Be Careful Momma Mouth What You Say

How many of you remember the lyrics of the children's song, "O Be Careful"? It is a sweet song that many of us have learned over the years. Whether in Sunday school or at home, this song is a classic amongst many Christian families. While this song is meant for young children, it is a song that can teach us many things as adults as well. When I learned this song as a child at church one Sunday with my Great-Grandmother, little did I know that God would use it to convict me of my sin some 20 years later - as an adult.

This song teaches many different lessons about the importance of being careful with our eyes, hands, ears, and feet. However, it was particularly the last verse of this song that God used to begin to show me the importance of getting my anger under control, specifically related to the words that I spoke to my children.

The last verse of the song says...

O be careful little mouth what you say

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little mouth what you say

Are you being careful momma mouth what you say? Or are you allowing your anger to get the best of you when frustration sets in toward your children? I, for one, have been guilty more times than I care to admit with speaking unkind words out of this momma mouth. But thankfully for you and I, there is forgiveness and mercy at the feet of Jesus. I want to share with you a couple of ways that God has taken me from defeat to victory in this area of my life. Perfect? No. Better? Yes. I am confident that if you stop to do these simple things and not give up, you too, sweet momma mouth, will find victory in Christ Jesus!

Simple Ways to Keep Your Momma Mouth in Check

Be Honest About It This is simple enough right? Yes, it really is. When you mess up with your momma mouth, be honest and forth coming about it. Be honest with your children that you said something that is not pleasing to God. Be honest with your spouse that you need help in this area. Be honest with your God and confess your sin because He is faithful and just to forgive (1 John 1:9 KJV). Depending on the severity of your anger, it is also wise to seek accountability from a Pastor or biblical counselor.

Create A Confession List This simple step alone has changed my life. When God first gave my husband and I the vision for our Learning to Speak Life™ ministry - it was birthed out of a confession list my husband and I were creating for our marriage. We prayerfully searched through the scriptures to find verses that pertained specifically to building a Christ-centered marriage. I took this very same principle and applied it to my mouth. And it has been life changing. We have created many free printable scripture confession lists over at Learning to Speak Life™ to help get you started on your scripture confession journey.

Pray And Read Your Bible This goes without saying. By having constant conversation with God through prayer and putting your eyes upon His word, you will begin to realize that we are not to condemn ourselves for our sin and through His power we can be changed. Never doubt God's ability to work through your life. All you have to do is be willing to say YES to His will. He will show you what you need to do in your own personal situation to enable you to begin to speak His life-giving words in place of angry words that hurt your children.

Don't Give Up I'd venture to say that this is one of the most important parts of our journey to overcome speaking harsh words out of anger. But God's word is true. If we will apply the principles we learn, He promises us that He is faithful to perform His word (1 Thessalonians 5:24 KJV).

Hang in there sweet momma, you can overcome this area of your life. If you will faithfully begin to apply the steps above and not give up, you will establish a strong habit in your life that will transform a generation, believe me, I know. Rest assured that you can do this with God's help! I'll be praying for you every step of the way!

Here are a few other great encouraging articles to help encourage you in your journey to overcome anger as a mom: Be Careful Momma Hands What You Do When Forgiveness is Difficult 5 Signs You Need a Mommy "Time-Out"

Carlie Kercheval Learning to Speak Life™ & Today's Frugal Mom™

P.S. This post is part of From Grouchy to Great: Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood. It's a daily devotional with discussion questions to encourage you as a mom. Grab a journal and study through it by yourself, or gather some girlfriends and study together!