There is a lot going on in the mother's life. She's trying to raise children while she herself is a work in progress. There is sin, there are shortcomings, there are questions that don't seem to have answers. There are crying babies and hormone charged teenagers and often a critical voice deep within picking apart her decisions.
In the midst of each woman's journey as mom, we look at others and we critique. Others look at us and critique. What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong?
I had a thought today - since all of us fall short of the glory of God, and all of us are being transformed but have not yet "arrived," why don't we start lifting each other up in prayer?
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11
Being a mother is a weighty responsibility for cracked and broken vessels, yet God still blesses us with children, and leads us and helps us as we love them.
God tenderly leads those who have young. Being a mother is no joke. It's a weighty responsibility for cracked and broken vessels (that would be everyone of us). Yet God still blesses us with children and he leads us and helps us as we love them.
As we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, so will our mothering. Do you want that? I crave it - I crave a better understanding of my role, I crave wisdom on how to discipline, I crave patience during a sleep deprived state, I crave the ability to show love toward my kids even when I'm irritated (at them). Other moms crave it too.
So let us pray for one another, for other mothers.
Jesus came that we might have an abundant life - that we might know him and follow him and share him. We should long for that for all people - including other mothers.
Let us pray for one another so that mothers are lifted up, so that this next generation grows up to love Jesus and live for Him. Let us cry out for wisdom, patience, love, and endurance on their behalf to raise our children in the fear the Lord.
Pray for God to bless mothers with wisdom and courage to raise their children; for diligence and peace as they maintain their households.
Let us be for each other instead of against - because we are all works in progress growing in the grace and admonition of the Lord - because it's not about us but His glory.
When you see another mom, with her children, young or old, lift her up in a simple prayer:
Jesus, please lead her tenderly as she cares for her young.