Being Real

QT05_RememberMyChains

Colossians 4:18
“I, Paul, write this in my own words. Remember my chains.”

It’s interesting that Paul, this champion for Christ, this man who “gave it all” for Jesus to the point of martyrdom, was real enough to ask for prayer. Real enough to say “remember my chains.”  He told the people exactly what was struggling with and he asked his friends to share it far and wide.

He was being real. He wasn’t hiding. I believe it’s because Paul knew that he needed all the help he could get.  It’s a good lesson for all of us.

It’s easy as moms to hide, isn’t it? It’s easy to put on a brave face and pretend that we have it all together.  For me, it’s often easier to get on Facebook or my blog and talk about the things that are going right.  After all—who wants to talk about the things that are going wrong?  That’s embarrassing!

Truthfully, no one is encouraged when we appear to have it all together.  What IS encouraging though, is to hear a mom talk about her everyday struggles and be real about them while not giving up. It’s encouraging to see moms who follow Jesus through struggles and difficulties. That’s the example that Paul set for us.

I want to encourage you today to be real with those people around you who God has put into your life. Tell them when you’re struggling and when you’re succeeding—and walk in truth with each other.

When we pray for each other, we tap into the power of God. The Bible tells us that true strength comes from God.  There are no guarantees—but when we surrender our lives to the One who made us, we find a peace that passes understanding.

Give it a shot today, busy mom. Be real with each other. Pray for each other. Encourage one another. And then, see what the Lord will do.

 

 

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About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

15 thoughts on “Being Real

  1. Cynthia Broadwater

    I love these podcasts. thank you so much. I have a question though do you know if there is anything like this, anywhere for the Husbands/dads? My husband has heard a few of these as I’ve listened to them and I’ve noticed that men sometimes need just as much encouragement as us moms.

    Reply
  2. Teri Roy

    I agree with keeping it real! I am a “struggling homeschool mom of triplet 14 year olds!” I NEED to hear real stories of others’ struggles, otherwise I tend to let the sin of comparison creep into my life. Thanks Heidi for keeping it real! So appreciate this blog and your FB posts.

    Reply
  3. Stephanie Farrelly

    Thanks for the encouraging reminder to be real. I find that when I take the “mask” of perfection off and I am real with those around me then that’s when I begin to see the LORD at work in my life. He brings the right people at the right time to provide an encouraging word or a heartfelt prayer. I’ve been enjoying these few minutes with you each day.

    Reply
    1. Heidi Post author

      Hi Stephanie! I agree—it’s so much easier to see the Lord at work when we’re not trying for perfection. I’m glad you’re enjoying the devotions, because I am LOVING doing them with everyone! 🙂 ((hugs))

      Reply
  4. Sarah

    Heidi, I want to say thank you for taking the time to blog and being so open and honest. Every time I read your words I am truly blessed by them. Thank you for encouraging me as a wife and mother through the word and being real. It means so much.

    Reply
  5. Cherie

    Thank you for this reminder! When you said it seems like sometimes the struggles get harder but don’t give up, that’s what helped me most. I gave up at one time because the struggle of keeping my family together was so hard. The devil was working hard to break my marriage up so i had stopped going to church. We are still together but it has taken time and God to get us through. I know now the struggles get harder but to never give up!

    Reply

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