"You're a good mom. You’re doing great."
Remember: “Help me” is a whole prayer, too
Welcome to the Mothering Spirit newsletter! Each Saturday morning, you’ll receive a round-up of the week’s posts—perfect for your weekend reading.
This week on Mothering Spirit
When have you found support for hard days of motherhood from unexpected corners? Sarah Rose tells a story of when she felt God’s encouragement through a surprising voice (that many of us know and love):
“And then I heard those words from a pink cartoon poodle, ‘You’re doing great.’
I know it might be a stretch, but I can’t help but imagine them coming directly from God, watching as I changed the third blowout of the day. Giving me the hug I needed while my husband worked a 12-hour shift and time moved as slow as molasses. They were words of encouragement from the Divine:
I see you. You’re not alone.”
Read the whole essay: You’re Doing Great (And Other Truths From God & Bluey)
We asked on Instagram what you’d love prayers for, and two answers were immediate: toddler tantrums and teenage drama. Turns out we can pray for both with the same words! Tuck these away for when you need?
God of goodness,
I am at my wit's end.
I want to scream just as much as my child.
This stage is wonderful and frustrating all at once—
New independence, huge growth,
But conflicts and challenges all the time.
I'm exhausted from what it takes to parent right now.
I just want a break—or an end to the drama…
More here: 3 Prayers for Temper Tantrums.
Looking for Scripture to pray as a parent in this season? We’ve got three passages here for your weekend reflection.
On teaching children: “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 11:19)
On including children: “Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly…gather the children, even infants at the breast.” (Joel 2:16)
On welcoming children: “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:17)
From Lenten Scripture for Parents.
Join us tomorrow
Our first Mothering Spirit Gathering will be held on Sunday evening, and we’d love to see you there!
When we met in January with our writers and patrons, we heard loud and clear that they want to connect with other moms around meaningful conversations on faith. So we’re excited to help bring that dream to life in 2023.
Join us on Sunday, March 5th, from 7:15-8:30 pm CT on Zoom, for a virtual gathering of our writers and patrons. (You can become a patron for only $2 to check it out.)
This month's topic will be COMMUNITY:
Where have we found it in motherhood? How could we help build it?
Has the church offered community for us as parents? If not, what do we dream our local church could offer?
How could Mothering Spirit to help foster community—online and in person?
We'd love to have you become a patron and join us on Sunday night to unwind and connect: a perfect Sabbath way to start the week. Details here!
A final word for reflection
“During the months of waiting for Charlotte’s words, I turned to God. I offered my pleas and cries, I shared my anger and worry. Releasing the fears and giving them to God allowed me to feel hope. Slowly, God invited me to offer myself compassion.
When I started down the road of compassion, I began listening for God’s voice. You are enough, you are loved, you’re doing a great job. God’s faithfulness reminded me I wasn’t alone.”
(from The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years by Kimberly Knowle-Zeller & Erin Strybis—two Mothering Spirit writers!)
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