“You are enough.”
I see this everywhere and as a mom, it really just irks me. I know that’s the opposite of the intended effect. It’s supposed to encourage me, but—and maybe this is just me—it makes me feel so condescended to and very very frustrated.
I live with me, oh valiant mom influencers with your messy buns and perfect homes. I see all the times I snap at my kids. I see all the times I give up and say, “Well, I kept them alive so that’s a win. Who cares if I get to the laundry?” I see all the ways I’ve failed to teach them in teachable moments and given up teaching in difficult moments.
I know I’m decidedly not enough. I don’t have enough hands, enough brain power, enough motivation, enough time, enough energy, enough kindness, enough patience, enough… anything.
When I look inside myself, I see an endless tunnel of insufficiencies. When I hear the placating “You’re enough!” mantra, it makes me feel like nobody is seeing the big or real picture. How can you say I’m enough? Have you seen my kitchen? Better yet, have you seen my heart?
Fortunately, there is somebody who sees my heart. He sees all of it, from the most desperate worship to the deepest, most revolting sins. And He, not I, is enough.
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
As a mom, as a wife, as a woman, I am not enough. And that’s not just okay, that’s as it should be. Christ is enough and His power dwells in me. He compels me to be more kind, be more loving, more hands-on in my parenting, more godly, more motherly, more… well, more. Without His grace, I am not nearly enough. But He is enough for me, giving me the strength to glorify Him through all phases of life.
So fellow mom, struggling to feel worthy during all the gritty aspects of parenting— no, you’re not enough. But you don’t have to be. God is enough. He will lead you and give you the strength to lead your kids. Why settle for “you’ve got this, mama!” when you can realise that God’s got YOU, mama?
Becoming Still Waters 
Another A+ for you my dear. I remember snapping at our children and saying “I can’t handle this anymore.” That was my mantra, many times. And then, I’d look into their eyes and the guilt would settle in. Now that they are all adults I’ve been able to go to them and ask their forgiveness for many things I did wrong as a Mom. It took years for me to see that Mr. Swift and I did not fail, but we were just two individuals who realized that we were human, sinners and that even though we thought, at times that the world was caving around us and around our children, we were not alone. And the scripture that you shared holds true; And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
One thing I want to share with you as well, Emily. We cannot go back. It won’t help us. We can only go forward. Whatever happened on a given day at 2 pm with your girls, let it go. Look forward. Now that Paul and I live in Vermont, I miss our children so much. They come to visit when they can, but it’s not the same. So, cherish your girls now! It’s the only time you have with them at this stage of your lives with Robert. Be encouraged that you are not alone. I’m praying for you and I’m sure your family is a huge support. I’m sure many are praying for you.
Don’t give up. Hang in there. (I’m sure you’ve heard this a zillion times.) When you want to snap, quietly count to 10 and try to see where they are coming from. Oh, now I’m just rambling, but you know what I’m trying to say. Life is short. Our children are on loan to us from the Lord. Jesus loves us and loves them so much.
You are loved, you are smart, you are talented and I’m so glad you are my friend and sister-in-Christ.
With much love,
Mrs. Swift ❤
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