I’m Not Like You

I’m not like you…

Recently a mommy came to ask me a few questions as she had just brought home a foster baby. Questions about a routine for the wee one, feeding the baby etc…And as the conversation progressed, she said something I hear frequently and I think it needs some clarification.

“I’m not like you…” and then enter any number of ways women disqualify themselves.

“I’m not like you, I need sleep.”
Coffee folks. It’s a mother’s best friend.

“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
(Col 1:29)

I seriously live on this divine energy. He works powerfully through us to accomplish His desire in our lives. Only YOU can disqualify yourself from receiving this by constantly SAYING how tired and incapable you are. Start saying verses to yourself such as this one and watch the body become more alert and able.

“I’m not like you, I am not confident.” (lots of women say this…how could they expect to be otherwise when they continue to let the enemy know with their words that all his ploys are working!)

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)

Who should your confidence be based on? Yourself or your God? Every woman struggles with self confidence. A few years ago I read Beth Moore’s “So Long Insecurity” and that really helped set me free. Another huge component to confidence is a husband who is encouraging and supportive, not questioning or doubting. My husband is an incredible cheerleader, and an honest sounding board when I have doubts and failings. Sometimes a spouse isn’t even aware that their responses can come across as lacking in confidence…so if this is an issue, talk about it. 

“I’m not like you, I don’t enjoy being home.”
Like I never want to run from the house screaming??? Like I have not said, “Mommy’s going to go water the flowers outside,” and then prayed none of my neighbors walked by as I shot the hose over my weeds and cried? As though there have not been days that David walked in the door from work only to get a kiss and a hug as I walked out the door and said, “They are all yours honey! See if you can have more fun than I did today!”

We all have days, even weeks, where being home is challenging. And not that every woman is meant to stay home….Some of us have a calling on our lives that includes a career…Just please don’t think that I don’t have my struggles inside these four walls at times too.

“I’m not like you, I can’t homeschool.”
I didn’t think I could either, but the Lord gave ability and wisdom every step of the way. Never doubt what He can do through someone who is willing to try. And not that homeschooling is the only way to educate your children! I enjoy teaching at home, but lots of families love their schools and their children flourish! Consider what is best for your family, but please don’t believe for a minute that you can’t homeschool. Folks, if I can do it, you can too. Just decipher if that’s God’s plan for your family.

At first this “I’m not like you,” seems an attempt to compliment. But if we consider carefully, it comes across as though God plays favorites, or worse that I possess something that is not readily available to all who ask, seek, and knock. Don’t hold back based on fear or some “I can’t” mentality! Let’s not stay within our own (very limited) abilities– but trust that in our weakness, He glorifies Himself by showing His strength through us!

Folks, there is NOTHING SPECIAL about me. But there is everything WONDERFUL about a Savior who loves us and by His grace uses us to help shape and form the future of this country. In my own strength, I can’t even begin to raise ONE kid right. But by His strength, I can raise a troop (psalm 18:28-30).

Photography courtesy of Brian Schindler