image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I sometimes wonder why if we aspire to live a more plain and simple life why do we seem to suffer things. I don’t mean suffer as far as physical pain or loss, I mean suffer more like feeling the sting of rejection from others and sometimes financial burdens. It seems all of us go through it but sometimes it seems it is always lurking right behind us, waiting to catch up.
We knew it would not be an easy life. Choosing to homeschooling our children is not an easy task. The loss of income and the amount of time it takes to school your own is consuming. Sometimes we may think, maybe getting that job just so we can have a little more money or that vacation would be worth it. But even through the trials of continuously working at our tasks as stay at home moms it is far better to be home with your children teaching and training them then enjoying fleshy desires. It may take years to see your work come to fruition, but it is a job well worth it.
Maybe your choice is in choosing to wear a head covering. Some ladies go through feelings of doubt and rejection in wearing one. I know some that doubt their beauty and what people socially think of them. Some may desire a church that covers and will even scrimp on religious beliefs just to go to one that covers in order to “fit in.”
Sometimes we as “plain and simple” women might just grow weary of being the “strong” ones. Sometimes it may be that we are the ONLY ones. Finding like minded sisters in the Lord can be a struggle for many. I know I have struggled much throughout the years trying to find like minded sisters whom I can reach out and share with. I am thankful that the Lord took me through a time of just seeking Him, making it easy for me to avoid looking to others for advice. I am very thankful for the women he has placed into my life now and also grateful for the quiet times that I felt alone.
It could be that we choose not to have computer access, thus making it very difficult to be able to fellowship or search out other women. Feelings of discontent start creeping in with our choices of life.
What about choosing to wear only skirts or dresses? Dressing in skirts alone can be a struggle. In our ever-present society where everyone wears jeans as the “norm” and modesty is way over looked. If you believe in modesty you are definitely an oddity, thus making you feel alone again even in our churches.
Sometimes as we choose this narrow path it seems we are set up for trouble and heartache. But we have to be so content in our walk with the Lord and know that His ways are pleasing. If we were walking the path as everyone else, than we would not be worth the time of the deceiver’s trouble.
I say this not to say that people who do not choose the narrow way are less likely to have trouble and sorrows, rather, they have a different type. We all suffer in our own way and for different reasons. That is a result of the fall from grace. But, in our suffering there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are headed towards that light.
When your children are older, they will look back and see the example that you set for them. They will be grateful for a mother who sacrificed and “suffered” so that she could raise her children with good morals and values. They will see that you chose to do the best for them and put their needs above your own by choosing to stay home.
You may have people that look at you in an odd manner. They may gossip, or talk badly about you behind your back, but that is okay. Be content in your walk and choice of life. Don’t presume that you know what goes on in everyone’s heads. We can’t look upon man’s heart. That look or that comment may be them trying to figure out what gives you your convictions to go a different route. They might be wondering where your inner strength comes from? And why they don’t have it?
The people who openly question and make unkind remarks are usually being touched by the Holy Spirit. Otherwise, why would they care? You might be the only light shining to these souls, showing them another path. If people choose to criticize you they will have to respect you for standing up and walking against the grain.
Pay attention to the ones that are not in your immediate path of life. The mom at the grocery store who sees that you don’t purchase processed foods but choose to make healthy food for your family. Maybe it will be the bank teller who is struggling with wanting to wear dresses full time. Maybe it will be a conviction of wearing a head covering for someone who feels that they can’t socially wear one. We don’t know everyone’s struggles of life, but we do know that we are called to be an example. To let our light shine before men, so that they can see our works of the Father.
When those struggles get you down and you doubt that you are strong enough to keep going, take the focus off of yourself and turn it back towards God. God is using you for a better purpose than you can even imagine. Let these tough times come, ride them out, gain wisdom to learn what to do the next time around. Finally, testify of the goodness of what God has done in your life to others. This is the biggest encouragement to others. Take your persecution as a blessing and rejoice over it.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10
Hi, Amy. I follow you on youtube and am now reading your blog. I am a saved Christian woman and I used to wear only dresses too. I do dress modestly but I wear pants and leggings sometimes too. It is a struggle to “please” others sometimes but I have learned that even though we need to be good examples and lights of Jesus in this world, pleasing God must come first. I like all of your videos. Our children are all raised now and doing well except for our oldest son who unfortunately got into trouble at the age of 38 and took his own life leaving behind a wife and 7 children. Sad! God is so good though and has been with me every minute of every day. I am struggling right now fighting cancer (stage 4) alternatively which is tough at times. I am still able to work full time and I praise the Lord for healing me which I am believing for. When I get too tired to do much, I watch your videos and am so encouraged by your wonderful upbeat and humble, kind spirit!! You and your beautiful family are such a bright example of how we should live. Thank you for all the wonderful hours of video and encouragement in the Lord! May God continue to richly bless you and yours with all things wonderful. Prayers for you as you walk with Him. 🙂
Ann, reading your story has made my heart melt. I am so sorry the trials you have gone through. I am happy that you have found comfort in Jesus…it is the only way. I am also excited that you are believing Jesus for your healing and not accepting what the doctors tell you. I am glad that we are a little light of sunshine in your days:) I thank the Lord for people like you who watch and let me know. I am blessed as you are too!
I find it so hard to live as a Christian mother of young children. My kids go to a public school and I constantly feel discouraged. Not for my children but for myself. I feel like I cannot
connect with the mothers at this school because I have yet to find one that has the same beliefs as me. I go to play groups and I don’t feel comfortable and don’t really click with the other mothers. I stumbled across this post and I am encouraged by it. What choice do I have but to lean closer to God and pray.
Yes…I have felt more than one out of place with other people. But being where God has you to be is the BEST place to be:)
I want to be a stay at home mom. I decided to Home School my daughters this year, Shelby 14 Nora 10.
it isn’t easy. we get up every morning Monday through Friday at 7 30 am. and somedays we end our Schooling between 2:30 or 3 I then go and start my night shift job. I want so badly to be at home, but this isn’t possible for our family at this time. Me and my husband work to keep bills paid and food on our table, we live paycheck to paycheck.
I am so glad that a friend of mine had shared your website, you indeed are a life saver, I was struggling finding a site for my girls. We watch your videos and we love it! Beautiful family!
I love your blog, I love everything you do from house hold chore to cooking and Bible reading. you truly are an inspiration to me.
my girls are doing a chore list, and also cooking.
Thank you for providing your free Home Schooling. I look forward to see more videos and soon we will be getting your books as well.
God indeed has blessed you. have a blessed week.
I am thankful you shared your story. You are one busy momma:) But you are doing it and that is wonderful! Just keep plugging away with it and it will get better:)
Amy
i feel so upset at times because my mom just began a YouTube page and she as thyroid problems so she is big because of it but it seems she as a bully she said if he is bulling her then he is leaving her alone i have to thank you because mom watch you every morning early morning and she says god as her and that sometimes people bully for reason of they dont understand or to make them self feel better i know you talked about mean people on your you tube page but what can mom do , mom made something of yours for dinner with alot of swap outs because she cant have somethings ,but it was so good ,thanks for being there for mom as you know who she is always says to you my dear friend , because she is south and not far from you , i know she feels down sometimes about things , when people say things as well but she always keeps her had up i told her she should do a cooking page because she as cooked with some great people ,but she said she is not smart like you she scared i believe to show people she can do it
You are a wonderful person to share this about your Momma….I would encourage your Mom…God has all of us at different places in life..if she is led to do a channel, then she should continue with it. There will always be someone who is unhappy with life and won’t be kind..but if she is content doing what God has her to do…nothing else matters. God is ENOUGH! no matter what:)