When children experience The Flood Zone, their behavior changes. They yell, bite, or run away. They withdraw and lose concentration. They blame and lie. In this state, children are unable to be rational, regulated, or otherwise compliant. Even the most motivated child (or adult) with the greatest coping strategies won’t be able to identify or manage their emotions in The Flood Zone. It was so comforting to read a book where the focus was on doubt but how to overcome it. And the best part, Noah was going through his own pandemic. He obeyed God to the letter and saved his family. They were all that were left.

Flooded: A Brain-Based Guide to Help Children Regulate

Waiting on words of affirmation from other can also become a place of disobedience in our lives.” (p. 112-113) God commands. Noah listens. And repeat. Is it possible we're experiencing unbelief in our lives because we haven't been willing to take a posture of humility?” (p. 50)

Resist the urge to control the uncontrollable by finding peace in between the problem and the promise. I think we often confuse 'in charge of and 'in control of.' God has and always will be sovereign over everything … But God is not controlling us in the steps we decide to take … Think about God like a coach. The coach has the team's plan … He gives them instructions. But ultimately it is up to the team to decide if they will follow the plan …” (p. 137)

Flooded: The 5 Best Decisions to Make When Life Is Hard…

The stories about the Fixer Upper Farm are also a wonderful touch to the book! I have been around barns and horses most of my life, and this made this book even more reliatable to me. Some of the stories are absolutely hilarious to the point I was in tears, to genuinely heartfelt stories about loss and finding our new paths. I lost my heart horse a few years ago and it was such a hard place to walk through, especially leading up to and right after her loss. My equestrian journey hasn't been all that I thought it would be since losing her, but I hope one day to find the joy I once had with that one horse. No matter how many times I've pleaded with God about His timing, we don't get to change the timeline of God.” (p. 109)

The timing of this book & this message is truly miraculous! I think it's safe to say that many of us have questioned God through the last calendar year. When circumstances are unknown & unpredictable, we feel flooded. In Flooded, counselor and bestselling author, Allison Edwards explains how parents, teachers, and counselors can identify when children have entered The Flood Zone. She also offers suggestions for teaching children (and adults!) how to regain control of their emotions.