Such pretty little perfume bottles lined the shelf in our hallway closet. Our oldest daughter, a preschooler, just could not resist the shiny, glimmering containers. As I dusted I repeated, "Don't touch!" Typical of a preschooler, she continued to reach for the bottles and no amount of distractions or time outs repressed her desire to touch. It was a battle of wits, and why do mom's think they can match wits with a preschooler? We were both exhausted, she in tears, I in tears, we had met an impasse' and I had lost my temper. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart. Mommy shouldn't of yelled at you." Her little arm wrapped around my back as we sat on the edge of the bed, "It's okay, Mommy, everyone has bad days." The tears really flowed from my eyes, as the guilt and shame lifted by these understanding and wise words. Out of the mouth of babes! Even she understood that sometimes we just need to LIGHTEN UP!
This is a Biblical Principle of great proportions. This truth is one of those "set free" promises. Paul says in Romans, "There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) The translation of this word from the original language is 'damnatory sentence, condemnation'. The burden of our condemnation rests on Jesus as He took on Himself our damnatory sentence so that we could LIGHTEN UP! All of the guilt, shame and condemnation are best placed under His Righteousness. (Romans 5)
So, Mommying is Made EZ when we allow the Lord to free us from guilt, shame and condemnation. Here are a few steps to help establish some healthy patterns to over come condemnation:
Carol Danna
The Cornerstone Church
Anaheim, Ca
www.thecornerstone.net
This is a Biblical Principle of great proportions. This truth is one of those "set free" promises. Paul says in Romans, "There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) The translation of this word from the original language is 'damnatory sentence, condemnation'. The burden of our condemnation rests on Jesus as He took on Himself our damnatory sentence so that we could LIGHTEN UP! All of the guilt, shame and condemnation are best placed under His Righteousness. (Romans 5)
So, Mommying is Made EZ when we allow the Lord to free us from guilt, shame and condemnation. Here are a few steps to help establish some healthy patterns to over come condemnation:
- Know who you are in Christ (Psalm 139)
- Don't ignore warning signs that you are overloaded and being worn down by your sense of failures exposed by angry outbursts, fatique, depression, out of control behaviour, and moodiness
- Find a prayer partner and share your heart and ask for the Lord's help (Romans 8:26-27)
- LIGHTEN UP! Forgive yourself and start fresh
"Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Happy Mommying!Carol Danna
The Cornerstone Church
Anaheim, Ca
www.thecornerstone.net
Can't agree more with your suggestion of having a prayer partner to share your burdens. It has been a life-saver to me, knowing that someone else is praying for me too.
ReplyDelete