RE: Remain, simply staying is sometimes simply enough

Sometimes all we can do is REMAIN and that is enough. 

It’s not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed by.

Remaining in motherhood is HARD. 

The number of times I wanted to just give up and quit are too innumerable to count. The words “I quit” became a chorus often sung in my life. My husband started to wonder when my final act would play out. My wake up call came when I saw the face of my oldest as the words came out of my mouth in front of him. Such shame filled me for allowing my emotions cause that kind of fear in my son. Apologizing to my son did not feel like enough. I needed a perspective shift to continue on, to rebuild trust that I was there for him. For me this looked like celebrating the fact that those thoughts and feelings have not won out. I have chosen to remain.

Remaining doesn’t feel heroic or romantic yet somehow it truly is.

Are in a spot where running away seems ideal? I have been there! Is hiding from those tiny people you would give your life for a current dream? I have been there. Every single time you choose to stay you should party it up!!! I mean it. A ticker tape parade with all the fanfare you can stand! To remain through the late nights, temper tantrums, potty training, getting into EVERYTHING stages (and others) is a big deal. 

I am not kidding, PARTY it up!!! Especially on those days when the feelings of defeat overwhelm you. Turn on the music you love and dance your heart out with your little people.

Just so you know, the thought of bailing is normal. I have had several friends tell me similar thoughts and feelings, you are not alone. Keep from beating yourself up for bad moments, days or even weeks. You have and are sticking it out. Well, done! Bravo! You are a true hero!!! 

In the Bible Jesus talks about the importance of remaining in John 15.

⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

John 15:4-11

The power of simply remaining is highlighted over and over. Remaining in Christ and Christ in the Father is what empowers us to grow and produce spiritual fruit. I truly believe that when we choose to remain in hard seasons our roots go down deeper. With that depth will come vibrancy and fruit in years to come. 

So, sister, do not grow weary in remaining; keep at it, the fruit will come in season it just may not be seen for a while.