➺let’s talk it over by LEE SMITH
of First Baptist Church Jackson
Christian Counseling for Individuals, Couples and Families ◆ Anxiety ◆ Marital Issues ◆ Pre-marital Counseling ◆ Divorce Recovery ◆ Family Issues ◆ Addictions ◆ Support Groups Evening appointments Fees based on family income
Ron Mumbower, Ph.D. Director First Baptist Jackson ◆ 431 North State Street
601.949.1949 www.counselingministry.com
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A FATHER’S WISH FOR HIS DAUGHTER
M
y two year old daughter loves to pretend she is “Mommy”. With toy grocery cart in hand, she strolls around the house with her favorite baby doll securely fastened.
As she and “Bitty Baby” make their way through our home, she shops and talks into any rectangular object that will serve as her cell phone. Why does she do this? Because she adores her mother, and she already dreams of one day being a mommy. While she has so much fun “playing mom” right now, there will come a day (Lord willing) that she will get to experience motherhood. When this happens, there are two lessons that will await her: Being a mother is one of the most rewarding things she will ever experience. It will also be one of the most challenging things she will ever do. As she grows up, my greatest wish for her is to know who Christ is and to have her identity secure in Him. Why is this so important? Well, from the looks of it, being a mom is no easy task. There will be days when she will be tested to her core. There will be many times when she will come to the end of herself, and there…there is where she will need to know who Christ is and who she is because of Him. Her value as a mother will not be determined by her circumstances or in what she can or can’t do. Rather, her value as a mother will be determined by what Christ has done and continues to do in and through her. There will be moments when she will be tempted to look at other mothers and get caught in the comparison trap. In her flesh, she may say “I wish I was more like _______” or “I’m not as together as _________”. In those moments, I hope she remembers some of the names that God has bestowed upon her as His child: mighty one, beloved, forgiven, redeemed, blessed, chosen, a royal priesthood. When
she is tempted to give more and more of herself, believing that is what her children and family need, I pray she remembers that Christ is the greatest gift she could ever give them. Right now, her greatest challenge while “playing mom” is pushing “Bitty Baby” in the outdoor chair swing. I have to laugh when I see her doing this. She stands on her tippytoes like a ballerina, stretching her sweet little hands out, barely reaching the back of the swing. As a real mom one day, I already wonder about the challenges she may face: A wayward child, financial uncertainty, health issues, unfaithfulness. Only God knows what awaits my precious girl. Whatever she goes through, I pray her faith brings her to the One who promised to never leave her or forsake her. Isaiah 43 promises her that when she passes through the rivers, they will not sweep over her. And, when she walks through the fire, she will not be burned because He is the Lord—Her God!! To all the mothers reading this, may God richly bless you and fill you with His love. May you be reminded of who you are in Him today. Whether you are on a mountaintop or in a valley, know that God is right there with you and is sufficient for all your needs. Y Lee Smith is a pastor at Pinelake Church and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Summit Counseling. He and his wife, Jenni will soon celebrate 13 years of marriage. They have two children and are eagerly awaiting the adoption of their third child from Ethiopia. He can be reached at 601.949.1949.