What's a mother to do?

Recently I read an article about a young mom in Oklahoma.  She had just lost her husband to cancer.  She was now a widow caring for a newborn.  

One day two robbers looking for drugs attempted to break into the woman’s home.  She smartly reacted and moved a heavy couch in front of the door, called 911, comforted her baby with a bottle and took up arms.  She had already lost her husband; she was not going to lose her baby without a fight.

The intruders were able to break through the blocked door and one was mortally wounded.  The other man escaped, but was caught by officials.

I’m not one who possesses a firearm, unless you count my son’s Nerf guns.  But through this woman’s actions, I believe we can learn some important points about our vital roles as moms.

Praying for our children

There is power in our prayers.  God loves to hear His children speak to Him!  When we go before Him and ask His protection upon our children, the power of heaven moves.  Prayer enables us to lessen our care burdens and trust in the one who knows us and our children best.
 
Protecting our children

There are a huge amount of things to capture our children’s hearts and minds.  Our job as parents is to carefully consider which of these are beneficial and which are not.  Since our children are unique, so are their specific needs.  We cannot compare them to others.  Protecting our children’s physical and emotional well being takes time and intentionality.  But the effort we put in now will reap huge rewards.

Providing for our children

There have been many times when I’ve gotten caught up in ‘everybody has it’ conversation with my kids.  “But mom, everyone has unlimited texting!”  “Mom, everyone is going to this party!”  “Mom, everyone has shoes like this!”  Contrary to many kids’ persistence, a data plan for a smart phone is NOT a need. Sound familiar?  Mommy guilt is not a good guide for how to properly provide for our children.  What kids truly need is love, time with us, structure, stability, consistency and grace.  Daily evaluating the needs versus wants will help us to provide best for our kids.

So today, be encouraged in your super mom role!  Each day pray, protect and provide for your children.  You play an integral part in the growth of your kids and what you do is simply amazing!


Andrea Sharp is the Founder of Apple of His Eye Ministries, and regularly speaks at women’s conferences and church retreats. Andrea has connected with hundreds of women, sharing her passion for the Lord while inspiring women to live peaceful, abundant lives. Contact her at andrea@appleofhiseyeministries.com.