Faithchick: The Mother Load

The Mother Load

Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. (Isaiah 8:18, NIV)

I so admire mothers who by nature are tender and loving, whispering and blowing kisses... Though I do those things, I have to think about them. My natural style is more of a drill sergeant with school supplies and a good stock of peanut butter and jelly. With five boys, it just sort of turned out that way, I guess, but it's also sort of me.

In my latest release, Happily Even After, the main character Tracey Blackman goes through the upheaval that is new motherhood, comparing herself (and being compared to) all the other women in The Cry Room. She doesn't even like the name of the place, much less want to be in there. But then she starts to get to know people and learns than no one is as perfect as they seem. Though we're all different, we must measure our mothering (and our lives) against only one standard--Christ Himself.

So if you've been reading books about what kind of wife and mother you should be and feeling frustrated because you don't measure up, don't despair. God knows you and your children. Go to him and say, "Here I am, LORD with the family You gave me. What do You want me to do?"

His answer will probably surprise you (especially if it's to keep on doing exactly what you're already doing). I'm helping with the mom's ministry at my church now and today I have a love visit to make to a new mom. I'll try and remember her to show her my scars as well as my trophies. It makes all the difference.

Father God,

Here we are with the families You've given us. Help us to be signs and symbols in this earth that You, the Lord God Almighty dwell on Mt. Zion, that You dwell in us. Fill us with You so that we can be the mothers, wives and friends You've called us to be.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. When not scrambling to park her van straight AND catch a good sale, she writes novels about faith, friendship and forgiveness. Every now and again, she shares a song and thoughts about faith and life on her blog, Rhythms of Grace.