Dear {Critical of Yourself} Mom: Your Children Love You

Dear {Critical of Yourself} Mom,

I know what it's like to mess up as a mother. I mean really lose it big time. I know how it feels to make your child feel bad -- so bad that it makes them cry. I know what it's like to look into your child's eyes and see the pain you've just caused them. Pain from harsh words, pain from giving them the cold shoulder, pain from ____________ (fill in the blank). I really, really do.

I have sat up countless nights replaying the horrible mistakes that I've made as a mother -- and cried myself to sleep. I have beat myself up over and over again for mistakes that I have made with each one of my children, thanking God for forgiveness.

And even though I rise again each day full of God's tender and renewed mercy, the truth is, I will fail again.

And again.

And again.

But even though I fall short, God's grace is sufficient. Sufficient, in the times I mess up. Sufficient no matter what I do or don't do. I rest in the truth that God's grace is sufficient.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

It is in His grace I am able to repent and renew my mind in His word. It is in His grace I am able to look myself in the mirror and not condemn myself for my mistakes as a mother. It is in His grace I am able to love on my children every day, and steward their ever precious hearts.

It is in His sufficiency that I find the ability to not be so critical of myself. To not be so critical of those around me. To not be so critical nor impatient of the work that Jesus promises to complete in my life. The work of His salvation.

And as I continue to rest in His sufficiency, I have also come to realize this ONE thing: my children love me. And your children love you too.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just
and right. 2 Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother—this
is the first commandment with a promise— 3 That all may be well with you
and that you may live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (AMP)

They love us because the Father put a unique spiritual and physical connection in the heart of a child and mother. He put a divine order in place between mother and child. So divine that He commanded children to obey their parents because it is right. And the blessing is satisfying the child with long life on the earth. This, dear momma, makes my heart happy, to know that my children will live long satisfying lives.

So the next time, dear sister, you are tempted to be critical of yourself, remember the truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9: My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness. And rest in that grace. And rest in that sufficiency. And rest in the hand of our perfect savior as He takes your weakness and makes you strong.

It is in this place of grace that you will find rest for your weary momma heart and the strength and confidence to say, "My child(ren) love me and Christ in me gives me the strength to carry on." It is here, dear momma, that you will be able to get rid of the critical eye and replace it with a tender heart.

I'd love for you to take a year-long journey through God's Word with me as we explore the matter's of our momma hearts. You can do so here.

I am journeying with you to this place of great balance, and am here for you every step of the way! 

Carlie K. 
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