The image in question read, "Mom you're changing the world one hug at a time..."
What do I say to that? I didn't say anything. I just closed the message and considered the root of my ministry, which is that of a Titus 2 Woman.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. - Titus 2:3-5, NIVThe interesting thing here is that Paul wrote that piece of scripture. He was a single man without children, but he knew the importance of encouraging those who do.
It's one thing to have a brand, but it's another thing for me to be flexible enough to allow the Lord to lead where He will.
I won't box myself in for the sake of my image. I'll open myself for the sake of the Lord. And if He calls me to write something different tomorrow? Then I'll follow His lead regardless of what the sign says.
What I love about my readers is that while so many of you are single--you get it. You understand that while I'm encouraging wives and mothers there's usually something here to be gleaned by everyone. At least I pray that there is. We all have flesh that is at war against our spirit and we're all fighting the good fight for the Lord.
Back to the comment, because I do have a point here--and that is that it didn't bother me like it could have. Because the thing is that I know what the Lord is calling me to do, and I know that encouraging moms is in line with that mission.
When we know that we know what we know, we can stand up for what we believe. When we're armed with scripture we can draw from our faith. That's why the Bible tells us that the Word of God is sharper than any two edged sword. It cuts through the lies that attack us and threaten to draw us away from the Lord.
We hear lies daily. Whether they're internal or external, Satan is at work dragging you down. His mission is to discourage you and draw you away from your faith. His tactics have a way of sucking the joy out of you until all you're left with is a feeling of self-doubt and defeat.
Just knowing this makes me want to grab hold of scripture tighter than I ever have. I want to be like Jesus Who while He was tempted rebuked Satan's lies with the truth of God's Word. That Word is available to each and every one of us, and it's the most powerful source on earth.
Dig deep and if you start to feel discouraged, dig deeper yet.
I want to be immersed in Your Word. More of you, Lord, less of me.
You are loved by an almighty God,
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P.S. Here are a few of my favorite parenting images. You don't mind if I share them do you?
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I was never blessed to have children of my own, I enjoy your blog and whatever the Lord lays on your heart to share with us. I have two step-children and do my best to help and encourage mom even though I am not experienced in the department encouragement goes a long way. Keep doing what you are doing you are helping us all and we can share with others because of you. You do a fantastic job:)
ReplyDeleteI Love your Blog, and your daily Facebook encouragement, thank you for not changing !! I also appreciate your humility in responding to this criticism.. As a first time mommy I need all the mommy encouragement I can get! thank you!!
ReplyDeleteMy children are grown but I still read many of the posts you have for young mothers because I can usually glean something from them despite not having little ones around my house. I think some of them have inspired me to be a better grandmother, mother, and even mother-in-law! I may feel differently if I had no children but most of us encounter children on a regular basis (at church, restaurants, stores, etc.) so an occasional "mommy" post can be helpful. If the Lord leads you in that direction, go! But I do love the "wife" posts an awful lot, so I selfishly hope He doesn't :-)
ReplyDeleteGood morning Darlene,
ReplyDeleteI am a young wife and mother. Every morning after I read my devotional, I come to your blog to see if you have anything new. I have only been reading for about a month, but you have completely changed my life. You are such a huge inspiration to me in all aspects of my life. I'm sorry that the one woman could not see that,. God is working through you and you are an encouragement to me every single day.
Hi Darlene~ You could not be more right in the position you took this week. I am a 52 year old woman with no biological children (although my teenage niece and nephew lived with us after the death of their mother) and I love that you encourage women in all stages and roles of life. If a post doesn't specifically apply to me, I have the option to not read it...but I've found so much very worth reading in your blog. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteDear lady--I thought that being a good mom WAS a part of being a good wife. The person who unfollowed you is in need of prayer, since she is obviously confused. There are many things you blog about that I don't do at this time in my life, and yet, I always look to see if the message applys to me--and it often does. It's the MESSAGE, not the medium it is presented in, that counts. You just keep going, dear lady, in the way that God is guiding you. I'll try to keep up!
ReplyDeleteLoved this. It's so true. I write a blog too and often write about parenting, homeschooling, etc. It's hard to realize that singles are also reading it and could be hurt of offended by the constant talk about parenting. But, truth is... we have to be true to what we're called to. If you wrote to singles, then the marrieds would be up in arms. ha! Christ has a purpose for each and every stage in life and each and every individual walk. Stay true to what He's called us to... and we walk in His grace. :) Keep smiling! Cass@ http://www.theunpluggedfamily.com
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you were able to stand in the knowledge that you are sharing what God has put on your heart. I can see how for some women "parenting posts" can be hard especially if they do not have children. Yet there are also many women who are both wife and mother. From what I have observed sometimes the best way to encourage a wife is to encourage her as a mother. It is entirely possible to let discouragement in one area of our lives effect us in others.
ReplyDeleteI fully enjoy all the different posts you make whether they are focused solely on the aspect of being a wife or if they also cross over into other areas like parenting. As a single mom who has never been married I find great encouragement in all the different types of posts.
Haven't been following you for very long, but wanted to say thank you. You do make a difference!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog and have saved lots of info gleaned from the information you provide. I hope you will not be offended by this comment, but: if you are so sure of what you've stated in today's post, then why devote the entire post to defending yourself? Could it be possible that the person who contacted you may be struggling with infertility and unknowingly, you struck a very painful place in her heart? We all come from different places, maybe say a special prayer for that person for the issue that prompted her response to you and move on. We, your audience, are not the ones needing to be convinced of your calling.
ReplyDeleteDarlene thank you for this blessed post. If any of us can truly understand the book of Titus for women, we know its an umbrella. Yes, maybe not all of us may be under every particular part of that umbrella, but if anything, it can open our eyes to others who are! When i think time warp wife, i automatically think mothering too. Possibly its because I AM under that part of the umbrella. wife, mother, home keeper etc etc. So..... I said all that to say this.....thankyou! As women we can get discouraged with all our umbrella's, and the blessed opportunities that lie therein, but God is using you my sweet sister to bless many of us "human" "sin natured" Titus woman. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" My oldest is in his first year of college and my youngest is 8. and when we can come along aside any sister and give that word of encouragement, that deep sharpening word, we are truly blessing. Anyways, Keep on keeping on. (by the way, i heard no hint of frustration at all, just felt led to encourage you)
ReplyDeleteThanks Darlene for encouraging us in all stages of Godly womanhood.
ReplyDeleteSomeone once suggested that you make a calendar with all these fabulous quotes and pictures. I think it would make a wonderful Christmas present if you did! ;)
ReplyDeleteAPPLAUSE, APPLAUSE! Darlene, you just keep bringin' whatever it is you feel led to bring. You write so beautifully; that's a God-given talent, and I am certain our Lord is using you as a messenger. What a blessing you are to so very many families who hunger for faith, understanding, instruction and GRACE! Keep shouting the love!
ReplyDeleteMissouri Grammy
Let's dig even deeper... I am guessing that the person who commented is probably is struggling with infertility. She needs prayer for her hurting heart. It's not easy looking at pictures of happy Mommy and baby when it is out of your grasp.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if this was the case as well.
DeleteSorry that happened to you. Sometimes we say what we want and it offends people and sometimes we share what the Lord wants and it offends. We should always be careful on not offending other with our words or actions. But if it comes from the Lord then oh well. If someone get's offended with god's words that is between them and the Lord. You did the right thing. Matt 5:30 . You cannot sugar coat what the Lord is saying. Hopefully her heart will be convicted and she come back to the blog. She will miss out on so much blessings if she does not.
ReplyDeleteAmen sister!
ReplyDeleteKeep on keeping on in the ministry the Lord has for you.
Praying for you and this ministry.
It blesses me tremendously.
I am totally digging your blog your mentorship...keep it up...the. Lord knows what he is doing through you. Remain faithful to that calling...love ya!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Thank you for your encouragement. Not everyone will be happy with everything you do and say but keep doing what God has called you to do. That is all that matters. :)
ReplyDeleteI just found your site a few weeks ago and girl, this daily housekeeping schedule is changing my little housewife world! :)
ReplyDeleteI've recently had two people attack me; one person whom I've known longer than any other friend and the other a complete stranger looking to buy something from me on Craigslist. Both said hurtful things that I did, after about a day, let go of, but I knew Satan was trying to settle in my heart and work his way through my bloodstream. This post is very timely for me, so I thank you and pray the Lord will continue to speak to you and to us through you.
Thank you so much for your ministry and heart! I get so much from your beautiful emails. I too have a ministry to women to encourage them according to Proverbs 31 and Titus 2. All though we focus a lot on marriage and mothering I encourage every women of every season whether single or married with children or no children to come. If a heart is open anyone can always gain something because it is going over truth in the Word of God. The things that apply to me in my marriage will apply to the single woman maybe in just her day to day relationships. God's Word and principles are amazing in that way! I will be posting those beautiful quotes you posted on my website.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sarah Winn
www.happyhealthyblessed.com
Hello
ReplyDeleteI always love reading your posts, I am a mother of two, any information or encouragement is always welcome. Although I am raising my children in the Muslim faith it is very important for me to teach the about the glory of God. I'm not sure that you know but in Islam Mothers are deemed more important than fathers;
"Do good to and serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then the near relatives and then those who come after them."[Mazhari]
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) continually used to remind his followers of the status of the mother and the obligation of being good to one's parents. The following narration is a beautiful example of the noble position of the mother:
A man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He replied: "Your mother." The man asked: Then who? So he replied: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: "Your mother." The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: "Then your father." (Sahîh Bukhârî 5971 and Sahîh Muslim 7/2)
If we as mothers want our children to hold us in great esteem we need to raise them in love.
I love your writing even though we may not be of the same faith, I find you very refreshing!
Your Muslim friend -x-
Darlene....I am so glad you continue to do what the Lord has placed on your heart. I am saddened by the harsh people that try to bring you down. The children I have running through my house are now in their 20's, but I still enjoy your blog. Whether it be on marriage, parenting or just your daily life....I always enjoy your words and find encouragement in them. Keep it up my friend and stay strong in the Lord!
ReplyDeleteI don't have kids, and i'm not married.
ReplyDeleteBut i love reading your posts!...they're inspiring.
Whether i'm just gonna tuck it into my heart for the future, or even think of it in ways that work for now to make me a better sister, daughter and friend, there's always something for me to get out of it.
Thank you for your ministry and for listening to God!
I think some women are very sensitive about this topic. There are some of us who cannot have children. There are some of us who have lost children. There are some of us who cling to purity and have not yet found a partner and are coming to the realization that we will never be able to experience motherhood in this life. Some women hear "Be a good mother" and immediately feel hurt and excluded. I remember sitting in church as a young woman on Mother's Day when flowers were handed to all of the mothers. The looks on the faces of women who had lost babies, or did not yet have husbands, or who were struggling with infertility...it broke my heart to see them left out. Yes, being a mother is a very special calling, but to be more inclusive, I've found it useful to use "mother" as a verb rather than a noun or a title. Not all women who give birth are capable of mothering properly. Some women who do not give birth are able to mother children in different capacities...Sunday school teachers, day care workers and teachers, favorite aunts and doting neighbor ladies. Let's focus on how we all support each other in loving and mothering children, and less on who is and who is not blessed enough to carry that title. We can all use mothering skills to be better people, better teachers, better sisters, better wives, better daughters, and better neighbors as we all work towards meeting our very different and special callings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wisdom, ladies. I love the way you sharpen me and help me see areas where I may be insensitive.
ReplyDeleteMatthew 5:11
ReplyDelete“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.
Luke 6:22
Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man's sake.
Please keep writing, and let no one stop you except our Lord Himself!
I'm a 31 year old woman who has been a single mother for 11 years now. I used to feel slighted and hurt when I would read blog posts which put wives and mothers under the same umbrella. It made me feel excluded and offended that people just ASSUME that every Christian woman married at 18 and is raising her children with a husband. Well, then I searched scriptures for myself, discovered God's intentions from the very beginning, grew up, and got over myself. Lol. I love to read about how to be a better mother AND wife now. That issue that I had stemmed from guilt and condemnation that I ALLOWED satan to yoke me with and I never fully submitted myself to the Lord and allowed Him to heal me from my past. I just stumbled upon your blog(looking up practical house cleaning tips of all things). I am here for as long as you are. You are doing a great work in the kingdom and body of Christ, and your response in this post is one of such humility and grace. You are worthy of Godly admiration by the single, married, mothers and others just alike. God bless you.
ReplyDelete