It was in spiritual direction when I finally lost it. As uncertainty and anxiety poured down my face, I complained, “I don’t know how to discern anything right now. Nothing is certain!” My director calmly and quietly replied, “You know more than you think. Why not make a list?” I agreed half-heartedly to make a list of things that I know—right now, in this moment. No “what ifs” or “could bes” were allowed; only the truth of the present moment could be included. Though I highly recommend making your own list, I want to share a few certainties with you:

1) We all need some certainty right now. We are living in a time where sifting truth from hype and fact from fiction has become a Herculean task. It’s time to simplify and return to basic truths that we can count on.

2) I am a beloved child of God. I need to take a moment, or more like a month, to really let this soak in. Every moment of our existence is dependent on the love of God for us.

3) Control is an illusion – an illusion that is currently being shattered. Remember the previous certainty: God loves you. Perhaps this shattering of control could be a necessary part of true freedom.

4) The laundry will never be finished. Whether the world is in turmoil or not, laundry ranks right up there with death and taxes. I’m told it’s part of my sanctification.

5) God is good. All the time and all the time, God is good. Just in case anyone was missing Vacation Bible School this summer, I thought I’d remind you of this simple truth.

6) Resurrection follows the Passion. Moms, we are an Easter people, and Alleluia is our song! It’s so easy for me to lose sight of this truth right now. Let’s choose to help one another to remember.

7) Children will never run out of questions. What is it about bedtime that brings out every philosophical and theological inquiry in my children’s heads? I may not have perfect answers to all these questions, but I can safely predict their consistent appearance.

8) The Evil One sows confusion, anxiety, and distrust. Satan loves it when I become distracted by the what-ifs, but Jesus sows peace and trust. Naming that truth helps me to reject those lies.

9) God knows what his children need. My six-month-old son is happily babbling in serenity at one moment and then screaming for an unmet need the next. Feels a little like looking in the mirror. As mamas, we know that we have the best interests of our children in mind. Remember that God loves his children, too.

10) God is trustworthy. If, like me, you struggle to remember and trust in this time, try revisiting your favorite Bible story or your own memories. How has God worked in your own life? Our Lord shows us his fidelity time and time again, if only we can recall it.