In the earlier years of my single motherhood, my daughter, understandably so, did not fully understand why mommy was not around as much as she liked. She would ask her grandma, "Where is mommy?" while she plays at the family farm. "She is sleeping honey," my mother would remind her. As single mothers, there are times where we must miss out on a lot. We cannot attend our children’s Christmas concert because we cannot afford to take off work early, yet again. Little time is spent sitting beside our children playing with Playdough because there is a copious amount of housework to do. It rips us apart, making us feel like we are losing out on joyous motherhood while our children lose out on a ‘normal’ childhood. The guilt is indescribable. But have you ever considered that, that guilt is completely fake? Yes! Completely and utterly counterfeit. Although we truly do miss out on fun times, the emotions of guilt is unfounded. There is nothing more that Satan wants than to see you fester with negative thoughts and feelings. What do these negatives bring us? Doubt in Christ. This uncertainty festers inside of us weeks on end, causing us to begin to wonder if God is really with us. Proverbs 3:5-8 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." Relying on our temporary emotions can bring long-lasting damage to our relationship with Christ. We must consciously choose daily to trust that even though we are saddened by the loss of experiences with our children, that God is guiding our children as well as us. And Momma, looking back our children will not think you abandoned them. They will see a strong parent who did all they can to provide and to love. Push those evil thoughts out! You are a great momma! Sometimes life is just too hard. Have you been there too? It is all too much at once, and it makes us want to give up. There is no time to handle how we are doing emotionally in between work and our children. Surviving the day is our only focus. Peace does not appear attainable. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Hold firmly to your faith and hope in what God has given you today. On the days I want to wave the white flag in surrender, I like to listen to some of my favorite worship songs, especially ones from Elevation Worship. I close my eyes, sit, listen to the melody and words, and allow the words to soak into my soul. It helps me stop my spinning mind from focusing on my external worries and calms my soul, allowing me to reach for peace that comes from the Spirit. My dear fellow momma: you are beautiful, you are strong, and you have a purpose. You are unbreakable! |
AuthorMelissa Brown is a strong momma who lives in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Zoey, and taking long naps. Posts
May 2024
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