Oh Mamas, Lean in, Hold On, Press Forward

Precious mamas, have you ever had one of those days for the books?

You know, when your youngest decides to scrap your 16 1/2 half years of veteran mom-ness and make it look as though you're just starting out?  No, really, this is NOT my first rodeo, I promise!  Ezra has decided to explore his independence recently, and he's become a runner.  Thank GOD for the linebacker-sized produce guy in Wegmans who finally clotheslined my kid, while everyone else ignored my shouts of "GRAB HIM" as I ran after him.  There have been other incidences that have had me relieved to be in bed at night, and Ezra hasn't been the only culprit.

My heart has been heavy recently, and there is so much on my mind, so much just really weighing my shoulders down.  My strength has just been sapped.

I heard a verse on the radio the other day, and the way the DJ explained it, my shoulders just immediately lifted--well, sagged from the lifted weight--and my heart felt a little lighter.  It was actually a physical feeling, as I whispered, "Yesssss" to myself in the car.  It was such a huge relief to me.

Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  Sisters, there are so many  things which are upsetting right now in our world and nation.  There are days when motherhood just gets the best of us. There are times when it seems life is just too much.   These earthly things--they are just mind boggling and strength sapping and shoulder-wearying and heart-heavying.

Set our minds on things ABOVE.  Indeed.

Yes, Abba does indeed care so much for us, and does not want us weighed down by these things.  He cares so much for us, He is already taking care of these matters.  How wonderful is it that we can trust Him so?  How amazing is it that He just loves us that much?  I can scarcely comprehend it!  On our most difficult of days, He has already traveled it ahead of us.

Lean in.  Lean in to Jesus on these hard days.  He cares so much for you.  He cares so much for the things you care about!  He loves you so much.  Allow Him to lead you.  You do not have to do this alone!

Hold on.  Hold on to the Cross.  Hold on to the Word.  Hold on--cling tightly--to Jesus.  These are our weapons against the enemy, these are our armor for our children.  Use them MIGHTILY.

Press forward.  Press forward strongly in motherhood as your ministry.  This is perhaps the most important ministry we will ever face.  Press forward for our world and our nation.  Press forward, and do not back down from the enemy.

These are our days, mamas.  Lean in, hold on, and press forward.

 It is our time to rise up, and hit our knees.