My Motherhood Journey

My name is Tessa. I became a wife shortly before my 19th birthday and a mother when I was 19. This past year my baby (the last of 4!) turned 18. I’m not sure how that happened; that’s a whole new prayer!

Looking back on my life as a mother, a piece of advice I would give my younger self and you is to “let go, pray, and let God.” Let go of the worry, let go of the perfect, let go and ask for help (that includes your husband because he can’t read your mind), let go and pray, let go and forgive – including yourself, let go and give and receive grace, let go and let God have all your worries, struggles, and cares. Let go and leave it there!! God can manage it ALL!

1 Peter 5:7 says “…casting all your cares upon him; for He careth for you…”

A prayer is a powerful tool, Mama!

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we are told to “…pray without ceasing….” I know for myself that I would find that I would go to God in prayer and ask Him for help, then I would take it back. I was worried He wouldn’t be able to handle it; I was worried He was too busy for my struggles; I was worried my problems were too small. What? Crazy Right? Because nothing is too small for our Mighty God.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV.

It’s Okay To Struggle

Even still, some days, I struggle, and I must remind myself to “let go, pray, and let God!” To choose joy! I must make a conscious effort daily to choose and ask God to take away my worry; to ask for forgiveness and to give it; to give me joy, happiness, and peace; and to ask and receive God’s grace. And that’s okay because you can pray anytime and anyplace. God wants you to come to Him with everything. Remember, worry takes away joy. Take a deep breath, “let go, pray, and let God!”

Enjoy The Here And Now

I was once told to enjoy the here and now. Easier said than done, right? But Mama, those babies grow up. Cherish each hug, each “I Love You, Mama,” each and every little thing, each and every step of the way! Please don’t rush the time, Mama, as it goes by so fast already. They won’t always make a mess, they won’t always talk back, and they won’t always need help. I know it can be overwhelming at times, but Mama, it’s okay, and it’s okay to ask for help. I don’t know how many times I called my Mama. Give your kids, your husband, and yourself grace. Ask God to change how you are feeling in the crazy, frantic, hectic, hurting, frustrating, want-to-scream moments, to help you find joy in the journey of motherhood, and to guide you as you are teaching your children about God’s love and grace. LET GO, PRAY, and LET GOD!

Pray And Pray Some More

Pray on it, pray over it, and pray through it. Mama, we need to pray, wait, and trust. Have faith, even as tiny as a mustard seed, to allow God to work in you, through you, and for you. So when you feel overwhelmed with worry…….

LET GO, PRAY, LET GOD!!

May God bless you, Mama, even more than He already has!