Natalie Neal guest blogger

This session at Moms with Swords is focusing on Circling Prayer, and, when I hear circling, I immediately think back to what a circle is, and it’s dominance over the other geometrical shapes in nature. I know…no one else does the same. So let me share with you some things that I think are cool about circle. Scientists actually refer to circles and spheres as “nature’s favorite shape” and it’s obvious, to me, why, but let me just convince you. It is the way in which the circle perfectly protects everything inside of it, creating an equilibrium of pressure between the contents on the inside and the pressure on the outside of the circle. It is also the way a cell membrane has a process called “selective permeability,” only allowing certain materials to pass through, being able to reach the nucleus of the cell. It is the way a bubble floats through the air because of the balance between the soap and water of the bubble. It is the way a sphere has the smallest surface area while still maintaining the highest volume, allowing it to hold more than any other three-dimensional shape. It is also the way that circular motion must be directed inward by an outer force in order for the motion to continue (Kind of like of mothering must be a constant circling around our children all while intentionally applying force and pressure inward, towards them). Please join me in looking at my favorite example of circles in nature and it’s spiritual implication for our roles as mothers.

Stars. Man, have any of you ever just been somewhere out, far enough from the city, on a clear night, and been able to see the stars? I mean to REALLY see them. To sit back and be mesmerized in their vastness. I have. I even have specific memories of God moving in my life when I rested in the peace and stillness of the night and was just amazed by the grandeur of our God in creation. I want to share with you the process that stars have to go through to become the amazing creation that we know them to be. It is an absolutely miraculous act that God chooses to disguise, indulging our further curiosity of the universe!

In the universe, elements of light exist constantly. They are everywhere in our atmosphere and outside of Earth’s little bubble (see what I did there). Examples of these elements are Hydrogen, Helium, Nitrogen, and Carbon.  When Hydrogen and Helium get in a close enough area, they become known as a “protostellar cloud.” Now, this is clearly a God-thing that scientists haven’t figured out. I mean, how does the cloud know that this mass of elements could be a star? It’s evident to this Creator-knowing gal that He has His hand in the whole process. Anyways, this cloud begins to apply pressure to the various elements and the elements gain energy from this pressure. As the pressure increases and the energy is gained, the temperature begins to rise and the elements become more tightly woven, looking similar to a lumpy ball of yarn. At a given point during this process, the center of the “element cloud” becomes so warm that it begins to burn, illuminate, and spins wildly. At this point, the elements have become an actual ball and now has gravitational force. The external pressure being applied is released but still exists in surrounding area. The cloud has now become a star. And, it continues to grow as it attracts other elements to it, making it a more and more powerful beacon of light in the universe.

IMG_3631

So it is with our children, starting out as elements of light, just potential in the aspect of the Kingdom. They need to be surrounded by us, by Christ, and to have pressure applied, through prayer, guidance, scripture, and sometimes, actual pressure of being a toddler throwing a tantrum or a teenager talking back. They begin to be molded by this pressure, preparing to take the shape of a circle, and the center begins to burn, as their passion for Christ is ignited in this process of “pressure.” At a given point, their knowledge and passion for Christ become so powerful that they begin to burn brightly, wildly for the Lord and they become gravitational in the way they attract others to this light. The “pressure” is no longer needed, but they still need to be surrounded by the cloud in order to receive their energy, now their affirmation in who they are, which enables them to grow larger and brighter. This is our goal and mission as moms, to surround our children with Godly pressure to form them into the light of the world and spread their light to those around them.

Wow. Did that hit you like it did me? To me, God puts reminders of His love, sovereignty, and daily process everywhere in nature, but when I sit down and think through it, He always amazes me at the ways He “hides” truths all around us.

One more thing to share: What even is a circle? I mean, I know it’s a round thing and at weddings they always mention that “rings symbolize never ending love, just like a circle never ends.” (Am I right?!) So, let’s look at some definitions of a circle and parts of a circle to break it down. A circle is a line that has been bent around until its ends join, ensuring that each point on the line is the same distance from the center. And, we name the circle by whatever the center is, like Circle X. The distance from the center of the circle to the outside of the circle is named the radius. When looking up where radius came from, things got quite interesting. Some synonyms and alternate uses of radius are: rod, ray, spoke of a wheel, and a beam of light. The root of radius comes from three latin words: radix meaning roots, vardhate meaning to extend forth, and ardis, meaning a sharp point.

IMG_3632

Now, how is this relevant to us circling our children in prayer?! Let me just tell you. As a circle of our children, we are enclosing, surrounding, and protecting our children. We create distance between ourselves and our children, known as the radius, which means they’ve planted roots there, allowing them to rise, extend forth and be sent out. But, most importantly, it means a sharp point. A sword – Christ. Christ must be in the midst of our circling our Children and this is where their roots get planted and this is what empowers them to be that beam of light.

NNeal signature