4.06.2013

You are valiant, beautiful one.

Dear mamas (and women in general),
Can we agree to stop beating ourselves up? You are a wonder -- a God-made, image-bearing, holy wonder. The way you sacrifice so others can live? Breathtaking. The way you bear the cross of Jesus with such strength? Incredible.

I know you hear it, too; the accusing voice that comes straight from hell:

You said that all wrong -- they're going to hate you.
You look awful today -- why didn't you shower last night?
This floor is disgusting -- why can't you keep this house clean?
Your kids are so whiny -- why don't you speak more grace to them?
You eat too much sugar -- you're going to get cancer someday.
You should really have your career figured out by now.
You should really have this parenting thing down by now.
You should really be a better wife by now.

And each accusation is like a lash to your beautiful soul. Each lie beats down your joy and your dreams until you're just tired. Fight back, valiant one. This is not a battle you will lose.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Cor. 15:57 (emphasis mine)
 
The lies sometimes just tell you to give up, that your efforts are worthless, that the chaos and dirt and whining will win. And your Father tells you -- stand firm. None of this hard work is in vain.
 
It's not glamorous, because it's a battle -- a bloody, teary, sweaty battle, for evil and chaos to be cast down and for Jesus to reign. And no matter what your part in the Kingdom might be, you are needed. No job is too menial, no task too mundane, when it is done for the King who died the death you deserve. So when the enemy throws insults at you, turn to your King and receive grace. 
 
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire." Heb. 12:28-29
 

Thank you, Jesus, for winning the battle for our hearts. Thank you for the hope that you will come again and consume everything evil and ugly to make this world new and alive again. Thank you for using our smallest efforts in some way to win the Kingdom. Strengthen your daughters for the fight today, Jesus. Amen.
 
This post is part of a series for (in)couraging working new moms. I'm so grateful for the ladies who do battle alongside me and teach me so much!
 

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