I’ve recently spoken at and will speak at two conferences specifically ministering to moms. The first conference was the Arise Conference with the Not aLone Mom ministry team and second is the “Got Balance?” retreat next Saturday in my hometown. Part of the content includes how moms put our identities in expectations, roles, and ideals we have of womanhood. Those of you following this blog for a while have followed my journey of wrestling with these topics. As I reflect on the messages I’m sharing with moms, here are four things I’ve learned through the journey.

1. Clarity of who you are in Christ. A friend of mine once told me I worry too much about what people think of me. Do you struggle with that? I’m constantly learning to find balance between pleasing God and others. As you learn more about who you are in Christ, the opinions of others minimize in comparison to the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ. 

2. Praising God balances your perspective. One small verse in Philippians impacts me, “I thank God for you every time I remember you,” because it causes me to thank God for people and situations that come across my mind. Praising God moves our focus from self and what’s temporal and draws us to look at Him and the eternal. This perspective brings a different outlook on any situation.

3. Seeking God brings clarity in confusion. When you spend any time absorbing the messages of the world, social media and what’s trending, confusion and distractions quickly sneak in. Seeking the Lord in every situations brings balance to your soul when you otherwise feel out of control.  

4. When you surrender completely, the Holy Spirit is able to work.  If you are a regular reader of the blog or follow the ministry page on Facebook, you know my daughter is doing missionary work in Guatemala before graduating from college. Where God has brought her, me, and our relationship is a miracle, nothing short.  As I recall the years of turmoil and pain our family experienced, the realization of what He has done allows me to encourage other women facing difficult things in their lives, and the lives of their families.

Where have you seen God work in your life? What are you learning in your journey? I’d love it if you’d share with us about God’s lessons in your life.  And as you remember the upcoming retreat in your prayers, pray that moms will be significantly impacted and blessed by the power and grace of His word.  We are approaching a sold-out crowd. Thank you so much!