Motherhood. A title that can take on more meanings than any other title. The meanings of this title can range from the highest and most beautiful calling to the heaviest burden and struggle of one's life. I have experienced several of the different meanings in my few years as a mom and I have also learned how much of a lie so many of them are.
It is so easy to allow the lies satan presents to us mothers to penetrate into our hearts and minds, even when we have the best of intentions. I did everything by the book while I was pregnant, we vaccinated all 3 of our children, I breastfed, we let our babies cry it out and we choose to spank if need be… Some of these decisions led me to feel a tremendous amount of guilt or doubt. Blogs, opinions, or other people's comments allowed me to feel inadequate as a mom when I fed into the lie that I was incapable of making the best decisions for our family. There were also times where I allowed pride to take over when I felt that I was doing things right. This attitude is not only sinful, but it is that very attitude that can cultivate a feeling of inadequacy in someone else.
After having 3 kids, and gaining a lot more wisdom about who God is, I was able to see all of this in a different light. Satan's lies build up a wall full of weakness, anger, fear, doubt, and pride. In response to this, we tear one another down and lose sight of who we are in the fullness of Christ Jesus. His truth will do just the opposite; we are to draw on His strength when we feel weak, pray for patience when we are frustrated, pray for peace when we feel anxiety, and for guidance when we are confused or conflicted. We are called to be humble and to share our burdens, lean upon, pray for, and encourage one another! He gifts us HIS children to raise up in HIS ways- to know and love Him, and He gives us everything we need to do just that. (2 Peter 1:3)
Being faithful to obey God in this calling of motherhood will allow God to grow us and build up His kingdom. Hang in there momma, don't give satan the satisfaction of allowing yourself to fall into the lies of what the world has to say about being a mom. You are strong and you are perfectly capable of this calling because HE has equipped you with all you need!
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:13-17
Tami Johnson is a wife and mother of two sons and a daughter: Jayden, Andrew, and Ashlynn