Welcome to the FIRST-EVER UpLIFTing Gourmet.
Today, I’m serving up a book review of an incredible book ~ HOPE FOR THE WEARY MOM by Stacey Thacker and Brooke McGlothlin.
The release of HOPE FOR THE WEARY MOM proved timely for me. Over the past four to six months, I have experienced and exhaustion and weariness I never knew existed. Physical weariness drained my body, while emotional weariness drained my spirit. As a result, I’ve found myself in a conflicted land.
Prior to becoming a mother, I was told I would probably never become a mother. With Hannah as my inspiration, I cried out in desperation, begging for a child. Day after day, week after week, month after month I boldly approached the throne tearfully pleading, imploring for a miracle. Thankfully, as with she, HIS divine plan trumped my reality.
Although the first few years as a parent were trying at times, nothing compares to the last few months. I’ve struggled to pinpoint what spearheaded the change, but something certainly did.
Inwardly, I’ve been wrestling. My hopelessness brought on by my weariness has caused me to question my ability to parent, cast doubt on my skills and choices and triggered an unfortunate desire to compare myself to other moms.
Then, on top of parenting, there’s everything else. The house, being a pastor’s wife, writing, my blog, maintaining friendships, serving as the PTF President, leading a bible study, serving as an accountability captain for two online groups, caring for an aging parent, third grade room mom helper/box top mom, etc..
Although commitments abound, there was still something else. I struggled to put my finger on it. Then, while reading HOPE FOR THE WEARY MOM, it dawned on me. I’m at war with the enemy, the one who desires to steal, kill and destroy my son, my family, my home, me. No wonder I’m weary.
What encouragement I drew from the transparent, authentic and honest writings of Stacey Lincoln (The MOD Squad, 29 Lincoln Avenue) and Brooke McGlothlin (The MOB Society, Brooke McGlothlin). This worn and exhausted mom’s weariness lessened after drinking in real statements such as:
“I’m weary. Battle scarred. Beaten down from the fight for my sons’ hearts.”
“I’ve screamed, berated, shamed, cried, disciplined, prayed, threatened…all in the name of change.”
“The dishes in the sink could have their own zip code.”
“It’s OK to be weak. It’s OK to not know what to do or how to do it. It’s OK that you don’t have the answers…”
The last statement is a condensed, paraphrased version of 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 which came out of the chapter entitled “Beer and Cigarettes?”.
Beer and Cigarettes. Yep, you heard her, beer and cigarettes.
The cry for “beer and cigarettes” can actually be interpreted “I can’t do this by myself.” I’ve been there, haven’t you?
As I read this particular chapter, my mind traveled back nearly eight years. Alex was about a month old and fought sleeping through the night like a cat fights to get out of water. My husband was out-of-town ministering and I was home alone with Alex for the first time.
Around 2 am, I’d had enough. The crying turned to screaming hours before and it wasn’t letting up. He was inconsolable. Out of sheer desperation, I called my husband’s phone. Fortunately, he didn’t answer. Unfortunately, I left a frantic message blaming him for the state in which I found myself. I panicked and reacted ~ unfairly.
He lovingly called back, speaking calming words into my spirit. He prayed over me and for Alex. He reassured me I wasn’t the first mother to ever experience a moment like this. He didn’t belittle me, just brought perspective. His comforting words and heart-felt prayer quieted my soul and settled me.
The verse, the full script referenced by Stacey and Brooke, comforted me then and comforts me still…
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)
They go on to share a profound word which my heart has captured and tucked away:
“Boast in the fact that You’re not good enough, not strong enough, not smart enough, NOT ENOUGH to be a good mom. And watch what God does.”
Wow, blessed by sisters who’ve been there.
As readers, we are reminded the temporary pleasures and retreats, such as spa days, cannot give the hope, strength and power we need as moms. Yes, days away are fun, especially with girlfriends, but they do not fill us or re-charge us as he can.
What about the days when we just want to give up. The days we feel hopeless, much like Peter. Stacey and Brooke point us to one whose hopelessness was met by the Hope Giver. Peter’s act of obedience in the midst of his hopelessness, produced much fish, much fruit, much faith. The hope that it just might happen for us urges us forward.
HOPE FOR THE WEARY MOM is just that ~ HOPE for the weary mom, all the weary moms. I’ve had the opportunity to share snippets of what this read offers, but there is SO MUCH MORE! Please, from one weary mom to another, do not miss this read.
To buy, please click on the HOPE FOR THE WEARY MOM image above.
To WIN a copy, graciously given by Stacey and Brooke, comment below and “LIKE” Hope for the Weary Mom on Facebook. In you comment, please let us know you “liked” their facebook page. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. This amazing giveaway will run through next Friday, February 3 , 2012, ending at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be announced Saturday, February 4, 2012.
Thank you, Stacey…
Thank you, Brooke…
This weary mom is forever changed!
