A Prayer for Freedom from Mom Guilt This Mother's Day By Kristine Brown
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Fathers care. (Matthew 10:29 NIV)
On Mothers Day, my young adult son gave me the sweetest card. He wrote a message expressing how much he appreciated everything Id done for him growing up. I couldnt help but get emotional. Seeing his gratitude etched on the page in his own handwriting was a priceless gift for this momma. But right in the midst of that special moment, my mind began wandering back to mistakes Id made, regrets, and times I felt incapable as a mom.
Raising a child is by far the most difficult thing Ive ever done. Everything I did impacted this little person God put under my care. Yet often I felt like I was doing this mothering-thing all wrong. So many times throughout the years I fumbled through, questioning my decisions and second-guessing my choices. Then, the second-guessing would lead to mom guilt. I convinced myself that my mistakes would eventually have a negative effect on my child.
Mom guilt can be a destructive thing if we let it. We want to do our best to bring up our kids in a healthy, loving, and God-honoring environment. But when we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves, self-condemnation can surface, which is not Gods will for us. His Word says, Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) God wants us to bring our cares and concerns as moms to him. He also wants us to walk confidently with the Holy Spirit in the work he appointed us to do.
Matthew 10:29 reveals Jesus own words to the disciples. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Fathers care.
In the context of this verse, Jesus was giving his twelve disciples the authority to do the work he called them to do. Yet he didnt sugarcoat the intensity of what they would face. He laid it all out before them, then reminded them of their worth in the eyes of God. So dont be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31)
Like the disciples, moms are called to important work. Yes, it will be hard. Many days, we will be afraid to make the wrong decision and agonize over every little thing. But we will press on, anyway. Even when we feel like were failing, we can choose courage instead of fear. Jesus reminder about our Fathers care provides a much-needed pep talk for times when mom guilt makes us question our abilities to raise our children well.
This Mothers Day, let me encourage you to find freedom from mom guilt. Jesus awaits with love, understanding, and grace. Lets take our mistakes to Jesus and trust in the Holy Spirit to continue leading the way.
Lets pray:
Dear God, Thank you for motherhood. The journey is a hard one, but you are always faithful. This Mothers Day, help me reflect on your goodness and grace in my life. Help me let go of mom guilt and find the freedom to enjoy this beautiful work you have called me to do. Lord, most days, I feel like Im making one mistake after another. I try to pray and do the right things for my child, but I worry about messing up. As moms, we want the best for them. I also know you love my child even more than I do. You are the ultimate Protector and Guide. May your Holy Spirit direct my thoughts, actions, and decisions as a mom. Forgive me for past mistakes and help me live free from guilt and fear of making the wrong choices where my child is concerned. Your Word tells me that we are never outside of your care. Thank you for being the greatest example of a loving parent. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Image credit: Image generated using AI technology with Dall.E2024/ChatGPT
For more spiritual growth resources, check out the 5-day email study Walking with Rahab by todays devotion writer, Kristine Brown. Youll find weekly encouragement to help you become more than yourself through Gods Word at her website,kristinebrown.net. Kristine is the author of the book Cinched: Living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing Godand its companion workbook.
Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week, she gives you practical, real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day, click below!
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
VisitiBelieve.comfor more inspiring prayer content.
Read the rest here:
A Prayer for Freedom from Mom Guilt This Mother's Day - Your Daily Prayer - May 12 - Crosswalk.com
- if democracy and freedom got in the way of making money in the USA would they be eradicated? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Propaganda in 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- If America supports freedom and democracy, why have we done the following? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Another fine example of Bush supporting freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Do you think that people have the right to the freedom of thought without influence anymore? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Forrest Gump - Need a thesis relating to freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell’s statement? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- How do you spread freedom and democracy without being in contradiction with the terms? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What’s the difference between democracy and freedom? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The American Solution [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 4. Relating to Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 5. Representing Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 6. Exploring Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 7. Understanding Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 8. Acting Upon Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 9. The Paradigm Shift to Generativity [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1. Totalitarianism and Variability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 2. Freedom and Changeability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The Freedom Culture [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- New Web Special: China and 60 Years of Communist Party Rule [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cuban Regime Intensifies Opposition Crackdown with Sham Trial [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Postponing Dalai Lama Meeting Sends Wrong Message [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Sends High-Level Delegation to Egypt [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Detained Syrian Opposition Figure Must Be Immediately Released [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Activist's Upheld Conviction a Troubling Sign for Justice in Kazakhstan [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Tunisia's Electoral Process Severely Damaged by Pre-Election Rights Violations [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Lifting of EU Arms Embargo on Uzbekistan Sends Wrong Message on Human Rights [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Pakistan Assembly Urged to Reject Restrictive Amendments to Press Law [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Web Feature on Fall of Berlin Wall [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Resolutions on Defamation of Religions Do Not Belong at United Nations, Organizations Say [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Bloggers' Jailing Threatens New Media's Emergence in Azerbaijan [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Support Chinese Human Rights Activists, Freedom House Tells Obama on Eve of Visit [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- UN Should Pass Resolution Condemning Iran Human Rights Abuses [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Congress Urged to Lift Ban on U.S. Travel to Cuba [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Filipino Massacre Reflects Climate of Impunity [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Switzerland Vote Disappointing Blow to Religious Freedom [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Campaign to Defend Freedom of Expression [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Poll Shows Zimbabweans Want Elections and Democratic Constitution [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Clinton Speech Signals Greater Emphasis on Human Rights in U.S. Policy [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2009]
- The Prosperity Problem [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2010]
- Freedom in the World 2010: Global Erosion of Freedom [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2010]
- Freedom House Congratulates Memorial on Human Rights Award [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Recent Blogger Arrests a Troubling Trend in the Middle East/North Africa Region [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls Upon the Government of Uzbekistan to Release its Jailed Activists [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Citing Iran Crackdown, Freedom House Launches Net Freedom Initiative [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Google Response to Chinese Cyber-Attacks Appropriate [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2010]
- Ombudsman Statements Reflect Culture of Intimidation in Chechnya [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Bloggers Stifled Again in Egypt [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Google Applauded for Stance on China Internet Censorship [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2010]
- Latest Convictions Reflect Crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Association in Vietnam [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2010]
- Integrity of Elections in Sri Lanka Endangered, Says Freedom House [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2010]
- Freedom House Welcomes Clinton Speech on Internet Freedom [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2010]
- Group wants same military benefits for gay spouses - Washington Times [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Va. health bill could foil Obama proposal - Boston Globe [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- THE VA FIRST INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF CHANGE FOR GULF WAR VETERANS OF 1990-91 DOES ... - Veterans Today Network [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Freedom Driver System Receives Medical Device CE Mark - Today's Medical Developments [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- NxStage Announces New FREEDOM Data Showing the Positive Impact of its Daily ... - CNNMoney.com (press release) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Phil Lewis: Coach fumbles lesson on freedom of the press - Naples Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Report: Prescription drug prices vary drastically in NY - Poughkeepsie Journal [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Bill Bell: Surgeon models success on international scale - Whittier Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Justin Trottier: Time to call time on homeopathy - National Post (blog) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Voice of the Day Initiative would aid rights of patients - News-Leader.com [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Free Speech under Attack in Morocco [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Freedom House, Russian Rights Groups Announce New Partnership [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Must Live Up To Its Human Rights Commitments in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Global Human Rights Advocates Meet With President Obama on U.S. Human Rights Agenda [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Death of Political Prisoner in Cuba Exposes Systemic Prison Maltreatment and Torture [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- New Study Finds Gains for Women's Rights in the Middle East [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Continues to Use Emergency Law to Crack Down on Freedom of Speech [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Human Rights Advocates Issue Plan of Action as Human Rights Council Meets in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Sri Lankan Government Heightens Intimidation Campaign Against Voices of Dissent [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Nigerian and Indonesian Activists Challenge Repressive Measures in "Defamation of Religions" Debate [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Healing Healthcare: Restore Medical Freedom - Gather.com [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Putting the "I" back in medicine - McGill Daily [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls on Kyrgyz Government to Loosen Controls on Media [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2010]
- Talking Points - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- The Battle Over Health Care At America's Medical Schools - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- News Article Ceremony Honors Fallen Medical Servicemembers - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- Vietnam Temporarily Frees Prominent Catholic Priest - Christian Post [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]