Leadership Blog: September 2014

Each month we have a volunteer on our leadership committee submit a blog post.  Our goal is to model transparency in the real struggles and victories we too face in motherhood and in our personal lives. 

Submitted by Melissa Sell, Craft Co-Coordinator

The title of the book caught my attention immediately, Am I Messing Up my Kids? . . . And Other Questions Every Mom Asks.  It had been one of those days (maybe weeks), and I was doubting my effectiveness as a mom.  Proverbs 31 Ministries was using the book in their next online Bible study group, and I signed up immediately.

One of the first devotionals that I received as part of the study included the following paragraph:  “Have I messed y’all up? In the way I’ve tried to raise you? In my day-to-day routines and my forever changing attitude? With the way I’ve spoken to you? What you’ve witnessed of me? Have I given you enough time? Enough love? Have I cooked decent meals? Cleaned your clothes okay? Been there for you the way you needed? Did I help you with your homework enough? Cheer loudly enough (or maybe too loud) at your events? Was there more I needed to do and less I needed to say? Were you okay when I had to go to work full-time? Did you realize that when you were hurt, I wanted so badly to take the hurt away? Did I teach you about Jesus well? Do you see Jesus in me? Do you have any idea how much I love being your mom, how proud I am of you, and that I pray for you every day?  Do you know that will never change?”  [Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Ministries]

Like a snapshot of my thoughts, this paragraph captures so many of the questions, fears and doubts that fill my mind as try to pour myself into my family.  What a relief to find someone else who was identifying with my uncertainties! 

To put it simply, this is one of the reasons why we do JAM!  How refreshing it is to walk this stage of life with other women who understand its rewards and challenges.  As we kick off a new year, we’re glad that you are here.  We hope that you find opportunities to connect, to find encouragement and feel supported by the women who surround you at JAM.  Though it may appear as though everyone else has it together, I know that what you see is not always as it appears.  Take the time to be real, to share your “messing up my kids” moments.  I suspect you’ll be surprised to see that you’re not alone.