Hi guys! It’s Jessica, from Thoughtfully Styled and I’m sharing something I’ve not shared before and my hope is that other moms in the same situation will find hope and most importantly know you are not alone. I want to share how my strong willed child brought me closer to Jesus.
I’m a proud mom of twin five year olds. I have a boy and a girl that are more opposite that any two siblings I think I’ve ever seen. I love their different personalities but because they are so different my parenting style must be different with each.
Quite honestly, my daughter is tough. She is extremely strong willed and until recently I would find myself worrying about what I would do as she got older and if she was this difficult now just imagine what she would be like as a teenager. The meltdowns would have to get “worse” right? She has brought me to my knees in prayer when I am at a complete loss on how to handle her. I prayed that God would help her control her emotions and to think before she responds to others and that she would understand that she couldn’t always get her way.
Then one day it hit me like a tons of bricks – she is ME and while those prayers aren’t “bad” what I really needed to be praying is that she would follow Jesus. The very behaviors that are difficult to parent are the very traits that are going to make her a world changer. Determined, passionate, independent, decisive, are all words to describe my daughter. I’m praying that God will channel these traits toward a great purpose. While my realization didn’t make my next parenting day easier, it did make me pause before reacting and think before I spoke. I’m praying that God will help guide me and that I will not stifle my passionate child. She is a gift and I cannot wait to see how God uses her.
If I’m being completely transparent, this is probably most difficult because I see myself in her. It’s going to be a long road. But my daughter has taught me more about needing Jesus than anyone and for that I am so grateful. I pray we will both seek Him as we navigate this life together and that I will lead by example.
I’m so very grateful for this little family of mine, but boy do I need Jesus to help me on a daily basis. When I’m feeling defeated, tired, and like I’m not making a difference I must lay it at His feet. Can any of you relate? Have a strong willed child or perhaps you are strong willed? How do you pray for your child?
Have a wonderful day, y’all! Thanks so much for spending some time with me and head over to Thoughtfully Styled for more!
Photos by Diamond Oak Photography
Leave a Reply