Moms in Prayer Meet Desperate

Last week our Moms in Prayer group/book club had the privilege of a SKYPE date with one of the authors of our book, Desperate.  After having met her and listening to her at the Mom Heart conference, I knew the group was in for a treat.  We came prepared to the computer screen (thanks, St. Alan) with a question on our minds or on paper minutes after we had discussed chapter nine and ten.  Sarah Mae greeted us enthusiastically with a little one on her lap who wasn't feeling well.  The conversation flowed naturally.  Who she is in the pages of the book is who she really is.  We all could see that and it was comforting because we had all come to like her; she was so relate-able.

She answered our questions truthfully and honestly.  She didn't pretend to be an expert.  She didn't even pretend to be really good at it--this whole mothering and wife role.  She was candid in her answers, and seemed to be getting through it one moment at a time, messing up plenty (just like the rest of us).  She focused on grace.  She focused on finding our strengths. She focused on trial and error and at the end of the conversation I was grateful for the opportunity to bring life to the book--to our club.  First meeting her at the conference and now this. . .it was only God's doing.  Only God.

Our group of women have been meeting regularly and readily admit it is only by the grace of God that we get through some of the messy mothering moments.  It is humbling to share your weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and fear to a group of women who you didn't know well until the reading of this book began only a month or so ago.  The pages of this book are bringing some women closer to God, more intentional with their kids, gracious with husbands.  This book has served as a springboard for examination of self, which may or may not lead to changes for the good of our kids, our marriages, our homes, our families.

While I realize not every author will commit to a SKYPE interview, I am so thankful that Sarah Mae did for the sake of our group. I was reminded not to  hero worship  as we are all in the same battle for our kids' hearts and minds.  In a culture that screams loudly for attention elsewhere, I was reminded by Sarah Mae's candidness and her opinions, to be okay with who I am and to listen to who God is calling me to be. I was reminded that I. Can. Not. Do. It. All.  I must accept that and move on.

Along those lines, it's okay to let my husband off the hook if he's not leading the way I think it should be done.  He is present.  That is enough.  My prayers are all I can offer, and besides--if I want it done then I should just do it. Don't blame him for not being where I want him to be. I needed to hear that. Such great advice!

I needed the SKYPE date, not because Sarah Mae is famous but because she is real.  All I can do is put my best foot forward and some days even that isn't going to look to promising.  That's my life.  And that's okay.