How many children do you have? 4
How old are your children? 14, 12,10, 5
Are you a mom of girls, boys, or both? 2 boys and 2 girls
How do I continue to rise in the power and strength of the Lord in this age?
I continue to rise in the power and the strength of the Lord by remembering 2 things:
First, the fight is not physical. Ephesians 6:10 reminds me that I am in a war but not with this world. We are truly wrestling against darkness in the spiritual realm and Satan is playing for keeps.
Second, my God has supplied all I need to live victoriously. Later on in Ephesians 6, we are told that we have the sword of the Spirit, God’s word. Jesus used it to defeat Satan in the wilderness. His word has power.
And, finally, I have a voice at the throne of God through prayer!
Arrica Hess
Blogger
How has God seen you through a “dark” period in motherhood?
My husband and I moved from a comfortable life into a temporary housing situation to prepare to plant churches in Canada. Everything was changing drastically from what we were accustomed, and I had just given birth to my third child. I fell into a deep depression. I didn’t realize it was postpartum depression until later. I was struggling just to get through my days and keep my baby, and two toddlers cared for while my husband was going to school full time and working.
It felt like I was drowning. I was still going to church and a ladies bible study but I could not feel any joy or end in sight. One night, a lady at the seminary shared her personal story of battling with depression after moving to a new place. I knew God was telling me to connect with her.
We set up lunch and she sympathized with me but she also challenged me and shared some hard truths with me. She gave me some scripture cards to read every day and showed me how to use them to cry out to God for deliverance from my worries. She also challenged me to stop blaming my husband or family and to start putting them first. I am thankful for God putting other godly women in our lives who will lovingly speak truth in love to us.
Speak life to the mom who is weary and burned out.
I’m not sure where you are Momma. Maybe you are burned out and can relate to my story of feeling like I was drowning. Maybe you are just noticing the signs of being weary. Either way, the life-giving verse I want to share with you is this:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This week our theme for family Bible is “Be Courageous.” We have talked about David and Joshua and how we can be bold and brave like them. One of the things that I told the kids that applies to all of us is this: Courage and bravery are not about what we are capable of doing. David could not have defeated Goliath in his own strength nor could Joshua have made those walls fall at Jericho.
Courage is standing up to do the right thing even when its hard. But, more than that, courage is faith in a very capable and all-knowing God even when we are enabled and the outcome is eerily unknown.
What next right thing do you need to take courage in? Perhaps being honest with yourself or some one close about your situation. Maybe asking for some help like I had to do in the midst of drowning. Your courage might look like giving up the things that cause you stress and focusing on the priorities. Whatever it is, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, remember God is with you, and be strong and courageous.
What legacy do you wish to create/leave for your children?
I want my kids to look back and think, My mom wasn’t perfect but she sure did rely on the Lord. She was a woman of great faith and passed on that faith to us and others. I want my girls to see a mom worth imitating. And, I want my sons to see a woman who inspires them toward finding a wife of strong trust in the Lord.
Some of the ways I seek to create that legacy:
1. Have a consistent, daily family worship time.
2. Let them see me read my Bible.
3. Let them hear me pray for them.
4. Point them to the scriptures for every trial.
5. Show them how to have their own quiet time.
6. Share with them some struggles and how God has helped me through.
7. Show them how a godly marriage looks.
8. Be available and good at listening to them.
9. Not back down from the issues of the day but answer them with love and truth.
10. Bring them along when I share the gospel.
I am confident that “He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) Not because I am the best mom but because He who called me to the faith and to motherhood is faithful and good!
Arrica Hess – Blogger
Blog: achildshallleadthemblog.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/achildshallleadthemblog Instagram: @a_child_shall_lead_them_blog
I am all the more grateful for the women (like Arrica) who have chosen to join me on this journey of transparency and support – ESPECIALLY in addition to the life adjustments and loads we all experienced in the midst of the last year! 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 “Bold & Brave”, will be encouraged, emboldened, 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 the previous feature, catch it here! Stay tuned for more stories of triumph, valleys, and faith!
The Marked Life Blog 
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