Encouraging Words

Oh, how grateful I am for the women in my Bible study. Their words, prayers and advice are so encouraging to me. This spring, I'm in a weekly Bible study at our church called, The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. Praying with these women that I haven't met before and hearing their stories about rearing their children reminds me that I'm not alone, and I'm doing a good thing, staying home and raising my son.

Occaisionally, we receive handouts that are quotes, stories, reminders, or just fun things to read and laugh about. This week, one in particular spoke to my heart. Whenever I have doubts in my mind or if I'm questioning the idea of a career over personally raising my children, I want to remember God's design for mothers and His intent for the role in which He has placed me.

Continue On

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life.

She feared she was easting her potential being a devoted wife

and mother: She wondered if the time and energy she invested in

her husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did

seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.

"Is it worth it?" she often wondered.

"Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard

the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart.

"You are a wife and mother because that

is what I have called you to be.

Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice.

Most of what you give is done without remuneration.

But I am your reward.

Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without

your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think

and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him

through your service and honor him through your love.

Your children are precious to Me.

Even more precious than they are to you.

I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me.

What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight.

But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on.

Remember you are my servant. Do all to please Me."

-by Roy Lessin

In a world where nothing is good enough, fast enough, expensive enough, easy enough, I want to drown out all that is unedifying and degrading to the example of a marriage, a family, and parenthood. I won't settle for leaving my children behind to fend for themselves and to be raised by the media and the evils in this world. I will stand by my husband and support him, encourage him, and help him by nurturing my family and taking care of the little ones that our heavenly Father has entrusted to us.

He never said it would be easy, but I know where I can find my strength.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

- Philippians 4:13