When You’re Feeling Alone as a Mom-Pt. 2
By Rhonda Stoppe
If you didn’t catch part 1 please check it out here and then keep reading!
I Need Help, Lord!
Reading books had given me some basic ground rules for this new playing eld, but I also wanted to learn from real-life examples. My mother-in-law, who had raised two wonderful sons, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was no longer the vibrant help she had been when my daughter was born.
The young mothers I knew seemed no more prepared for raising a son than I was. I had no idea how to ask God for what I needed. I felt alone and desperate for answers. I’ve since learned that one of God’s favorite prayers is that of a simple cry for help flowing from a humble and desperate heart. I was both humbled and desperate as I uttered the plea, “I need help, Lord.”
God graciously answered my prayer by bringing several older, godly women into my life. I am now in my 50’s, and I have to laugh at how old they seemed to me when I was in my twenties.
These women were not scholars or trained in child development. As mothers of sons, they had traveled down this path ahead of me. They had insights and understanding into what I was experiencing. Their lives had not been perfect or free from trials. They were genuine, precious, and vulnerable as they taught me what God had taught them. When I shared my struggles I did not feel judged; rather, I felt loved.
Titus 2:4 instructs older women to admonish younger women how to love their husbands and their children, and this group of women wholeheartedly obeyed that command.
Of all the friendships I have had, the relationships that developed with these women have by far been the most pivotal in my life. They taught me not only how to parent, but how to become the mother God wanted me to become. In this season of life, my heart’s desire is to be an older woman God can use to pour courage and confidence into you, just as those women did for me.* (excerpt Moms Raising Sons to Be Men)
In whatever season of motherhood you find yourself, remember you are not alone. God has called you to raise up the next generation for His Kingdom purposes. And to whatever God calls us He will also equip us if we would but ask for His help.
If you’re feeling alone in your ministry of motherhood, look around for mothers who have walked the path before you. Reach out and ask them for help. Not simply to babysit for you so you can get away from your kids ––although sometimes that was the biggest blessing from the mentors in my life. But ask them to share with you their motherhood wisdom and guidance. And then, be willing to make the adjustments that they suggest.
Remember, it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure. Ask Him to be with you through the pages of Scripture, wisdom from His Holy Spirit, and counsel from godly mentors (see Philippians 2:13, James 1:5, Proverbs 24:6). This is the path to motherhood without regrets, and you will not be alone in your journey.
~Rhonda
Rhonda Stoppe is dedicated to help women LIVE LIFE WITH NO REGRETS.
Rhonda is the author of 6 books including: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men , and Real Life Romance Her newest book is The Marriage Mentor, is co-authored with her Pastor-husband, Steve Stoppe. (Harvest House Publishers) With over 30 years experience of helping women build a life with no regrets as a pastor’s wife, mentor, speaker, author, mom & grandmother. She’s appeared frequently on Focus on the Family co-host of The No Regrets Hour, and other popular Christian Radio broadcasts. Rhonda helps women to:
- Break free from regrets that hold them back
- Grow in wholehearted devotion to Christ
- Find victory over people-pleasing
- Have the marriage others only dream about
- Build a godly legacy to become more influential than they ever dreamed possible
Rhonda is passionate to share the gospel and teach women the sound doctrine of scripture. Rhonda and Steve have been married 38 years and live out their own real-life romance on their ranch in Northern California. To invite Rhonda to Speak at your women’s event, or to book the Stoppe’s No Regrets Marriage Conference please visit: www.NoRegretsWoman View: Promo Video & marriage videos
Bonus: Watch this fun video of Steve & Rhonda sharing their own love story.
Connect with Rhonda: FaceBook: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman Instagram: @RhondaStoppe Twitter: @RhondaStoppe Newsletter: NoRegretsWoman.com
