Finding Strength in Motherhood Through Faith in Jesus

Thank you, Jesus, for being the center and head of my life. I'm so grateful for the things you've taught me and continue to walk me through motherhood. Because of you, I can speak life into my babies instead of showing them the survival mode little girl in me. As I continue on this journey with you, Jesus, keep me steadfast in the renewing of my mind and the posture of my heart. Only you have shown me how to love my babies through their pain and balance mine. Thank you, Jesus, for showing up every day because that's how I will continue to show up for my babies with and through you.

-Love you

My approach to loving my children wasn't always like this, as it was initially shaped by my trauma and a desire to avoid repeating the same generational dysfunction. Although I didn't abandon them, I wasn't making the right maternal decisions because I was preoccupied with making choices as the wounded little girl trying to survive.

My kids were fed, clothed, and had what they needed, but they lacked their mom's presence. By that, I mean I was physically there as a woman, yet inside, I was still yearning for someone to love the little girl within me. I realize this might sound a bit selfish, but it's my truth.

Although I believed I was doing everything right, I still sensed something was missing because my heart wasn't at ease. My children and I have faced many challenges together, and as a result, I wanted to protect them from harm, which led me to shield them from fully experiencing life. I'm not proud of this, but I couldn't bear the thought of anyone doing to my children what was done to me.

There is always light at the end of a tunnel, and as I emerged from it as a shattered little girl, the woman within me discovered that the light was "Jesus"!

Jesus not only transformed my approach to parenting, but also helped me understand that when the scripture (Proverbs 22:6 KJV) states "train a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," it wasn't solely referring to my children—it was about me as well.

He has been and continues to train me, which is helping me to manage my life better, enhancing my role as a mother. This is because I'm also a child of our heavenly father. I love witnessing the ongoing growth in both myself and my children.

Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV)

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

What my growth consist of in Jesus:

1. Embracing responsibility with the help of Jesus

2. Practicing patience through Jesus

3. Engaging in difficult discussions with my children and taking effective actions through Jesus

4. Spending quality time with them intentionally guided by Jesus

5. Introducing them to the role of Jesus in their lives

6. Demonstrating vulnerability and transparency through my journey with Jesus

7. Offering grace and love instead of anger and isolation with Jesus

The beauty in all of this is that I have the opportunity to witness my children's growth in Christ due to my obedience and readiness to heal.