Be Brave!

July 14, 2008

“Be brave…you were made for this.” What a strong statement. If you didn’t find the boldness and encouragement in that quote then please reread it until you do before you go any further. If you need to, read it out loud with pure determination in your voice.

Before reading this statement several months ago I was a scared wife and mom. I found myself struggling to hold myself together each day, much less keep a household of four kids in some resemblance of order. I was unsure of what tomorrow held. I was unsure of my abilities as a wife and homeschooling mom. I was unsure of my marriage. I was unsure of me, who I was. I was unsure of everything. Can you relate with any of this? Being unsure will do to a person what salt will do to metal…weaken.

Then steps in this incredible statement that is packed with such POWER! “Be brave…you were made for this.” Marriage can be tough enough by itself. Then throw a few kids in the mix and your typical daily responsibilities to add to the challenges. Now, add to that the extra responsibilities moms must take on when their husbands are away for extended periods of time. Poof! You’ve got one overwhelmed, tired, exhausted, and sometimes hopeless feeling mama. I want to encourage you to be brave during this time. Be a warrior!

You’re thinking, “Nice thought, but warriors are in movies and tv shows wearing armor while swinging a heavy bladed sword. Oh, and they are full of energy, are in excellent shape physically, have no children under their feet, aren’t trying to keep the house clean while changing a diaper, switching laundry, and cooking dinner…and they never have to go to the bathroom!” Hold that thought as I give you a new vision of what a warrior looks like.

YOU! Yes, we mamas can be warriors, fierce warriors at that. Do not underestimate the power of going to our Heavenly Father asking, crying, screaming for His mighty help. He has big shoulders and can handle whatever we throw on them. He wants to be our Strength.

When you are tired of correcting your children for the hundredth time…be brave and turn to God for persistent strength to keep correcting as you know brings glory to God.

When you feel alone…be brave and look to God for comfort and company during your husband’s absence.

When you feel exhausted from managing the household by yourself…be brave and seek God for rest, renewal, and energy to keep going.

When you feel hopeless…run to God for His strong hope and sure love.

When you feel undone, overwhelmed, and without sight for tomorrow…be brave and ask God to remind you that He made you for this.

With God’s help you can keep going with a new attitude and song in your heart. You can find strength, hope, and joy in your days of unending running and tending to your family. Never, never, never forget this, Be Brave…You Were Made For This!

For those of you who are at a spot of feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, and alone I have a special treat. 33 Miles, a great Christian band, has a song out titled "Hold On". Before you view this video and listen to these words of hope grab a tissue or two, or better yet the whole box. Be brave and hold on!

“Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, “don’t be afraid! Remember the Lord who is great and glorious; fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!” Nehemiah 4:14