“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” Jude 1:20-21
Hey Mama,
Can I tell you a secret?
I don’t care about being the “perfect” mom anymore.
Whew! That was hard! Especially around this time of year!
There was a time when I was in the throes of my children’s really young years that I put so much pressure on myself to be this idealized mom of perfection. From our clothing to the food dish- I thought it all had to be picture perfect in order to be accepted. I spent a lot of time worrying about our looks and the materialistic things we could acquire. At family gatherings, I was never “truly” present; my mind was worried about things instead of caring for the people and relationships around me. Thank God, my priorities were shifted!
When I “officially” accepted Jesus into my life in 2020 and let Him start working in me, one of the first things He told me to let go of was society’s view of perfectionism and to lean into my own identity as His “perfect” mom. Because, you see, in the eyes of our Savior, we are perfect! And let me tell you, He was SO RIGHT!
Once I attended my first gathering without being so wound up trying to be someone I wasn’t, I found that I was able to enjoy the moments, both big and small. Now when we show up somewhere, my husband and I can walk through the door hand-in-hand because we didn’t argue on the way over as a result of my overbearing, stressful attitude- my flesh, striving for an outward appearance of perfection!
So here are some tips I have found that have helped me, according to God’s Word working in my own life and I hope they can help you too!
- Remember to pray before the gathering and be thankful for the opportunity to get together with the ones you love! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Store God’s words in your heart, to be used in times of need! Proverbs 7:1-3
- Use your life as a platform for Jesus! Always! Ephesians 6:15
- Give yourself grace, the way God gives you grace everyday! 2 Corinthians 9:8
- Do not let the enemy flood you with intrusive thoughts! Stay in God’s Truth! John 8:32
It’s also important for me to mention, that we each hear from God in our own unique way, and although our struggles may seem familiar, we each have different trials and tribulations we are trying to overcome in our own lives. But, these verses I have shared with you can be applied to each of our lives for God’s good!
Mama, the Lord wants you to know how much you are truly loved just the way you truly are! You are such a wonderful mother and He wants you to know that your purpose is NOT in perfection, but in His Will for you on this earth. God calls for you to be the treasured wife of your husband (Proverbs 31:10), to raise your children to love and know Him (Proverbs 22:6), to be the hands and feet of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)- and so much more! I am honored to stand beside you in this crazy thing called motherhood. Let’s try this Holiday season together, to be more aware of God’s blessings and His will for our lives and the lives of those around us!
All my Mama love,
Kelsey Stewart and the Help Club for Moms Team
I am so thankful that I get to share life on this earth with my loving husband, Matt, and our three bright, spirited children. I was raised on a dairy farm, experienced school in the “big city” (O-H!) and have since settled down in my hometown, where I am active in my small-town church.
I know firsthand that the Lord is good, ready to forgive, and full of unfailing love for all who ask for His help!
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