Stronger Than We Think: Encouragment for Moms

“I don’t know how you all do it.” Many civilian women/moms say to me. “I could never be without my husband for that long. I’d go insane.” 

Ha! What makes them think I’m not insane? There are days I teeter on the edge of insanity. I’m sure my kids would agree.

It’s not like I want to be without my husband. I don’t look forward to him leaving for lengthy periods of time. Although, admittedly, I don’t mind a nice week or two away here and there, lol. To these women/moms who think they couldn’t do Army life, I say to you: you’re stronger than you think. I was stronger than I thought, BUT, that took some hard knocks to find out.

Life happens. Things are thrown your way whether you’re military or not. I’ve learned that it’s how you respond that matters. We learn to be strong. Courageous, kind and loving. Whining, fussing, and complaining does no good for anyone. It stresses my husband out, depresses me, frustrates our children, and causes rifts in our marriage, and family.

How did I learn? Where else? The Bible of course. I totally still struggle with being strong, brave, courageous, kind and loving. I’m such a work in progress–like right n
ow, I’m Picasso looking. There are days I just want to crumble, and I need to cry. I need to vent. Then I get back up, and say, “Okay, God, help me out.”

Take a few moments can and check out the verses below that help keep life in perspective when times get hard. They remind us that we are stronger than we think.

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” Philippians 2:14

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> because you know that the testing of your faith<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> produces perseverance.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)”> Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”> and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4


“And we know that in all things God works for the good<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> of those who love him, who have been called<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28


“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13


“But the fruit<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> of the Spirit is love,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”> Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23


No, in all these things we are more than conquerors<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37


“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2


“But he said to me, “My grace<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> is sufficient for you, for my power<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(B)”> is made perfect in weakness.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)”>”<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)”>Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9


Ever in a bind? Don’t know what to do, how to respond, or what the next move should be? Ask God. He gives wisdom to those that ask.  

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,<span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(A)”> who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5