a reminder for the mom who struggles…you are powerful…you are mom

Linking this post up today with (in)courage at www.incourage.me/2014/05/the-power-of-encouragement-a-link-up.html. The theme is – The Power of Encouragement.  And whether that encouragement comes across your day through the sweet words of a child, or time with a friend, or straight from His whispers to your soul, as you breathe in beauty around you, the truth is – it’s life-changing. Praying today that God, lifter of our heads, will soothe our hearts with the power of His love and peace surrounding all we do…blessings friend. He is Grace.

“Mom,” he paused, “You know what?  You are the most pretty and powerful mom in the whole wide world.”  His sweet, heart-felt words came out of the clear blue, yet breathed life into my weary soul that day.  I certainly wasn’t “feeling” very pretty.  Hair pulled straight back in need of a wash, no make up on, weary eyes from lack of sleep and in need of another cup of coffee, I felt immensely drained…tired.  And, as far as powerful – I struggled with deep feelings of failure in even keeping up with life.  Laundry had no end.  Too much to do with too little hours in the day.  I battled to keep it all afloat but constantly felt I was in sinking sand.

I knew the truth.  I knew that reality said I was certainly not that – “the most pretty or powerful mom in the whole wide world.”  But to him, I was.  And that’s all that really mattered.  The reality that spoke a surge of  hope into my very being.  That made me lift my head.  That brought a  surge of renewal to my battle with defeat.  “Maybe I am making a difference,” I whispered down deep, “Maybe I am somehow leaving a positive and lasting impression on their lives. Even in the midst of all the mess and struggle…”

His words reminded me that God had a plan in bringing our family together.  I was destined to be their mom.  Dawson’s mom.  Noah’s mom.  Gracie’s mom.  No one else could be their mom like I could – however imperfect that might seem – He was the One who brought it all together with incredible timing and flawless design.  His plans indeed are perfect.  There is truly nothing that brings me greater joy – than to be their mom.  “Just a mom.”  I hear that phrase sometimes and I wonder where it came from.  What do you mean “just” a mom?  What better, more powerful, more influential job in the whole wide world could one ever possess than being called “Mom”?

I was reminded that day…

My feelings of inadequacy or not ever being “good enough,” didn’t matter.  My measuring stick about how I compare against all the other moms had suddenly lost all significance.  Because though I may never feel like I can quite get it together like so and so, they think I’m the best mom in the world.

And I am. For them. Because that’s how God designed it to be.

Dear mom friends who, like me, feel like you’re not good enough…who are struggling to keep it all together…stop comparing yourselves.  Your children want you.  Only you.  Not the mom in the magazine.  Not the mom on Pinterest.  Not the mom on the blog.  Not the mom on TV.  Not the mom in the office.  Not a stressed out mom who feels like she has never has enough time to get it all done.  Not a constantly discouraged mom who is desperately trying to be more like someone else.  They want simple, wonderful, powerful, beautiful – YOU.

There will always be someone else doing “more,” doing “better.”  Let it go.  God’s given you a treasure to raise, and YOU are the best mom for your child.  You have the power to make a difference in the world through these young lives.

You have the influence to remind them daily of who they are – of “whose” they are.  You have the ability to unleash mighty warriors in future years – those destined to be a strong and positive presence in a dark culture.  Your children need you.  They need time with you.  God arranged it perfectly that way.  You are uniquely created to live the life that only you have the power to live.  You are enough.  You are more than enough – through the greatness of our Savior.

Stop the negative self talk that drives you to compare yourself with others.  Be free to be yourself.  Remind yourself today of how God sees you, of how much your children need you.  Look in the mirror and say it out loud.  “I am beautiful.  I am powerful.  I am the best mom in the world – for my kids.”

The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the world is at your fingertips…it’s called being a mom.  You are powerful in the life of your child.  You matter.  Don’t ever forget.  You are blessed to be “Mom.”

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”  Zephaniah 3:17

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”  Psalm 3:3