After a good cry to my mother (hahaha...no seriously, I did) I am realizing it's okay not to be Super Mom...and really nobody is...She reminded me of a book we both read recently called, "When People are Big and God is Small." The author, Dr. Welch, explains how putting people ahead of God (making them "bigger") leads to anxiety and neediness. Instead of caring what others think of us, thus giving them power to control us, we must trust Him; we must submit to God's authority and obey Him.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
You'll remember my past struggles with Super Mom...where I profiled her character...It was for a laugh but the truth is...she is who I fear. I fear these supposed Super Mom's that really don't exist anyway. It's dumb. I want to be completely dependant on Christ...and the only Opinion that really and truly matters.
"If you have ever walked about giant redwoods, you will never be overwhelmed by the size of a dogwood tree. Or if you have been through a hurricane, a spring rain is nothing to fear. If you have been in the presence of the almighty God, everything that once controlled you suddenly has less power." (119)
The answer? Know God, and grow in the fear of Him. As we see God for who He really is, we will see ourselves (and other people) for who we all are: "someone completely dependent on Him." "Self-serving needs are not meant to be satisfied; they are meant to be put to death...We love not because people have psychological deficits; we love because God first loved us. The image of God in us is not about psychological need..." (163)
Welch compassionately reveals the depths and subtleties of our sin, but he doesn't leave us hanging. He provides us with a beautiful picture of the only Answer we need: Know your God. Always be growing in your knowledge of Him. He is a redwood not among dogwoods, but among blades of grass, and when once you understand that in Christ, His gaze is not one of wrath or condemnation, but of love and grace, you will realize that "this is the gaze that transforms. It will expel the fear of man and be a blessing for all God's people.' (239)
8 comments:
Wonderful words. Supermom is a myth, you are right. As a mom of 4 older daughters I can tell you that if you love your children...you are a supermom. There will be good times and lean times with your children but if you love them and you love God then all will be well.
Whoa... I am putting that book on hold at the library right now. Thanks, MomE, I know the feeling.
If you have ever walked about giant redwoods, you will never be overwhelmed by the size of a dogwood tree. Or if you have been through a hurricane, a spring rain is nothing to fear. If you have been in the presence of the almighty God, everything that once controlled you suddenly has less power.
My husband loves the redwoods in California... and he would live there if we could. It's so true that when we keep our eyes on Jesus, even the redwoods are like blades of grass. A good word, MomE!
Hugs, e-Mom (Definitely not a Super-Mom)
Nice. =) Similarly, my friend and I were talking about "normal" families and how, really, no one has what we picture is a "normal" family. Therefore, our abnormal families are actually...the norm. Lol!
I love you. Mom
Daddy just said that even though you aren't a SuperMom you are a SuperDaughter. I definitely agree. What great pics of Emma. Not a baby anymore. (Sniff!) Love, Mom
I love your thought! I too have recently realized that somewhere along the way I stopped caring about what others thought and only desire to love and serve my Father! That is a biggy because I have always been a people pleaser. I also needed to be super mom to so I completely understand where you've been. Sweet pictures of your kiddo's too!
Interesting that you would bring up this book now...I read parts of it a few years ago, then Don shared our copy with someone so when I recently wanted to read it again, it wasn't here. He reordered and they just came this week. I can tell that I need to read it through again, more carefully this time!
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