Confessions of an Imperfect Mama

As parents, we are builders of families, individuals and legacies. It is vital to live with an idea of what we are building, that we might be more intentional.” -Bill Johnson

Something powerful stirred in my spirit this year. It was something that both challenged me and simultaneously encouraged and empowered me. You may have even seen my blog post on the topic… The Prophetic Destiny of Our Children … about the ever-so-important role that I play in helping my son understand his beauty, his Father’s unconditional love and grace, the power and authority that he carries within him, and the calling that will one day be pressed on his heart. A truly Kingdom-focused way of parenting that will hopefully securely anchor His heart in the One True Provider of hope, peace, joy, and faith in even the most difficult or darkest of seasons.

But I want to call you to the end of that quote “… that we might be more intentional.” Even more precise, that last word. Intentional. You see, when my son celebrated his 7th birthday, that word became my motto. Intentional. And yet, as a parent, it often feels overwhelming to face the responsibility that I carry in making sure that he grows to understand everything mentioned above, his God-given identity and his beautiful place of belonging in our Father’s Kingdom. I immediately recall all of the times that I made big mistakes, lost my temper, set a poor example, or totally dropped the ball, and it’s easy to think I’m failing big. But then I hear my loving Father gently remind me of the same lessons that I am teaching my son… love, grace, hope, and faith… and I stand up and dust off and begin the work again.

You see, I know that my hope is not well-placed when it is planted in my efforts or my ideas of perfection, but rather when it is deeply rooted in the incredible God that we serve. He alone can take what I pour in and bring forth fruit from it. My faith is in my Father and I can find peace and rest when I lay my son’s heart in His good and faithful hands.

So, as I begin another day as an imperfect mom, I’m encouraged by God’s unwavering promises that He will be with me, He will lead me, He will pour in patience and grace, and when I fall flat on my face, He will hold me, wipe my tears, and remind me who I am again (and again, and again).

And when I take an intentional pause regularly in my parenting journey to seek His wisdom and guidance, my beautiful, bold, strong, and spirited son will be given the priceless opportunity to build from my healing. My ceiling, the place to which I rise, will become the foundation from which he will begin to build his own beautiful life. And what a ride it will be!

So, if you are a fellow mama, parent, or guardian out there feeling discouraged or lost, take heart… God is in this and He is good. He will be with you. He will be with the little hearts that you so diligently pray over every day. And He will be faithful in His promises. You are doing a beautiful job. You were crafted and created for this moment and you are a perfect fit. Lift your head, lift your heart, dust off, and begin the work again. You are beautiful!