When You’re Doubting Your Mothering {my mother letter}

Dear Mother,

I see you. I see the look of worry in your eyes. The self-doubt, the second guessing. You’re wondering if you’re doing this right…this whole motherhood thing, aren’t you?

You worrying if you’re ruining your kids with snacks from a box as other moms talk about their whole food, gluten-free, sugar-free meals. You’re trying to hide that stain on your shirt. The one you didn’t know was there until you got to playgroup. The other kids look like a GAP commercial, while yours doesn’t even match and insisted on wearing mismatched socks.

You’re slinking back into the corner now. That last comment hurt, the one about how moms who don’t pray for their kids everyday don’t really love them. I see you.

You’re fueling your attention on the kids as they play hoping no one will notice all the ways you don’t measure up…how you’re not as good as them. I see that thought running through your head. The one whispering, Someone else could do this better. There’s a better mom for your baby than you. 

Could I have that thought, please?

You don’t need more to be better. Dressing in DIY Anthropologie won’t make you a better mom. You don’t need to do more to be better. Having an activity planned for every day of the summer won’t give your children what they need.

You just need to be you. You are the mother your children need. God has given them to you. God has gifted you with what you need and He will enable you to mother.

Be you.

You can learn from others, try or adapt what works for them, but you do not need to be another mother. God is not asking you to be the woman sitting next to you.

You need to be you. Embrace who God has made you and the journey he’s lead you on. You don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be a good mom. You don’t need handmade presents or to cook from scratch every night of the week to love your children well. You don’t need to add to you.

Live in the freedom that says you are enough. You do not need to be more, do more, or become better to love, to be loved.

You are loved infinitely by a gracious Father. You are forgiven. You are washed in grace. You are free.

Mother-friend, let go of those ties that bind you. The one’s who whisper over and over you’re not good enough and somebody could do better. They’re lies. They’re choking the life and joy out of you. They’re stealing your you-ness.

Cut them off.

And you…you give those children at your feet what they really need. They don’t need one more lesson, another outing, the newest Legos, or cooler clothes. Give them what they need. Love.

Love them like the Father loves you. Show them the achings of love.

Give them grace. Show them hope. Embrace joy together.

Dear mother...lavish love. Live there and let Love teach you to mother.

Mother Letters ebook released today. I already picked up my copy and I can’t tell you how great it is and necessary for mothers to hear. It’s a letter to mothers, written by mothers with quite a sweet back story.We need to know we’re not alone, crazy, and that we can get through the hard times of mothering. It would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift. A portion of every book sale goes to The Mercy House in Kenya…such a great way to support mothers.

 

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