You know those blogs, facebook pictures, tweets, etc. that glorify the struggles of motherhood? The ones that scream "Look at us over here! Every moment of every day is a struggle! My children rarely behave! When can I get away from them and have some wine? Being a mommy is...AAAAHHH!" If you haven't seen one of these posts recently, keep looking. They are out there. These posts, although probably more truthful that the blissdom posts, are still full of lies. It seems the majority of mothers have swung to the completely opposite end of the spectrum. They love to congratulate each other on being transparent about the struggles of motherhood and bond over a virtual glass, or bottle, of wine. These posts have a tendency to make a mom feel "normal," by comparison. She is not the only one with struggles.
I am all for being transparent. So I will start there. I am a mother of two boys ages 3 and 1. I have struggles. I struggle with behavior problems, discipline, communication, injuries, sickness, trying to get it all done, trying not to have a meltdown in public... The list can go on forever. I also have blessings. First words, first steps, kisses, hugs, play dates, birthday parties, cuddling, being the only person in the world that my child wants... This list can go on forever, too.
I believe the desire of most mothers is to be "normal." But I don't want to be normal. I don't want to get to a place where I read the doubts and fears of other moms and think "Yes. That is true. I will never be good enough at this. I can't do it. It's too hard. I'm glad I'm not the only one." Mothers, those are lies! I'm not ready to throw in the towel to the hardships of motherhood and just accept that this is the way it is.
I've shared the fact that I have many trials raising my two young boys. With some of you, I've shared some of these trials in detail. The difference in raising them comes from the truth of God's Word. Of course I feel inadequate at times. Of course I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, alone at times. I'm human and imperfect. But God tells me that I can rest. I'm not alone and He has given me everything I need on this journey. Below I've written some of the lies that moms believe about themselves and the truth that God has spoken to me.
Lie: I can not do this.
Truth: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Lie: I'm too exhausted and overwhelmed to deal with this.
Truth: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Truth: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your
God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold
you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Lie: I'll never be able to get through this day.
Truth: Those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
Isaiah 40:31
Truth: Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our
burdens. Psalm 68:19
Lie: I have to get it all done!
Truth: Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
Lie: I'll never be enough for my children.
Truth: and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head
over all rule and authority; Colossians 2:10
Truth: and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may
be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:19
Lie: I am alone.
Truth: God has said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you." Hebrews 13:5
Truth: ...surely I am with you always, to the very end of age.
Matthew 28:20
This is God's truth about those that He calls his own. If you haven't come to know Jesus as Savior, I would encourage you to consider it, pray about it, and know that He loves you more than any words can ever express. For those that are followers of Jesus, remember this as you fight the daily battle-
"So then, just as
you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up
in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with
thankfulness." (Col 2:6,7)
