Locking Arms, Mother to Mother

My husband and I and 6 of our 7 kids recently participated in a "Walk for Life" to support under-resourced mom's through Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center. What a joy to help loving moms KEEP their babies!!!

On three different occasions over the Mother's Day weekend, I heard the voice of a mother say in essence, "I feel like such a failure I don't want to be celebrated." Two comments came from "real life mom's" and one comment in the movie "Mom's Day Out." In one of the apex moments of the movie the husband of the main character says:

"Hun, your job is..."
She says, "Hard, I know..."
He says, "Important. I was going to say, 'important.'"

So true!! I've spent much time over the past couple of years thinking deeply about the role of a mom (and dad!). If you have to wonder how important your role is, spend some time with some kids who have lost their parents. It really doesn't matter how IMperfect mom and dad are, kids want to be with their parents. RIGHT?

Being a parent is aMAZing! Isn't it? It's a unique love like no other. From day 1 a parent would lay down their LIFE for their child. They would give up every penny for the sake of that child. We play, we laugh, we sing, we ENJOY our kids!

But don't we get worn? Don't we burn out? Don't we suffer discouragement? Isn't it hard? Don't we at times feel like FAILURES? Are we not DRIVEN to our knees begging God for strength, wisdom, ability, hope? Seriously, if I didn't believe with ALL my HEART that God loves these kids more than I can comprehend, I just don't know if I could face the challenges of parenting without falling into despair. I've got GREAT KIDS! But I am limited in that I can ONLY do my best!! And that is NOT enough! But I know we have GOD'S best on our side!!

"...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

And, hopefully, we have each other!!! We encourage each other, teach each other, and help each other! I know that many times, this isn't happening. Here is what I do... I pray to God to send me the help I need! I put it in God's capable hands. He knows exactly what I need. Some seasons I need people to come along side me. Some seasons I need to rely on God to give me strength and to grow in Him! I trust God to send the help I need (Of course, it's okay to ask for help to when there are people to ask.).

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

When help comes I am thankful. When help doesn't come I am trusting that God is doing a work in me! (That's the goal, anyway. You all know I'm not perfect!). 

Many times my refreshment comes from the blessing of helping other moms. It feels good to help others, especially since I have been helped and know how much it has meant to me. 

"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." ~Proverbs 11:25

I've seen the dark side of "mother to mother" relationships where moms are comparing and competing and judging and complaining. ICK! None of us can run away from THAT fast enough! 

But when we lock arms in encouragement and love and help...what a force we are!! Babysitting, cheerleading, praying, teaching, cooking, cleaning, buying flowers, visiting, reaching out and bringing hope...the list goes on and on! It's so much more fun to cross finish lines in good company!