A Prayer for Freedom from Mom Guilt This Mother's Day

　　By Kristine Brown

　　“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” (Matthew 10:29 NIV)

　　On Mother’s Day, my young adult son gave me the sweetest card. He wrote a message expressing how much he appreciated everything I’d done for him growing up. I couldn’t help but get emotional. Seeing his gratitude etched on the page in his own handwriting was a priceless gift for this momma. But right in the midst of that special moment, my mind began wandering back to mistakes I’d made, regrets, and times I felt incapable as a mom.

　　Raising a child is by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Everything I did impacted this little person God put under my care. Yet often I felt like I was doing this mothering-thing all wrong. So many times throughout the years I fumbled through, questioning my decisions and second-guessing my choices. Then, the second-guessing would lead to mom guilt. I convinced myself that my mistakes would eventually have a negative effect on my child.

　　“Mom guilt” can be a destructive thing if we let it. We want to do our best to bring up our kids in a healthy, loving, and God-honoring environment. But when we put unrealistic expectations on ourselves, self-condemnation can surface, which is not God’s will for us. His Word says, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) God wants us to bring our cares and concerns as moms to him. He also wants us to walk confidently with the Holy Spirit in the work he appointed us to do.

　　Matthew 10:29 reveals Jesus’ own words to the disciples. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

　　In the context of this verse, Jesus was giving his twelve disciples the authority to do the work he called them to do. Yet he didn’t sugarcoat the intensity of what they would face. He laid it all out before them, then reminded them of their worth in the eyes of God. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31)

　　Like the disciples, moms are called to important work. Yes, it will be hard. Many days, we will be afraid to make the wrong decision and agonize over every little thing. But we will press on, anyway. Even when we feel like we’re failing, we can choose courage instead of fear. Jesus’ reminder about our Father’s care provides a much-needed pep talk for times when mom guilt makes us question our abilities to raise our children well.

　　This Mother’s Day, let me encourage you to find freedom from mom guilt. Jesus awaits with love, understanding, and grace. Let’s take our mistakes to Jesus and trust in the Holy Spirit to continue leading the way.

　　Let’s pray:

　　Dear God,

　　Thank you for motherhood. The journey is a hard one, but you are always faithful. This Mother’s Day, help me reflect on your goodness and grace in my life. Help me let go of mom guilt and find the freedom to enjoy this beautiful work you have called me to do. Lord, most days, I feel like I’m making one mistake after another. I try to pray and do the right things for my child, but I worry about messing up. As moms, we want the best for them. I also know you love my child even more than I do. You are the ultimate Protector and Guide. May your Holy Spirit direct my thoughts, actions, and decisions as a mom. Forgive me for past mistakes and help me live free from guilt and fear of making the wrong choices where my child is concerned. Your Word tells me that we are never outside of your care. Thank you for being the greatest example of a loving parent.

　　In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.