Freely Speaking with Shayla

Do you know what God has called for you to do? Do you wonder, “Am I doing what God has purposed for me?” I often wrestle with these thoughts!

As believers, we all have a cross to bear. “Then He said to them all: ’Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me’”(Luke 9:23 NIV). Although I sometimes struggle with what cross Jesus would require me to bear, I am confident God has called me to carry the cross of motherhood. For me, motherhood requires daily sacrifices, and to do it effectively, I must closely follow Jesus.

There is a unique cross that mothers are called to bear. The cross of motherhood is filled with highs and lows, ups and downs, peaks and valleys. And even Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to experience this! I think of what Mary had to bear as her precious son died slowly on the cross. As she looked upon His battered and bruised body, all she could do was watch from afar. She could not intervene nor help; she had to watch Him suffer.

However, while Jesus was on the cross, he left her with these words from the
Gospel according to John. “’… Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother’”(John 19:26b-27 NIV). So today, I encourage you to carry your cross of motherhood by beholding your child!

Behold your child, whether big or small, young or old. Behold your child, whether they are saved or unsaved. Behold your child, whether on the road to success or lost and confused. Behold your child, whether they are straight or gay. Love your child, embrace your child, and pray for your child! I pray that God gives you the grace and strength to bear the cross of motherhood.