Did Our Moms Struggle?

Do you think our struggles as moms are way more “out there” than past generations of women? I believe it’s a combination of women speaking more freely, the internet and a different time in life.

 

I see pros and cons for this.

 

I believe the same struggles have always been there. I believe there have always been women that were feeling lost from God. I believe there have always been women that were not where they dreamed to be. I believe there were moms that were weary and afraid. I believe moms were overwhelmed and alone.

 

I  believe there was always an army of strong women that were brave, courageous and hard-working.

 

I believe in some ways – they had less to do because society was different. We have added 122 clubs and volunteer activities and social norms. However, we have lowered the number of kids per household. But perhaps their plates were more full because they were baking and making every meal when ordering out is acceptable for us? Oh, we could debate this all day. I am not trying to stir the pot – mostly just thinking about how we deal with struggles – internally or together as a group. As a community.

 

So, what do you think? Have times changed? Did our moms struggle the same? Were they just gracious to keep their struggles secret? Is it good that we build community and work through these things together?

 

As often as I get the precious kid stories – I get the RAW comments from moms. Some friends and some emails. Here are some over the last 6 months that break my heart.

 

“I want the joy that you have. Motherhood isn’t what I thought. I haven’t had joy at all in four years.”

“I am so far from God. I don’t experience Him at all. I don’t know where to start.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late. I’ve let down my kids in this area (faith).”

“This is so different than I thought. I am not where I thought I would be. This is not me.”

Are you in the 25%?

My friend Kristen SO ENCOURAGES the moms that is not where she thought today. Please take time to read this. You are not alone. Are you in the 25%?

Please come back tomorrow and hear about women’s groups. Through the Build ‘Em Up series we are going to try and link up as many of you as we can. We belong together – in community. Sharing our struggles face to face. Walking through motherhood together.

 

What do you think?

Did our moms struggle and just process differently?