lean on God. I say out loud, “I feel You. Thank You for bringing me peace right now and reminding me that everything will be okay in time.” I’m feeling that familiar sense of calm as Hurricane Milton has barreled down on our home here in Saint Pete. It seems like God is always preparing me. When you reflect on the struggles you’ve faced, you start to see how everything falls into place, as long as you avoid comparing your journey to those of others.


Our youth are often lost, confused, and afraid for the future. I hope we can help them build faith in a higher plan and power. Once you start seeing life from a bird’s-eye view, you notice miracles and synchronicities. Letting go of worries creates more energy and allows you to live from the heart. 


Writing this email is already lifting my spirits and giving me the energy I need to get things done. It’s rewiring the circuits in my brain from those of disconnect to those of a connection with the Source of power and light. 


Our kids need us to reach a higher frequency—one of peace, clarity, and calm. They need grounded, gritty guidance from those who have walked the path of surrender. Many believe, as I do, that through our hardships, we learn that God is real, and He cultivates a unique relationship with each of us.


Even in the mundane aspects of life, God shows up if we’re looking for Him. When we’re born, we are curious and free, but over time, fear teaches us to contract, and we shut down our hearts. We lose the ability to see life through a spiritual lens.


In my recent song Love Is Alive, there’s a line that says, “In comfort, we remain the same.” As we recover from another hurricane, we can decide to transform the damage, difficulty, or pain into a gift. Let’s anchor this belief by watching the goodwill spreading in the aftermath of the last storm in North Carolina—real people helping each other, 24/7.


The song I’m sharing with you today, The Brook Flows, beautifully captures this journey. The brook flows, and as it encounters rocks its direction shifts—just as life’s challenges change our path. The lyrics remind us to listen to the voice of our Creator guiding us toward something greater:

“The brook flows, the rocks pose, questions that change direction. Listen as the waters glisten. The voice of our Creator leads us to something greater.”


Every obstacle and every person we meet along the way brings us closer to a brighter version of ourselves. The song reminds us to take another look, to listen, and to keep going:

“Listen to the sound of the brook, take another look. It flows, it turns, it helps us learn the things in life to truly earn… And keep going.”


God shows us that we truly have no control, and He calls us to soften and surrender. I’ve learned this lesson over and over, and while it was hard at first, it’s becoming easier. If I lose my house, my car, my belongings—I know something good will come if I keep looking in His direction.


When a circumstance caused a door to suddenly close, it led me to directing the kids’ music at church. Now, on Sunday mornings, I light up watching the kids dance and sing songs that will stay with them their whole life long. That obstacle steered me into something of great significance. 


I’ve heard it said that only 13% of the population is needed to tip the balance toward the nation  awakening to a higher purpose. Perhaps everything we’re going through is pushing us toward that tipping point, helping us all rise to a higher level of being.


So, strap on your fins of faith. Get excited by believing in a higher power that always urges us to reach out and grow.


One reason I’m excited is knowing that something even better awaits after this life. As I watch my parents age and witness their physical decline, I can’t help but feel joy for the bliss that awaits them on the other side.





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Donna Bollinger

Donna Bollinger is a powerhouse speaker with a compelling and relevant message for our youth.

© 2024 by Donna Bollinger

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