Dear Brave Mom,
As a kid I never realized how difficult it would be to be a parent. There are so many expectations for women (and moms) that are unrealistic and unfair.
It’s easy to feel the pressure of other peoples expectations (and our own) but those expectations won’t bring joy to motherhood.
Expectations
Think about expectations as iron bars. Some expectations are good. If you are expected to make good grades in school you’ll probably do better than if there are no expectations. You are expected to get your kids to school on time. In this case, expectations provide some structure and support to guide good behavior. Too many expectations, especially unrealistic ones, can feel like a prison.
Motherhood: You’ve Got This
Being a parent is really hard. This isn’t a place to agonize over how hard parenting is. On the contrary, this is a place to hear, “You’ve Got This!”
Brave Mom, don’t scoff when you read that. You are brave! We live in an uncertain world and you are handling it with all the grace and love anyone could ask for. Sure, we all have those moments, you know the ones I’m talking about when you lose it with your kids or husband. We all have those.
The Myth of the “All Together” Mom
You are human, no one really expects you to have it all together. Go ahead and rock that unwashed hair and unshaven legs. Your worth is not determined by “how together” you appear to be. You are a daughter of the King!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
Some translations say, “let us also lay aside every weight.” Those expectations that weigh you down are not making you a better mom or a better wife. They are tangling you up girl! Shake it off! Yes, I just quoted Taylor Swift.
Once you shake those expectations off, (or “lay aside” if you’re old school) you need to run! Run from those influences that make you feel like you aren’t enough, or those influences that make you think things would be better if you did more, or spent more or acted different.
You Are Enough
This role, motherhood, is what you were meant to do, who you were meant to be.
The situation you are in now is changing. Your kids are growing, your life is changing and soon it will be completely different. Don’t worry, I’m not going to say something like, “cherish every moment” or anything like that. My encouragement is more of a “you will survive this situation” then you’ll be in a new situation.
God’s grace is enough for every situation. You are enough just the way you are. You’ve got this! Cling to Jesus and love your family.
Holly Yzquierdo
Holly loves spending time with her husband and kids who range in age from 5-22.
Latest posts by Holly Yzquierdo (see all)
- Do You Want to Be Made Well? - June 14, 2017
- Lessons from a Step Mom - October 10, 2016
- Dear Brave Mom of a Newborn - October 3, 2016
