Has there ever been a time when you were caught off-guard because someone said something to you that spoke directly to your heart, and yet, you didn’t even know how much you needed to hear their words?
I had that experience this past week.
Several other moms and I gathered to listen to a seasoned mother speak about her experiences as she raised her (now grown) children. She shared that although motherhood is beautiful and rewarding, it is still SO hard. There are moments when we feel helpless, hopeless, overwhelmed, uncertain, lonely, and inadequate, amongst other things. We believe that no one could ever understand what we’re going through, so we carry on hiding our feelings and trying our best to keep it all together.
As she continued talking, I felt as though she was looking through a window directly into my weary soul. I could hardly believe that, thirty years ago, this seasoned mom struggled with some of the same “heart issues” that I’m facing today. Then she said two simple words that released all of the feelings I had been suppressing, “Me, too.” And as the burden on my heart lifted, the tears that had been welling up in my eyes began to overflow, cascading down my cheeks.
I cannot tell you how desperate I was to hear someone say those two words, to know that I wasn’t alone.
When I slowly lifted my gaze and glanced around the room, I was met with looks from other teary-eyed women who, like me, also needed to know that they aren’t alone.
And so, I’m sharing the same words with you today…
- Does motherhood make you feel lonely sometimes? Me, too.
- Do you ever feel like you’re not a good enough mom/wife? Me, too.
- Have you ever felt like you had to hide something because you were worried about what others would think of you? Me, too.
- Have you ever been in a situation where you felt hopeless, like there was no way out? Me, too.
- Have there been times when you wish that your life looked different? Me, too.
- Do you regret some of the choices you’ve made? Me, too.
- Have you ever felt like no one could ever understand how you feel? Me, too.
Whatever you’re facing today, please be reassured that you are NOT alone; everybody struggles, but not everybody shares. Nobody has it all together. There is no such thing as a “perfect” mom or wife. All we can do is give our best, each and every day, no matter what that looks like.
We can also find hope in knowing that others before us have overcome some of the same challenges we’re facing today.
How did that seasoned mom get through it all? She was intentional about developing relationships with other moms and she found a close community of women to “do life” with. They were honest about their struggles, they encouraged each other and lifted one another up in prayer. And, most of all, she leaned on her faith in God.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Do you believe we can make it though, together? Me, too.
Blessings,
Elise
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The post, Two Words, first appeared on the blog, Boys and Blessings.