Dear Stressed Out Momma, I hear ya. . .

Being a mommy has been quite the journey for me. 

We didn't get married intending to have a big family. . .(I'm realizing 7 is a big number when it comes to family size.;)) In fact after having my first at 25, my world was turned so upside down that I really didn't want to have anymore.

I had read all the books and made sure I was going to do everything just right so my son would have every opportunity and be nurtured into supreme intelligence, hitting every developmental milestone perfectly and learning perfect obedience so that he would be the finest specimen of manhood ever and the greatest gift to society.

(Not that I thought it out in those words. . .)

But oh I tried. I tried so hard.
And I was exhausted and stressed and so overwhelmed. I felt so insecure and uncertain. I questioned every decision I made wondering if it was right. . .

But the worst thing about those early years were that I did not enjoy my child. I didn't even know how. Caring for him was so all consuming! I was so afraid of messing up that I missed out on just loving him.

I knew nothing of grace.

It was all up to me. I had to get it right or it wouldn't be.

I had to make the perfect decision or he would be ruined for life.

I gauged whether I was doing things right and whether I was a "good mom" based on how well behaved and adjusted he was.

I somehow thought I had to be in control. I had to get it together and keep it together. 

But I am NOT CREATOR.

I am NOT SOVEREIGN.

I am not the SAVIOR.

I get to be finite as a mom.

I get to be weak and uncertain.

I am inadequate for the task.

AND THAT IS NOT A PROBLEM TO GOD!!!

My inabilities and uncertainties, even my failings and mistakes, my sin and regret - they do not hinder God. They do not thwart His purposes for me or my child.

He is Creator and only HE knows my child inside and out. I don't have to create my child. God already did.

He is Sovereign, and He is good. He has a good plan that He will work out for my child. It's okay that I'm not in control. Nothing I do, and nothing my child does can alter God's plan or prevent it from coming to fruition.

He is SAVIOR. I do not have to, nor can I save my child. Only Jesus can.

His love and grace are far greater than any mistake we make, than any inadequacy we have.

His love and His grace are far more powerful than any plan and method we attempt.


Oh mommas, whether you have one or two or eight or seventeen, just love them. Stop mothering out of a place of fear.
"Perfect love casts out fear." - I John 4:18

Be quieted with the everlasting love of the Father. Look at His grace displayed in Jesus. Believe it is for you.

Embrace it! And let it spill over and color each moment with your child.

Take time to cuddle them, to know them, to enjoy them.
Stop trying to be perfect and stop trying to make them perfect!

Just as you need the love of your heavenly Father, they need you to love them and YOU need to love them!

God has given you to them and them to you. He will help you mother them. He gives wisdom to those who ask. He lavishes grace to cover our failings.

Maybe put away those books and stop reading those blogs.
Pick up His word.
Listen to His Spirit.
Know that He is gently leading those with young.

And let His love cast out your every fear!!!

<3 Amy