The Marked Life Blog

When I think of Larissa, I remember being in 4th or 5th grade and riding the big yellow school bus before and after school together each day! Reading her work leaves me feeling both encouraged in my faith, and chuckling from her humor. I’m amazed and inspired by her heart for the Lord. Today, we talk about Larissa’s go-to scripture for encouragement as a mom, dealing with fear and worry, and filling up when she is on “E”. Larissa, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life in words.

---

How many children do you have? I have one child.

How old is your child? 9 years old.

Are you a mom of boys, girls, or both? A son, named Josiah.

---

What is 1 nugget of advice you’d give to other moms?

Don’t beat yourself up! Remember that God hand selected you to be your child’s mother. This means that there is no one more qualified than you for this job. Your children aren’t bothered or even notice your “struggles” as a mom, they just love you. To them, you are the best mommy!

What has been your go-to scripture for encouragement, support, growth, wisdom, etc.?

Mathew 6:26 – “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?“

This scripture helps reassure me in life. It reminds me to be anxious for nothing because God loves me much more than the birds of the air! I am taken care of and this makes me feel grateful. My prayer/goal in life is to live everyday as the birds do, free and secure, knowing that everything I need will be provided daily.

Since the Lord is my provider and will take care of all my needs, He is in control regarding my concerns and needs as a mother.

How do you deal with fear and worry?

I read my bible and write. The Holy Spirit reveals so much to me during my reading.

Many times, I will turn the “lessons” into blog posts. If God illuminated the scripture for me in order to encourage me during fearful and worrisome seasons in my life, then I can also use this to encourage others.

I find it helpful to go back and reread a post or journal entry regarding fear, anxiety or worry to remind myself of God’s truth.

How do you fill up when you’re depleted?

This may sound weird but, when I am completely depleted, I weep to fill myself back up! I put on worship music loudly and just lay all my cares out to the Lord as I pray and just sob! There is something just so amazing and cleansing about just letting it all pour out and giving it all to God. It refreshes my spirit.

Also, I do this out in the open, most times in my kitchen. My son will often times come in and sing and dance around me. I want him to be able to see his mother cry out to the Lord in worship. It’s important to me that he sees this and grows up knowing it’s okay to cry to God!

Follow Larissa on her website:  www.itslarissamarie.com

---

---

I am all the more grateful for the women (like Larissa) who have chosen to join me on this journey of transparency and support – ESPECIALLY in addition to the life adjustments and loads we are all experiencing in the midst of COVID-19! I can’t thank you enough.

Connection and support are vital to our growth and survival as humans and as Women. I have met many Mothers (myself included at one point) who are going through the trenches and carrying loads solo. This has often led to depression, loneliness, isolation, and such guilt and shame in “not measuring up”.

My prayer is that the women who lay eyes on “Our Life in Words”, will be encouraged, enlightened, and all the more hopeful.

For the Moms,

Hannah

---

This series is for the Moms! In honor of Mothers, this May will be chock-full of real stories of Motherhood from Moms of all ages, in all stages. Join me as I feature different Moms (on a weekly basis) who will so graciously be sharing their life in words.

If you missed yesterday’s feature, catch it here! Stay tuned for more stories of triumph, valleys, faith.