Just a Mom

  This is an article I wrote for my MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, group at my church.While it is addressed to my fellow MOPS moms, the message is pertinent to anyone who allows society to dictate the meaning of success.

I’ve spent the better part of 25 years beating myself up. How on earth could I drop out of college? How could I have shattered the dreams that everyone had for me. Was I crazy for wanting to be just a mother?  “You mean you want to just stay home and be a mom?” “You will never be able to give your children what they need without a career!” Yes, the American dream crashed and burned. Once a shining star with such promise, I was suddenly a second class citizen. What was wrong with me? These statements and questions replayed in my head until they began to define me. These are the lies that held me back , that kept me from reaching into myself and discovering my God given treasures. The world and its voices paralyzed me for years.

                I’ve come to believe, through the God who made me, the Spirit who lives in me and the Savior who sought me, that I am so much more. I am successful and worthy in the only eyes that matter; the eyes of my Redeemer. My desire to be a great mom brought me here to MOPS and  my  love for the group kept me here. When the need for a leader presented itself, I searched myself for qualification.  I doubted that I was a good candidate. But the still small voice within me continued to remind me that I was already leading every day, in my household. God has provided me with skills in communication, cooperation, leading and loving so that I can raise my children to be good and faithful servants. His love has allowed me to heal from my mistakes over the years by his forgiveness of my sins. I have found a home in MOPS that I so desperately needed. I have found a family of amazing women who experience the same shortcomings and stresses, as well as the elation and excitement that is motherhood! MOPS has helped me to realize how important it is to use God’s Word to guide my way through the challenge of raising my kids. I only wish I had found a group 20 years ago, when I needed It even more!

To learn more about MOPS International and to find a group in your area, go to www.mops.org