If you came over from Encouragement for Today devos, welcome! I’m so glad you are here.
In today’s devo I shared a story from when I was a young mom. I had three toddlers and two of them escaped on Big Wheels in WalMart.
Today when I tell that story, I laugh. It’s no accident that my twins grew up to be adventurers. It wasn’t the first time — or the last — that they’d strike out on their own with the wind waving in their hair and their hearts set on “go.”
But back then, it was scary.
I didn’t share this in the devo (you know, with my closest 700,000 friends), but I was hard on myself that day because I thought a good mom wouldn’t have let it happen.
Things were hard when I was a child and I wanted my children to grow up feeling safe. I set the bar high on what a good mom should do or shouldn’t do, and losing them in WalMart was on the shouldn’t-do list.
The funny thing is that my kids were having a blast. They felt safe. They were safe.
Can I tell you something? It was my fear that was having a heyday, not theirs.
Years later I’d give anything to sit across from that young mom and tell her that we all have those days. We all run into our “not enough” on a regular basis. Not enough sleep. Not enough time. Not enough wisdom. Not enough of us to go around.
We’re human.
And that’s okay.
Rather than beat ourselves up for not being all-wise, all-omniscient, all-things-to-all-people, is it possible that we we can celebrate that God lives inside of our ordinary selves and He can use our “not enough” in an incredible way when we offer it to Him?
That fact alone makes my feet want to dance.
In fact, it’s in our “not enough” that God shows up the greatest. It becomes an incredible act of trust.
I’d tell that young mom that her twins — the two-year-old monkeys that sped away on Big Wheels — would grow up to be compassionate, caring adults that would pour into others. And yes, they would still grab life with both hands and speed into the unknown with joy.
I’d tell her to be a little more grace-filled with herself and to celebrate how well she was doing. Having three children under the age of 19 months was a BIG job!
I’d tell her her not-enough was just as deep as the things she did really well, like laughing with her children, listening to what they had to say, and showing love to her babies.
Are you focused on your “not enough?”
Let me gather you close, friend to friend. Mom to mom. Woman to woman.
None of us are enough.
Not even that woman who seems to have it all together. But when we invite God into our “not enough,” we are no longer alone in parenting, or in our faith, or in our marriage, or in our insecurities.
We loosen our grip and stop trying so hard to be perfect. We give ourselves grace — which allows us to give others grace.
We are able to see the good that we do and celebrate those moments!
And most important, we stop beating ourselves up which offers no value at all. Instead we see growth opportunities and we do exactly that. We grow as a woman, in our faith, and in the roles we treasure.
Suzie
Related Resource:
The Mom I Want to Be: Rising Above Your Past to Give Your Kids a Great Future.
It’s hard to believe but this book is now 10 years old! It will always be one of my favorites. My prayer is that if you grew up in dysfunction and want to give your children something greater, that this will be a powerful resource for you.
This devotion and your blog post were both exactly what I needed to hear at the perfect time! I love how God is in the details!!!!! I am crying right now as I am overwhelmed feeling like this message came from Him. Thank you so much!!!!!
Seems that lately God is doing some big time work in my life…every day it seems like a new viewpoint is being shown to me. Your post is yelling loud. Thank you so much for making me feel just a little less alone and reminding me of Gods truth!
Thank you for this. As a single mom I feel acutely and often that I am not enough. I extend a lot of grace to others and so little to myself . Thank you for being part of my growth process. God bless.
Thank you very much for this post! It has taken many years to learn that I don’t have to be perfect. God makes NO mistakes. He has me in this specific position for a specific purpose. Knowing that makes every challenge easier to deal with.
Thank you! Its hard work being a parent…praying God will fill us with strength and wisdom to be exactly what our children need. God bless!
I came across this after a discussion with my 18 year old who is leaving for college next week that included how I didn’t feel as though I’ve done enough to prepare her or help her prepare. I had her while still in High School and never went away to college. Just more reinforcement that I am the mom God chose for her and that even though I think I’m messing up..it won’t derail His plans for her.
I found your blog after reading the devtional this morning. I am a Mom of three young boys. I honestly needed a double dose of its okay in the parenting world, you are doing enough even when your past your limits and in tears, invite God into every situation-he can(and will) handle it perfectly, these baby boys are true blessings at all times ♡ Thank you for the words of encouragement, I would love to read your book!
I am a new mom of a 5 month old boy. Some days I just feel so overwhelmed by the responsibility God has given me to raise this baby- and some days I’m excited about it! I’m so hard on myself on the days that I feel overwhelmed, when I forget his hat on a sunny day or don’t bring enough diapers on a day trip. But I’m learning that an extra dose of God’s will for my life goes a long way in my ability to handle these situations with grace and patience.
I read your devotional and then found your blog… I was in need of this words. I have been working on “finding myself” after 16 years of marriage and two beautiful girls ages 10 and 6. I was feeling the gilt of taking care of myself forts for the first time and felt that I was doing the wrong thing before God. I now understand than the ‘not enough’ felling is ok. I will continue to put ‘the not enough’ in God’s hand and continue my efforts to be the christian, women, wife and mom that He wants me to be. Thank you!
Thanks for your devotional today. I’m a new mom getting ready to go back to work. I’ve been dealing with the guilt of having to leave her with someone else during the day. I appreciate hearing your real life story. It might make me be a little less hard on myself. Thank you!
I read your blog after reading today’s Encouragement for the day. Feeling “not enough” has been a factor all of my life, including the time I raised my children. They are now 28 and 30, and I have tried to stop beating myself up for my mistakes. My 30 yr old is an addict and I enabled his addiction for over 10 yrs. I grew up with dysfunction and in turn so did my children. I now have 2 beautiful granddaughters that I help raise. I pray daily that they will grow up without all of the troubles that dysfunction creates. And that all of my efforts will be enough. I do struggle so hard with being good enough and need to learn and live this lesson. Thank you for this mesaage!
Thank you for offering such important encouragement to moms everywhere! I can’t wait to read your book and let it speak into my life!
I found your blog after reading the morning devotional from Proverbs 31. “Not Enough” was a good read for me to start this day fresh! Thank you & God Bless
Thank you so much for this Suzie,
After reading this I still feel I’m not enough because I’m not there enough for my six year old daughter and in a way I’m not free to be her mother because there is someone else doing her best to take my place and it has been a on and off conflict with this person where I have got to the point where I don’t want to have anything to do with her anymore and it hurts coz I really valued this person and wanted to have a loving and caring relationship with her. I feel like my entire motherhood has been stolen from me. I live daily, hourly, with the sense of dread and failure as a mom and a wife. Proverbs 31 ministries has been a big encouragement to me for the last two years. I have learned a lot from many of the women in this ministry and their experiences. Your testimony is so uplifting and comforting. I have had a very trying childhood and am still carrying a lot a of baggage which I still need to get rid of. I have already been labelled a bad mother and am controlled in what I do for my girl. Through prayer and all I’ve learned here plus my own struggle to change for the better which is still an ongoing process, I’m coming closer to being healed but not quite there yet, as I said there’s still a long way to go. I’ve been told I’m a mistake and not fit to be a mother at all. I’m not perfect, I’m doing the best I can which isn’t good enough to those who have my child under their control. I am at a point right now where I just want be there for her in the smallest way possible if possible. She has been affected by my negative reactions from the beginning but doesn’t know it is because of the obstacle of not being allowed to be there for her fully.
When I read about you and all those who comment, I know how blessed you are in spite of the difficulties you face with your kids. You are the mothers they want, know and need. My girl knows I’m her mother but I’ve never been acknowledged to her in a positive manner. I live with the heartache of not being first in her life, not being the one to know everything first, in fact I get to know everything last. Things like that and so much more. I am a mother only by title, not by right, someone else has stolen that right from me. My baby does come to me and of late has been wanting to bond with me more but it is a limited time and as I said she has been affected to the extent that she suddenly has uncontrollable tantrums and then its depends on who she wants at that time and most of the time, she prefers her father or aunt or grandmother (the one who stole her from me). Very rarely when she wants me I make the most of the opportunity to assure her that I’m there for her and love her very much. I just treasure those moments.
I am determined more than ever to not allow my past to hurt and worsen my relationship with my girl. In fact I have been trying to get your book online but its not been easily available. Please pray much, I work in a school, but when I get home I can’t freely be with the child I love the most. You see, I really am not enough for my baby and its killing me inside along with the restrictions and conditions imposed on me being her mother.
I have recently had two wonderful children come into my life. I worry that I am not doing the right thing or saying the right thing or not setting a good exams for them. I just try to pray and o try to remember that although I won’t always get it right, as long as I trust God and keep trying then it will all work out. I feel like the most important thing I need to do is show them unconditional love, so I’m trying to do that each day. I really needed these words of encouragement, thank you so much for being willing to share your stories, they are such a blessing. May God always bless you and yours.
Suzie, even though my children are all grown up, so to speak, two with children of their own, when they face rocky roads along life’s journey, I occasionally resort to feeling that this would be different if I had been a better mom. I know that this isn’t always true but now I watch them with their children and on a tough day when they are feeling “not enough”, even as I encourage them to offer it up to our Father God, pray to Jesus and embrace the Holy Spirit to guide them to and through the next step, I still experience my old feelings of “not enough”. The Spirit usually leads me right back to His Love and trying to heed my own advice…I would love to read this book and share it with my daughters. Thanks for sharing your story and for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.
Suzie, your words are always beautiful and timely. With 3 little ones I get it and have felt the guilt creep in my heart often. Thanks soich!
Thank you for this today. What a wonderful word of encouragement. Parenting is a tough job and I am determined, with God’s help, to not repeat mistakes and to show my children the love of Christ.
Having just had my 4th baby, this couldnt have come at a better time! Thank you!
Hi and thank you for a devotional that touched my heart. We have 6 kids and some days are tough. I feel like we need this book to get back on track with our parenting. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your heart. I wish this message was on repeat in every mom’s ear every morning. I’d love a copy of your book to share with friends (after reading myself), because we all need reminded that we have to run to Him with our tired eyes and weary hearts.
I really appreciate today’s devotional. My children are grown and I still have times where I’m reflecting on the past and experience those feelings of not good enough! I would love to have the book, and also share it with my daughter.
I often feel like I am not good enough or that I could do something better. We all make mistakes because we are human. Satan loves to feed us lies to knock us down. Recognizing the lies is not easy. We must take a look at the whole picture, not jusr the present moment and see all the things we have done that were right. A friend recently, out of the blue reminded me of the great job I have been doing in raising my girls. It is not easy to raise up children in the way God wants when your spouse is not a believer, but I am doing the best i can and my girls are proof that it can be done. Both are living lives that point others toward Jesus. Hopefully, one day their dad will come to know Jesus too.
The Mom I Want To Be, yeah, that’s me. That’s all of us! Know where I should be, would love to know how to get there.
Suzie, I loved your post. As a single working mom for most of my sons life, and I’m still working, I’ve often felt I’m not enough. It’s hard because I compare myself as a mother to all the awesome mothers who get to he home with their kids. They are there for them all the time, always doing fun, creative things and I’m running on empty and…not enough. But, as he is a senior, ready to move out into the world, I look at him and think I was enough. He’s an awesome young man. Went on two mission trips this summer, worked at vacation bible school..wow! Maybe my “not enough moments” were on. The Lord was working with the other people in his daily life and of course me to make it all enough. Thanks for sharing your story, and don’t think I hadn’t lost him in a store or two during his childhood…lol. Blessings to you and thank you for all you do for us.
Thank you for allowing God to speak through you on this devotional. It reveals to me that I am not the only one who struggles with this and I am not alone. Thank you and God Bless!
I would love a copy of your book for my two nieces who are first time moms. Thanks for the devotion.
This was such an encouragement today. I have a 3 year old, 1 year old, and another due in a month and was feeling like a failure because I’ve been impatient with them the past few days. Thanks for the reminders, they are much appreciated.
Thank you for your post today. I’d love a copy of your book – to read myself, and then to share with my sister, who will be starting her journey into motherhood soon!
This was perfect for me, especially because it’s summer break, and I a lot of times I feel like with all the other things I need to get done, I don’t give my kids enough of me during these days we should be spending together. Thank you for this post, it’s just what I needed. 🙂
Thank you for the encouragement. I’d have to think that most moms are living in the realm of not enough for a large part of this time in our lives…or at least I am! Thank you for the reminder that Jesus is our enough and is standing beside us in this!
This post was very timely as my daughter started climbing out of her crib and locked herself in her room yesterday. We’ve been on a nap strike and the days are getting longer! I love her and pray every day that I can be the mom she needs. I don’t have Christian guidance from my mother or my MIL. This book would be a great place to start!
Thank you for this post. I’m a mom of two toddlers and 8 months pregnant with my third. I have many days of the not enough feeling. Good to know I’m not alone and that God loves me through it all.
I loved the devotion from this book! I’m a grandma to17 rambunctious kids but I still remember being a young mom to 4 kids. I was determined to be the best mom ever. It’s the little things that happen that takes the wind out of your sails and makes you feel exactly that your “not enough”. I wish I’d had this book back then! Now I’d like to pass it on to my lovely daughters and daughter in laws as they raise their young family.
I love your style of writing!
So wise you are now, Suzie, I would love to read this book! And that picture of your 3 kiddos is just so precious!!!!
I was just journaling with God, telling Him that there is not enough time, enough patience, enough of me to fulfill all the demands from my five children and the ministry my husband and I help lead. I’m so overwhelmed and scattered, unable to focus on the tasks in front of me that I lose my temper often with those closest to me. This was exactly what God needed me to hear. I am going to try to give Him my ‘not enough’ so that He can fill me with His strength and grace, thank you for sharing!
I just read your blog for the first time and it is so reassuring to know that there are other moms out there who feel the same way I do. I am constantly comparing myself to other moms and doubting my actions. God keeps telling me to stop being so hard on myself and this just reaffirms that. Thank you for much for this!
As I read your blog this morning I thought “what would I have done if I had been in the store that day with you?”. I want to be a woman who would have stopped what I was doing to help you gather up your precious babies. I want to be a woman who notices when others are having a ‘not enough’ day and offer words of encouragement. How I treasure the kindness and words of encouragement that have been spoken to me over the years. Thank you for allowing us to reflect on days we feel not enough. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to prepare for the next momma I see who needs encouragement.
This devotion comes at the perfect time! Just yesterday I was feeling like not enough more than usual. I feel that way a lot of times. I LOVE the scripture from 2 Corinthians you gave! I love that scripture, but forget about it then I start to get down on myself. It reminds me I need to lean on God especially in my weaknesses. I always try to hide my weaknesses for fear that someone will judge me, but these minds me that God loves our weaknesses because he gets to be our strength more than He normally is. And your story reminds me I’m not the only mom out there that struggles. Thank you for sharing this story & scripture!
As I read your blog today I could relate in so many ways. I am a mom of 2 young girls, I teach kindergarten, going back to graduate school, my husband coaches and at times I feel my all is not enough or that other “things” are taking presitence over my children. I want to be an amazing mom to my girls and give them my all! I would love to read your book and grow in God and as a mom!
As I read your devotion today I thought of sweet granddaughter Kaylyn. She has 2 boys, 8 mos. & a very energetic 3 yr old. The 8 no old has health problems since he was born & had 2 brain surgeries within his first 3 mos of life. I would love to win a copy of you book for Kaylyn.
Yes! I have four kids and I never feel like I’m enough. I’m exhausted. Thank you for this. I needed to read it.
I have five kids and so many days you feel that you’re not enough trying to minister to all of them. This devotion today was a great encouragement and reminding us that it’s not just all about us but trusting in our heavenly father to guide us through all those not enough days! Thanks for your encouragement and an opportunity to enjoy this book!
I really needed this! Thanks!
Suzie,
The past week, the devotions have felt like they were written just for me – especially this one 🙂 I became a stay at home mom to two boys just over two years ago, and added a third to the mix. My home was very dysfunctional and nurturing does not come naturally to me.
Just when I was considering taking a full time job and ‘giving up’ on staying home because I sometimes don’t feel ‘good enough’ this devotion and blog post come along 🙂
I just finished Mended Heart along with the OBS – thank you for being such an encouragement and support to us girls trying to figure it all out 🙂
Britt
LOVED this book, Suzie. Love the encouragement here, on this post, as well. God is good.
Great devotional. I feel not enough on a daily basis with my kids, home, job etc. This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the opportunity!!
I LOVED this story today!! I myself have a set of 1 year old twins and a 3 year old and I always feel like I’m never enough. I would love to have a copy of your book! Thanks for sharing your story
Loved your post today! I am a mom of four kids ranging in age from 10-4 (including twins). Each day is a new challenge and I often struggle with being “not enough”. Your words are so encouraging because they remind me to give myself permission to not be perfect and to not beat myself up when I make a mistake. Instead I can give my imperfections to God and allow His grace to see me through the difficult moments and fill in the gaps. It is never easy to do but rather a work in progress as I learn to trust in Him.
I love this! What a wonderful message that every mom needs to hear- especially this mom!!
Thanks for this timely devotion. I would love a copy of this book as I constantly feel like I’m ” not enough” when trying to raise my son.
Today’s devotional was a godsend! I have been battling with getting over my personal insecurities because I don’t want the same to be passed down to my daughter. I’m so grateful for God’s reminder that His grace is sufficient for my “not enough.” The title of your book alone spoke to my soul a much needed truth so I would love to win a copy.
Thank you for sharing this story, it was truly needed today. I would love to read your book.
Wow – I need to hear this today! My husband and I became foster parents to a beautiful 6 year old last year. My own child is 33, so it’s been a long time since I’ve had a little one in the house! Daily I question/second guess myself on whether or not I’m doing the right thing. Am I raising her correctly as a Christian – to know, love, and have a personal relationship with God? It is a constant battle to keep Satan away from my thought processes, but I’m slowly learning to give it to God (I also started my journey to a personal relationship with God about a year ago).
Blessings
Wow-thank you so much for this post today. I am learning more and more every day to turn my kids over to God and trust him fully with the outcome. It feels so free to have faith in Christ and I know I am pleasing Him when I do! I would love to read your book!
I love how you admitted those days were “scary”. I often felt like that, having 4 boys under 6. I went to the store and I felt like everyone was staring at me. I often felt like a “good mom” wouldn’t have one whining, one grabbing food, and one falling asleep in the cart. I would let moments like that define me. But by His grace, and reading the truth of His Word I am changing. I am defined by what He thinks of me, and those moments (are different, but still scary, now that they are a bit older) are a little bit less frustrating. I read Renee Swope’s “A Confident Heart” and it was soul searching and comforting. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to read your book too!
Oh goodness, as a grandma to five beautiful kiddos five and under, it’s a reminder of what going to the store is like. One wanting to push the cart and help. Another with her tiny arms wrapped around my neck. Another trying to leap out of the cart. Wooooh! It’s not easy. As a seasoned mom, I can tell you that I’m much more relaxed when these things happen because I got to see their parents grow up. Wouldn’t it be awesome if we had a video camera and we could see into the future — all that hard work falling into place? We don’t have that, however, so instead we keep them in the cart and treasure those tiny arms around our neck. We thank God for Moms Day Out that might allow us to run to the store without a basket full of kids. We don’t let growing kids who are being shaped day by day define us if it’s a bad day, or even a good day. We simply parent and treasure the job, knowing it all is part of it. <3 Love this comment!
I NEEDED this today!!
I often struggle with feeling not good enough when it comes to raising my son. I would love to read your book!
Thank you for allowing God to use you to speak to all us moms! Praying a special blessing for you today, and thanking God because he knew this is exactly what I needed to hear!
Suzie, like the others who have commented on today’s post, I needed to read your advice on giving yourself grace. I would love to read your book and then pass it on to some of my younger friends who are in the trenches of raising young children and imparting some of your wisdom to other friends who have long since been in those trenches. Giving yourself grace and admitting to God our weaknesses can be so difficult, especially if being vulnerable in the past was not an option. Please consider giving me your book! It will be treasured by myself and many others! Thanks!
Thank you for reminding us that it’s okay to feel not enough! And thank you for this giveaway 🙂
I am so thankful for today’s devotional. My children are older but sometimes I feel like I’m not enough. I am very thankful for God’s grace. I am also very thankful for your devotional and your blog.
Thank you for sharing what’s been placed on your heart. Our God is with us each step of the way and being reminded of this helps us stay the course and press on!
Thanks for today’s post, Suzie. A new mom to a 4-month old who arrived early and had to spend time in the NICU, this was encouraging. We are never prepared for the journey of parenthood, but it is nice to know that God is our source in all things. He has shown me things I didn’t know about myself and has granted me wisdom and understanding to get through the tough times. I pray that He will continue to lead me and my son’s father as we try and raise a child for the Kingdom.
Be blessed.
I needed to hear this today, thank you! I’m a single mom who owns my own business so my days are filled with “not enough”, and especially “not getting enough done”. Thanks for the reminder that He’s my partner in everything!
Thank you for this devotional today, it reminds me that I can’t and don’t need to do it all, I have God to help with everything. I have 2 elementary age children, I work full time, and help manage a little business. After a long day that leaves me exhausted, my children want me to play and do and be with them. I feel bad because I have no energy to give them, and I fell like I’m ‘not enough’.
You are in a hard place, Jennifer. I remember having to look at my life and the season I was in and asking God for wisdom on what I needed on my plate. Sometimes the answers to that surprised me, and I found that playing with those kiddos was always a priority. I pray that your Heavenly Father, who loves you like crazy, will show you what and how to do that. I’m reaching with open arms to hug this tired mama who is so honest.
I needed to hear this today, this week, this month, perhaps ever this year. As a momma of 2 toddlers under 3, day in and day out I am feeling weary. As a product of a dysfunctional childhood I struggle and strive every day to raise my girls in perfection. Doing and saying all the right things: please and thank you, organic fruits and veggies, and a spotless home in the midst. I want to give it all to the Lord; lay it at His feet. But what does that look like? Obviously there is still responsibility to raise and discipline your children. I would love to read this book to gain some Godly insight from a veteran momma. Please pray for my journey as a momma trying to raise her girls to love the Lord and love others.
Hi Erica, it’s allowing grace in the midst. It’s focusing on things that matter in the long run, rather than trying to be perfect at all times. It’s laughing a lot. It’s jumping on the bed. It’s understanding that there will be hard days and tired days, but seeing that there are good days and miracles of sweet kisses and growing kids all around you. It’s asking for help when you need it (so hard). It’s nurturing you as well as everyone else, and in my case it was giving myself a break as a mom. When that began to happen I could have fun with my children, as well as discipline, take care of my home, feed them, etc.
Thank you for the reminder that my fears don’t need to be their fears. I’d love to read your book!
Wow, Suzie – Sometimes we don’t realize that where we came from wasn’t okay…until we’re a parent ourselves, and we begin to reflect on our past.
Thank you! This books sounds amazing!!
In trying to not be the perfectionist I was/still am, I would love to read this book. I feel guilty for working and guilty for not. As a mom of 2, it is difficult trying to raise kids up in this world today. Just hearing her say that we are enough and God’s grace is there is exactly what I needed today. THank you and I will hopefully read your book soon!
What an excellent topic when most of us women/Moms feel “not enough”. Thanks for the amazing read.. I would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Sometimes my “not enough” creep in and overwhelm me. I am so thankful the Lord loves me all of the time and my not enough moments draw me closer to him. Being a parent is difficult and such an amazing responsibility!! It’s easy to feel less than, but I don’t want to feel less than. I want to admit my weaknesses and praise my strengths!!
Wow! Just wow…..It just amazes me how God puts you where you need to be so you can receive just what you need to help you over your hurdles. I’d been feeling like this for quite some time and didn’t understand why, I felt like i was the only one and I must not be enough. So, coming across this has been a great blessing and i thank you for posting it. Thank you and God bless:)
When you start having any type of feelings, don’t ever feel like you are the only one. I can probably garauntee that you are NOT the only one! God Bless and good luck to you! 🙂
Amen! So many days I feel like I fail… Perfectionist is my enemy. I give grace to everyone but myself. I’m a mom of 4 and been home for 15 years. I look around and feel like “what have I done in these past years, besides just survive?” I have a college degree and a culinary degree and I don’t do anything outside our home with either one of those degrees.
If I’m still enough and listen to God I hear him telling me, “I have given you 4 children to disciple, teach them My ways”. Yet all too often that message from God gets drowned out by the worlds voices of “you should be doing more, your home more organized, volunteer more, get a job that would better define you, etc, etc”
I want to grasp the “my grace is enough for you” concept. I see many younger moms struggling and as a mom of now teens , I want to encourage them. Yet once again I feel “that I’m not enough, who am I to encourage ? I don’t have my act together” I know in my heart the Spirit tells me that’s Satan.
Thanks for your encouraging words!
Cindy
Thank you for this devotion today. The Lord spoke right to my heart right where I needed on this day. He knows and He sees me training my children’s hearts and recovering from a surgery that complications. Feeling day in and day out right now that what I have to offer as a mom is just not enough. Even on days when I’m healthy and whole I feel like this as well. At this time I have my four children who are ages 3, 9, 13 and 17. They are in totally different stages than each other as far as parenting and it offers its challenges through the day when one minute I’m correcting or coloring with my three-year-old to coaching my oldest who’s going to be a senior this year. It presents challenges to me as a parent to meet them right where they are. I really appreciate this devotion today … Thank yoU!!
AMEN AMEN! I am a full-time working mother of 5 (ages 9,8,7,3 and 1). I am constantly feeling as though I am not enough. Not enough of an employee when I come to work so tired from the night before when I feel like I was not enough of a good mommy. It’s so hard to juggle work and 5 kids and make time for my husband, or even time for myself. When I came across your story, it hit home for me. RIght to my heart. I was in Wal-mart one day and my 2 year old wanted to walk and not ride in the shopping cart. So she of course takes off down aisle’s left and right and I have a shopping cart full of groceries and an infant in the seat. I can’t run down the aisle’s chasing after her with the shopping cart and I can’t just leave my infant alone. It’s a constant struggle of NOT ENOUGH. I need to trust in God more and lay it all at his feet. I know MY GOD can help me and can lead me to where I am ENOUGH. But the best part about Our Lord…..we don’t have to be, because He’s Enough for us! Thank you again!!
Thank you for sharing your story. Most would file that under the do not tell as to protect themselves from the embarrassing comments. Thankfully we are all mothers and we all experience situations like these. We aren’t alone and need to band together. I struggle every day with trying to be great and I believe I always end up with the short end but that doesn’t mean I don’t wake up and try again tomorrow. I wish I could be the mother I want to be for them every day without set backs or hang ups.
Isn’t that the truth! I wish mothers were more understanding of each other and not so condeming or judgemental. None of us are perfect, and we ALL make mistakes as a mother. It’s just going to happen. That’s why we have the Lord to help us. We just have to ask. And if you’re like me, a lot of times you just forget that that’s what he’s there for. To help us with our burdens and our “not enoughs.” Ideally I don’t any mother will ever be the mother she “wants” to be. But that’s ok. 🙂
This spoke to me as a balm to my soul this morning. I have three children as well, and often feel “not enough” with one or all of them. Thank you for the reminder that God is more than enough, for me and for them, and that he wants me to bring him the good and the ugly in faithful trust. I would love a copy of your book and hope that the two women who need it most are chosen. Thank you for sharing today.
Suzie ~ I LOVED your OBS we just finished, and I LOVE your blog here. It is so true as a Mom, that it is easy to feel like we are not enough. I’m a single Mom with two beautiful daughters, one who has special needs. There have been many times when I feel like I am not enough or not doing enough. I have to remind myself that even though I am a single Mom, I am not doing this alone, as God is with me! Thank you for sharing!!!!
~Johanna
I really needed to hear this today. My two daughters are grown but next winter I will become a grandma for the first time. I experienced alot of doubt and insecurity as a mom and was very hard on myself. I am hoping to feel alot more joy and peace with this little one. This is the second time this morning that 2 Corinthians 12:9 has “crossed my path”. Coincidence? I don’t think so 🙂
Thank you for your comforting words to a Mom with three kids ages 7, 5 and 21 mo. I would LOVE to read your book!
Wow Suze! As a mother of twin boys with a girl 14 months younger I cannot tell you how much I can relate to your post! When they were young there were times I was afraid to take them out in public by myself. I didn’t think that I could handle them all on my own. What if one threw a fit? What if my escape artist got out of the cart and I couldn’t find him?Even worse, what if Max got out AND helped Gabe out and I lost them both? Fast forward to today. I have healthy 14 year old boys and a 13 year old girl. They want nothing to do with me now. Now and again I will get a quick one handed hug. Or a “you don’t understand” before one of them runs up the steps. I feel like I am not enough now more than when they were younger. I’d give anything to have them young again. They needed me then. Now, not so much.
Thank you, Suzie, for today’s devotional. Today’s message resonated with me as I have been struggling to be enough for my two young sons. I recently prayed to God to help me be a better mother to our oldest who is struggling in his social interactions with others. It takes a lot of patience to teach him something that seems so obvious, even to his four year old brother. I have to remind myself that I am guide on his journey and that God is the one truly knows the young man he will become and is a far better parent and guide than me. I hate not being able enough and watching him struggle.
I am 63 and raising 2 of my grandchildren along with looking after my 86 yr old mother who has dementia. I often feel as if I don’t have enough of anything time, money, wisdom, rest, etc.
I would love a copy of the book because I feel like I am reliving how I felt raising my 2 daughters as a single mom and this would be a true blessing just as the devotion was.
God bless you for sharing!
I am not a single mom, but this is my second round of family too. My oldest who we adopted when she was two years old, never bonded with us. We are raising her two oldest who are 4 and 5 years old. They have issues because of neglect. I feel inadequate every day. I just don’t want a repeat with my daughter; that is much too painful. My mom is in assisted living and still needs help outside of the home. My husband has health issues, so it seems like there is never enough of me. Rita, I shall pray for you.
Thank you Suze for the devotion today, it resonated deep in my heart and spoke words of comfort. God has to fill in my gaps, and finds me precious, and I give my kids and myself to Him as an offering.
This was just what I needed today. I have two kids. A daughter who is 11 and about to star middle school and a so who is 15 months. There is quite an age difference and that’s ok! My daughter and I are so much alike that we struggle in a daily basis. I often feel like “not enough” … Or when we are struggling and mom son is teething and I am runnin on empty “not enough” is always on the brain. But thank you for this… This was great… And again much needed.
“None of us are enough.” And for some reason, that does make us feel better. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this message of hope that we don’t have to be “enough”–God just wants us to be.
I struggle with not being enough or perfect almost daily. I know that I am doing the best I can and I know God sees my struggle, yet there are times when I still feel like I should be more. A lot of this has to with the constant verbal abuse from my son’s father. {let me insert a selfish prayer request, he has taken me back to court and the date is later this month, please pray for me for grace and the truth to be shown about my son’s father} I would love more resources to help me to continue to let go of this struggle because I know it’s not from God. Thank you for being a godly inspiration and sharing your struggles with all of us!
What a great devotional today. I find that I have been asking for guidance and wisdom concerning raising my two daughters since before they were born and now they are 16 and 19. Asking for those things doesn’t stop, even at their age. The longer I parent the more I realize that guidance and wisdom must be something I ask for and graciously receive, on a daily basis. I would love a copy of your book to learn from and to share with others. So many women need to hear this message and I am so thankful that you have written it.
Thanks for the encouragement today. I have two toddler boys (eventually wanting more) and I sometimes wonder how I can handle another one. This spoke to me loud and clear. Thank you.
I read you devotional today and right after you shared your experience I cried and fell to my knees. God knows this is exactly how I feel in this season, this moment. I really needed this encouragement on so many levels. Thank you and the ministry of Proverbs 31 for how you pour into the lives of women in all walks of life. May our God bless you!
Thanks for sharing your life and this truth with so many! Today’s devo was exactly what I needed to hear. I have a head strong and loud 4 yr old girl, an emotional and aggressive 2 yr old girl, and am due with my third girl in just 20 days! Many days I wonder how I am going to make it through with 3 girls! I struggle with perfectionism and have high expectations of myself as a mother and wife. I struggle with constantly feeling like I am “not enough”. Would love to read your book!
Thank you for sharing it! I have always felt that I’m not enough to be mother to headstrong four years old daughter and risk-taker 17 months old son. “None of us are good enough”, that helps me knowing that I’m not only one out there!! It will be great to read this book and feel good enough in everything I do. 💜
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I would love to read your book. I always feel like I’m not enough for our children.
As a mom of three, one in college, one in middle, and a 22 month old. I am truly able to now enjoy each child exactly where they are at in their individual lives. It’s hard but when you’re children are small you dream of their futures and pray everyday that the impact you are making on their lives is a positive one. You want them to be strong, passionate, individuals with a heart for Jesus. And as they get older you begin to miss the stages they were at and wonder if you did all you could do or did you settle with just enough. Now I am trying to learn to live in the moment and enjoy it for as long as I can because before I know it it will be gone and we will be in the next moment. Thank you for today’s post. It is definitely food for thought to ponder on today. I am adding your book to my wish list! Would love an opportunity to read it!! Thanks and God bless!
This is my mantra, “I can barely take care of myself, so how can I take care of everything in the household, my son, my parents, etc.?” Thanks for the encouragement!
This devotion hit the nail right on the head for me. 90% of the time if not more these days I feel like “I’m not enough” for my family. My heart just stopped when I read this devotion. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year with my husband and a 8 year old step-son with a few special needs. At the end of the day sometimes I felt like I’ve accomplished nothing and that I’ve spent no actual special time with my family. I would love more than anything to have a copy of this book to read. I’ve been looking to God so much here lately and praying for myself and my family and my surroundings just hoping for a little relief. I’m so afraid my kids are going to grow up and not remember spending any good time with me or having fun with me like I did with my parents.
Thank you for this. God is working with me on my not enoughs. I have hope.
I would love to win this book. Thanks!
Would love to receive a copy of your book! Thank you!
Suzanne, none of us are enough but we have a God who is “more than enough”. Visiting from #119 in the #raralinkup!
Thanks so much for this devotion. Although my head knows that control is an illusion, it’s difficult for me to relinquish it and give it ALL to Jesus. I’m working on it though!!
I just finished The Mended Heart OBS. That book has helped me quite a bit. I believe this book would help me as well and would love to win a copy.
When I read your story I could see the whole thing playing out in my head. Anytime I’m brave enough to take mine to the store with me, it usually ends with me having a near panic attack. I battle the “you’re not good enough” lies from the enemy daily. Your book looks like one I should read! Thanks for the encouragement.
Anna, you are the winner of one of the autographed copies of The Mom I Want to Be. I am sending a private email to you right now! <3
Thank you so much for this today~ I am a stay at home mom to a very bright and fast moving 3 year old boy. I love so much being a stay at home mom, although the roots of my dad and mom still ring in my head about ” making my own money” being successful, contributing to the family with money… Money money money , is all that I feel like I am surrounded by. My mom complains about it, my dad has an abundance of it and my husband seems to worry about it ~ So there are many times where I feel at peace and feel like being a stay at home mom is the best and I wouldn’t change anything , then there are nights where my husband gets stressed about bills coming up or my dad asks when will we be able to buy a home, or my mom calls and complains how she never has enough.. I then feel ” not enough” i feel like I can’t buy a home yet, I can’t help my mom with money and I can’t pay a bill to relieve the burden of my husband…. I have to just keep reminding myself that GOD is enough… that I am enough… and I am doing what I can with God at my side… so thank you so much for this.!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you !!!!!!
What a wonderful devotion and personal story you shared today. I would love to win a copy of this book cause I am trying right now to start a family of my own and think this would help me start out raising them correctly and helping me realize my not enough can be found in God alone.
Thank you for writing this, I really needed to see this especially today. I constantly stuggle with doing better than how I was raised. I constantly feel “not good enough” in everything I do. The only thing I learned from my parents is what NOT to do. That is how I learned how to be a good mother is doing the exact opposite of what my mother and absent father did for me. It has been a sad realization for me and I still have a lot of stuggle everyday thinking that I could of played with my son more or gone on a longer walk or paid less attention to getting dinner done and read him the book he wanted at the exact time he wanted it. I am trying and hoping to continue to grow as mother and as a woman.
Lisa, would you consider flipping that switch to celebrate the times you did walk together, the times you read that book, the times you listened to his sweet words? It sounds like you are a mom who cares a lot about pouring into your child, and that’s such a blessing. We can never be all things, or be available at all times, but we can be present. We can be prayerful. We can play. We can say we’re sorry when we fall short. We can learn from our mistakes. But beating ourselves up, that offers little value. Reaching with a big hug for you today! From one mom to another. . .
I remember that feeling too as a young Mother but both my boys are grown now and one even has two children of his own. They seemed to have turned out ok in spite of their parents that didn’t know what the heck they were doing.
God helped us is the reason. He loved us and them through the good and the bad times. I appreciate all your books, they give me hope for the future generations of children growing up that more Moms and Dads will find that faith and hope in raising their children with the help of our Lord Jesus.
Thank you, Dianna. I don’t have all the answers, but I know that when we gather together like this and encourage each other with prayer and faith, that it gives us hope in this big job that we have. <3
Thank you for this devotion. It seems so easy to say, but so hard to really feel and live as though our not enough is okay. It’s especially hard in realizing that the things your parents did are repeating, even as you try your hardest to change. I’m definitely struggling but it’s so nice to hear your words.
This is such an uplifting view and I definitely believe it’s what Jesus is hoping we can do, but it’s so easy to forget. Thank you for reminding me!!!!
This is one of those posts I wish had been around 20-30 years ago. I never wanted anything more than to be a Mom. Not just any Mom but the absolute BEST Mom ever. That kind of expectation just caused my heart to ache when I messed up and still causes guilt to this day for times I didn’t respond to frustration in the most loving way. If I happen to win this book, I’m passing it along to my son and DIL who will be 1st time parents in November. Spare them the self-criticism I subjected myself to for many years.
I didnt grow up in church, but it took me being a single mom at 30 to figure out I want more options for my son, and for me. I pray every day, in between the business of life, just for God’s continued patience and guidance with me through this process. It’s my brokenness that drew me to him, so I can only follow him now.
Oh, Kristy, He will be so patience with you! And He will redeem your brokenness beyond your wildest dreams. Lord, You see Kristy’s sincere heart as she willingly follows you today. Wrap Your arms of love around her, heal her brokenness like only You can, in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!
Suzie, Thank you so much for your encouragement! As a SHM of an 8 & almost 5 year old I certainly feel “not enough” (usually patience) daily! Summer is especially a struggle when kids are home all day and feel nothing but freedom! I’m a tad bit of a perfectionist and like my routines! It’s all but lost when their little minds are in summer mode. It’s all I can do to keep up!
I am so glad I visited your blog after reading your devotional on the proverbs 31 website. I really needed to hear the additional insights like rather than beat ourselves up for not being all-wise, etc., is it possible that we can celebrate that God lives inside of our ordinary selves and he can use our not enough in an incredible way when we offer it to him? How incredibly comforting! And I would love to win. A copy of your book!
I have this book in my cart on Amazon! Maybe I’ll win it instead 🙂
I just finished The Mended Heart and it spoke to me on such a deep level that I’ll probably re-read it and study through it again. Thank you for your kinds words today, I need it most everyday.
Such a powerful devotional, Suzie. Thank you. Your book sounds wonderful. It’s one on my list. God bless you!
Hi Suzie, thank you for your devotion today. I would love to read a copy of your book. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the giveaway. Blessings to you!
I felt this way so often as our children were growing up. I came from grave dysfunction, but the Lord blessed my husband and I with two wonderful children that have securely grown into adults that closely walk with Him. There is no greater earthly blessing than my wonderful husband and our precious children, their spouses, and now our grandbabies! The Lord allowed and blessed us to break the chains of dysfunction from our childhood’s to being a good enough family to encourage and love each other and raise emotionally whole children that are now in healthy and loving families of their own. <3
Thanks for sharing this and encouraging moms. Not enough is a feeling I have every day and I’m struggling to rise above it and live in the moment.
Hi Susie!! Thanks so much for writing this devotion and blog post. I can totally relate to this. I am a newly single mother of a six year old very ACTIVE boy and a 3 yr old little girl. This is a definite area of my life I need to invite God into intervene in. I get so frustrated sometimes with myself when my kids act like kids. In fact, just a moment ago I griped at them from jumping on the bed while I was trying to read this. When I should have informed them why they should not be jumping on the bed. This book seems like another one of your great books and I would be delighted to read. I also just done with The Mended Heart through Proverbs 31 ministries and LOVED it!! That book bought out some many of the things I have buried deep inside and I handed them over to God.
I can relate I have 6 children and have recently been through quite a spiritual journey. I’d love to read your book. 🙂
I would love for my daughter to have this. She has two small children. Her past sometimes haunts her as she was pregnant right out of high school. She got married and they struggle. Sometimes, she feels like she is a failure at life. I would hope that this would encourage her in her walk with God. She has an important job being mama to those two precious boys!
I have four children and I sometimes feel like I am not enough. I have made many mistakes and sure I will make many more. Its nice to know that other mom’s have these same feelings sometimes.. I would love to have this book.
Just found your blog today through Proverbs 31 Women. Your story speaks to my heart — it’s one I’ve been learning to tell myself recently as a single, working mom with three kids. Enough. God is enough even when we don’t feel we are. And we are never, ever alone. Ahhhh, the sweet promise of that. Thank you for sharing!!
(My to-read book list is tall beside my bed, so I don’t need to win this one, but I had to comment anyways.)
I loved reading this story today! Amen to this post and to this book! I have 2 children at home and contemplating more, wondering if I’m enough to do it. However, I’m learning it’s Gods decision and He will give me strength… I’m just a small part of His story.
“When we invite God into our “not enough,” we are no longer alone in parenting, or in our faith, or in our marriage, or in our insecurities.” I LOVE this Suzie! Thank you for this post. What a wonderful reminder.
Hi, I just read your blog on the Proverbs 31.org website. It caught my attention as I too am a mother of 2 and sometimes feel “i’m not good enough.” Thank you for sharing this story with us as it made me realize I have to take a step back and speak with God. God is enough. I would love to win a copy of this book to help me becoming a better mother! thank you
I am so stuck in the “not enough” that I believe it! I really do not have much encouragement, and I am feeling like such a failure as a mom. On the outside everything looks okay, but I’m falling apart! Being a “good” mom is so hard…I really wish God would give me a clear to-do list and I could stop the “should have”, guilt, and blaming myself. I am afraid my three kids won’t “turn out”, or that I won’t have a close relationship with them when they are older, because of what I see as my “failure” as a mom. I yell too much, I am not fun enough, and I have expectations that may be too high…However, I am trying so hard to do my best… Does anyone else struggle this much?
Desiree, I can so relate to those feelings, they are very strong right now as my boys are in the teen years. I am praying for you this morning. You are enough! Keep pouring your heart out to God and taking time to listen. He will respond!
Kim,
Thank you so much for replying. I just found your reply and it has brought tears to my eyes to know that a stranger could speak such kind and encouraging words to me and pray for me!! (My husband, his family who lives nearby, and my local church have not seen, heard, or understood my cries for help. And, I feel so alone.) GOD bless you for reaching out to me…even in this small way. There are only a couple of people who know me who would actually tell me that I am enough. I appreciate your prayers! Thank you! 🙂
Thank you!! You are so right. We’ll never be enough but if we are doing our best and submit the rest to God, He’ll carry us thru and help us out. Always. Because He’s more than enough. Your devotional spoke volumes to me today. Thank you!!
This spoke right to my heart today. There are a lot of days when I think “Ooh, I’ve got this!” and so many more when I feel like I’m failing. It’s so hard to see the big picture when you are potty training, cooking dinner, helping with homework, answering the same question for the 75th time today, and trying to just keep it together. It feels good to know that God appreciates and loves our “not enough”.
Thank you for sharing your heart! They were just what I needed to hear today!
After moving to a brand new city not knowing anyone, but my husband, my 3 yr twin son disappeared in a department store. I was frantic, dragging his twin sister from dept to dept looking for him. After an half hour of looking and calling my husband to come, he was located in the sports section, sitting turning a wheel of a bicycle happy as a clam.. I thought I was the worst mother ever. But God taught me over the years with five children I couldn’t be a perfectly mother nor perfect children. Only through His grace we would make it together.
Thank you, Suzie, for your uplifting message that God’s grace is there for all of us. I think we all needed that today.
Oh how your words resound in me. Thank you for sharing! I needed to hear this today. I don’t know how often I push myself to be the “perfect” mom and do it all on “not enough.” I’ve realized I’ll never be the perfect mom but I will always be the perfect mom for my son!
The not good enough filter was one that I used to struggle with. Occasionally it sneaks in but I now can recognize it and ask God to help me over it.
Thank you for writing this! The Lord used it. I feel “not enough” almost every day. I play out this inner conversation with myself all to often…. The thing is, God is showing me that when I am focusing on my :not enough” I am not looking to Him and His totally sufficiency. He is always ENOUGH in me. Thank you for the reminder. God bless you.
I’m sharing this with my friend also. She has a 6,5,4, 2,1 and is pregnant with twins. She is one of the most amazing moms that I know. But I really believe that your story will bless her as well.
Wow! Your story brought me to tears! I have 4 children: 13, 11, and 8 year old twins. I am a full time working, single mom and breast cancer survivor. Much of my time is spent working at home or on the job, and I still have a lot of treatment-related fatigue. Sometimes it feels like such a struggle just to get the bare minimum done. I feel so guilty for not being more fun. I don’t feel like I have the time or the energy to be more loving; there is always something that must be done, and finances are tight so I frequently have to say no. When I get a few minutes to finally sit down, I just want a moment of peace, but everyone seems to want to climb in my lap, and I fear the pain it causes me if they bump into my chest. Their father is not very responsible, so I am also the disciplinarian 24/7. I frequently feel like I am a terrible mother, and I worry that they will be damaged by my divorce or by having to go through all of the cancer stuff with me. I love what you said about them belonging to God–how much HE loves them, and how He knows the number of hairs on their heads. That is my (and their) saving grace.
I think God really wanted my to hear your message today. From now on, when I am feeling that I am not enough, I am going to think about that woman in the temple.
Thank you and God bless you!
I had read this devotional early this morning of what proved
to be a rather difficult day. It kept coming back to my mind and gave me encouragement
to “stand tall” and work through the problems. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your devotional. Ever since I can remember, I have been working to become “enough”. Always feeling as though I am not funny enough, skinny enough, housewife or mother material enough to my family, etc. I think mine too may stem from growing up with divorced parents and then an estranged father. Now I try to correct that by doing what my parent didn’t and paying closer attention, all the while wondering if I am doing it right. This devotional makes me realize how I need to stop and give it to God because no matter how much I try or how much I worry, God’s grace is sufficient to fill my gaps! Praise be to God! Thank you Suzi!
I’d love to give your book to my sister, who is a new mother. She is a strong woman but could be made much stronger by God’s Spirit. She’s not a believer and I think she’d find hope reading The Mom I Want to Be
I feel like I am not enough everyday and I pray God helps me with the areas I am lacking in while I am still raising my wonderful children. Thank you for the encouragement in your devotion.
Thank you so much for today’s encouraging words! I often feel like I’m not enough. Not enough for my children, for my husband, for God. It’s helpful to know I’m not alone!!
Thank you for today’s encouragement. I often feel like I’m failing at parenting and I need to remember that God fills me when I’m not enough.
Thank you Suzie for today’s devotion. Sometimes even on my best days I feel like I am not enough in the mommy department. Then I have to remember that I mess up and God determines who I am and not my emotions, my mistakes, or my own perception. Who I am in Him is redeemed, loved, and a child of the King. God gets me through my, “not enough” days and Praise the Lord I have Him on my side.
Needed to read that devotion! Thank you!
I so needed to hear this today! My 15 year old son just moved with his dad to Wisconsin over 13 hours away from me. I have definitely been feeling “not enough.” Your devotional reminded me to give it all to God and he will take care of me and my son.
I needed to hear this today, I’ve been beating myself up lately and need to rest in Jesus truth instead of Satan’s lies.
Hi, thank you for sharing your story of you and yours kids in the store. I stumbled upon this story while on the proverbs ministry site. It encouraged me. My kids are 7, 3,2, and 5 months. I’ve had many trips to the store where I leave overwhelmed, in tears, or just drained. We’ve definitely had our share of days in the home where I have felt like my best was not enough. God has reminded me that I can serve him in the every moment and in serving my family I am serving him! It was encouraging to read that it’s normal to feel this way and that we WILL get through the little years, just keep swimming!! God Bless!
Such a great read at the perfect time. 🙂
Just what I needed today… I am feeling very much “not enough” these days… There is not enough of me to go around and I keep saying yes to additional commitments while my personal life is falling apart miserably. I need to know that I AM ENOUGH! I need to say no to others and let them know that my family is first. We’ve been struggling with lingering sickness for 3 weeks and snuggling it away, but amongst all this I am learning that snuggles are the best medicine. I need to slow down and take this life in breath by breath. It is beautiful! the house can wait as can the phone and errands. I thank God everyday for my little one.
Thank you for this today…
I would love a copy of the book as it would help me take this and slow it all down and just give it up to God. Doing my best is enough for Him.
Thanks again!
Thank you so much. As a working Mom of 2 sweet little boys and a wife, friend and daughter, I needed this! I give God my not enough!!!
I’m a day late for the contest, but wanted to let you know how this post touched me. As a mom of twins myself (they were born less than two years after my oldest), I oftentimes feel that I am not enough. I enjoyed reading this post.
I am a new mom. Your post really spoke to me as I am a first time mom to a 6 week old baby boy. I can only imagine what it would be like with three toddlers. I just need to remember and embrace that I am not alone as God is always there and that he has a plan, not only for me but my son as well. I would love to win a copy of your book to help me go through the ins and outs of parenthood.
I’ve struggled with not being enough for most of my life. Having 4 kids makes me feel like not enough almost every day. I read devotions like this and feel so encouraged. Then my husband comes home and tells me I don’t do enough.
Stacey-I just wanted to say that you are more than enough regardless what anyone says to you whether your own thoughts or a loved one’s words. You are enough because God is a God of abundance. There is no lack in HIm and when He is in us there is no lack. What we can’t do, He doesn’t just fill in the gap He overflows in that area when we allow Him to. I know you are doing that. So I pray for you right now to be empowered by His Holy Spirit to recognize truth and lies, and to walk confident that you are more than enought right where you are b/c He is more than enough. Blessings Mama.
I always struggle with not being enough. I have 2 young children 10 and 6; my 6 year old is special needs well she has learning disability, she looks completely normal and has come along way since she was born, but she is hard to handle some days and i cry myself to sleep because I don’t know how to reach her somedays; I want our kids to have a strong foundation in Christ; I want us to model that for them; I get discouraged when my husband doesn’t participate in bible study at home leading our kids in learning to put God first. He comes home from work and watches TV. He is a great guy, he works hard, cleans, and cooks, but I want our kids to know Christ. anyway, so I would love this book for myself and to share with other mom’s in my life that also struggle with not being enough
I dont know if I can still enter but I’m here to try. I have so many days like this right now. From being a stay at home mom to a full time single mom out of sheer necessity has been difficult not only on me but my son. I know I’m doing what I need to and all that I can but most days it doesn’t feel like enough.
Thank you for your insight and encouragement . It seems like my inner dialogue often runs on “you’re not enough”…a frame of mind that makes me kinda mad to tell you the truth. But I’m refreshed to hear a word from God that His grace is sufficient, I’m dearly loved and so are my kids. I’m. Not. Alone.
I am amazed at how well rounded you are. As a mother I have had some regrets. I have allowed myself to be pressured by outside forces and have fallen short many times. I encourage younger mothers to spend time dwelling on their vision of what motherhood is and what God requires of us. It is hard to serve yourself and to serve God.