Job 38:36 (New Living Translation)
I parented my second newborn so differently than my first.
When my first daughter was born, I was bombarded by the “you must do…” “you can’t do… “ “never do…” So many warnings! Did you know how many ways a baby could die?!
I was overwhelmed. And because I couldn’t live up to every directive every day, I ended most nights feeling guilty, exhausted, and afraid. Somewhere along the way, I stopped using my intuition.
Of course, like any new mom, I had so much to learn and I definitely made mistakes (accidentally cutting the finger tip along with the finger nail, anyone?). But when I took a deep breath, set my sights on what actually mattered for our family, and followed an intuition guided by the Spirit, we did just fine. My children were happy (and they survived!). And I was ok.
I heard Bozoma Saint John recently say, “If you don’t use [your intuition], you lose it.” I think that’s so true. As a Christian mom, our intuition isn’t just instincts, it’s deeply intertwined with the Spirit. When we ignore it or drown it out, things get weird.
Mamas, if you’re caught in the swirl of everyone else’s advice, take a breath. Give yourself time to not know what to do next, speak to God, and then go with the Spirit’s nudge, your intuition.
The Lord chose you for this baby you care for. Your motherhood is on purpose, a divine choice — no other Mom can Mom your babies like you can.
Emily
Have more time?
Read the verse in a more common translation: Job 38 is more like a rant. The Lord is calling down to Job in the storm, describing The Lord’s power in the heavens and on earth.
The Christian song I had on repeat this week: “Give It Time” by Terrian
The not-Christian song I had on repeat this week: “Blue Lights” by Wheelwright
The good news I needed: Doctor notices a boy come in alone for heart surgery and decides to adopt him (and then all his siblings). (CBS)
A quote I liked: “Sometimes maturing in Christ means letting people think things about you that aren’t true, and remaining quiet, and trusting God is more than able to defend you.” by unknown.
