5 Truths Every Mother Needs To Know!
5 Truths Every Mother Needs To Know!
“The lips of the righteous nourish many” Proverbs 10:21
- There is NO guaranteed formula for raising godly children. You can only do your best with who you are (or were back then). Maybe you weren’t even aware of how to mother and had no family or friends to guide you, which was my experience. Maybe you were a wonderful mother yet one or more of your children turned away from Jesus. Your kids are not you. They carry responsibility for their choices which you cannot control.
- No family is perfect! We are all products of imperfect families. Our failures are covered by God’s forgiveness, grace, mercy and love. Don’t let Satan keep you bound with guilt and heartache. Seek help from a Pastor, Counselor, or spiritually mature person if you live under self-condemnation. It’s not where God wants you!
- Your words have the power to HURT OR HEAL throughout your child’s lifetime. What words are damaging? Check this list!
- Comparisons – “Why aren’t you like…?”
- Dismissing their feelings – “You shouldn’t feel that way”
- Ridicule and Rejection – “You look/are stupid…”
“Leave me alone. Go away. I wish I’d never had you.”
What words Heal and build trust?
- Affirmation - "I appreciate how you’re handling …."
- Admiration – “You are doing such a good job at ….”
- Acceptance – “I respect your right to your feelings”
- Apologies – “I’m sorry, I over-reacted. I was wrong.”
- Ask for input – “What do you think? How do you feel?”
4. Healing Fractured Relationships Can Happen. Let it begin with YOU!
5. As mothers, we are responsible for reaching out to our families. Let me encourage you to keep on, even if the response is not what you hope for. God sees your heart. Try these B.E.S.T. ways to show your love:
May you have a happy Mother’s Day—whether surrounded by loving children, flowers, chocolates and gifts—or not! You are loved and valued by God, no matter what.
Poppy
- Forgive past hurts. Lift them to the Lord. Ask Him to release you from bitterness, resentment, old grudges.
- Pray for a loving heart toward your parent or child. When negative thoughts invade your mind, ask God to bless or heal the hurt in their hearts and your own.
- Smile when you’re with them. Frowning builds barriers but smiling builds a sense of safety.
- Speak softly and warmly. Let them feel and hear your acceptance and love (even if you can’t approve of all their actions or attitudes!)
5. As mothers, we are responsible for reaching out to our families. Let me encourage you to keep on, even if the response is not what you hope for. God sees your heart. Try these B.E.S.T. ways to show your love:
- BLESS with your words. Be kind, affirming and gracious.
- EDIFY your loved ones: build them up. Show an interest in their lives. Ask what they are doing, how God is blessing them, what God is doing in their lives.
- SHARE your feelings with others in an open, calm, honest, and relaxed manner. Give others permission to do the same.
- TOUCH others (in an appropriate manner) when you talk to them to show them that you care.
May you have a happy Mother’s Day—whether surrounded by loving children, flowers, chocolates and gifts—or not! You are loved and valued by God, no matter what.
Poppy