When You Feel Like Throwing In The Towel

the word of god i live

Ever have days, when life is beyond overwhelming? When there’s too many tasks & people needing you “right now” and the most important things in your life seem to be suffocating beneath the towel you’re contemplating throwing in!?

Parenting is HARD; step-parenting is harder, and sometimes I honestly feel like throwing in the towel & running for cover!

After a recent {very} difficult weekend with my stepson, my husband & I were left feeling completely defeated & powerless. When working with my husbands ex to raise their son, we have come to the tough realization that we will never be on the same page with her; she will always fight us and we will always be, as she ‘lovingly’ calls us, “The Nazi’s!” Oh joy!

That said, as we stumble through this difficult journey, I’d like to share some encouragement that my own heart needs & clings to during these times.

  • I was born for such a time as this; yes even this {Esther 4:14}
    • I may not always understand it, or always like it, but God chose me to be a Step Mama
    • I may not feel qualified, but Jesus in me, will give me all I need, in order to handle each challenge I face
  • God’s Word never comes back void {Isaiah 55:11}
    • I may not get to pour as much of God’s Word into my stepson as I’d like to, but what IĀ  give, God will honor
    • The Word of God I LIVE before my stepson is far more important than the Word of God I SPEAK
  • God is in control {Romans 8:28}
    • I may not get to make the decisions I’d like to make for my stepson, but God is still working in his life
    • Simply because I cannot see God’s hand at work, doesn’t mean He’s not working; I just can’t always see it

Whether you’re a parent, or step-parent, I encourage you to carry on. Remember, you were born for such a time as this. God really is in control. When you chose to love your spouse & child/step child(ren), you chose to be at war with the Enemy of your soul! Put on the full armor of God & STAND STRONG!

If you are looking for some Godly support, there are several different (in)courage small groups that are available this Spring. My friend Diane & I are honored to be co-leading a small group specifically for Step Mama’s, so if that interests you, feel free to sign up!

In the meantime, hang in there & know that you really ARE making a BIG difference-even if seems small!

Lots of Love to you!

love satin

 

12 Responses to When You Feel Like Throwing In The Towel
  1. Lisha Epperson
    May 28, 2014 | 9:38 am

    Hi Satin! Found you today through Coffee For My Heart! I love when God speaks to me through the posts of my linkup neighbors. I’m the bonus mama of an adult son and always struggled with boundaries. He has an active and present mother…whose parenting choices I didn’t agree with. The perspective you present is uplifting. I was born for the role of stepmother. It is a gift and calling. And even now as we work out our relationship I’m encouraged for the years to come.

    • Satin
      May 30, 2014 | 1:52 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind comment, Lisha! God is faithful! Appreciate you stopping by! Be blessed!

  2. Kathryn Shirey
    May 28, 2014 | 12:02 pm

    Thank you for this encouragement! Parenting is hard, indeed!

  3. Beth (
    May 28, 2014 | 7:36 pm

    Hello Satin. So wonderful to see you over here and with such an encouraging post. The encouragement you provided can truly be applied in so many areas of our lives. And I loved when you said . . . “When you choose to love . . . you choose to be at war with the enemy.” It’s such a wonderful reminder to always choose love. Much love to you. xoxo

    • Satin
      May 30, 2014 | 1:53 pm

      Always appreciate your sweet comments, friend! Thank you & love you! xo

  4. Kari Scare
    May 29, 2014 | 7:33 am

    Thank you for sharing this step-parenting perspective. I am not one, but I have a lot of friends who are, and I had not thought of this point of view as you explain it. I imagine that feeling of loss of control is frustrating, but the opportunity for learning to trust God’s control is amazing. I do have an adoptive son, and that also gives a unique perspective on what I can and cannot control since we adopted our son when he was 8, and he came with a lot of baggage we will always deal with. Again, thank you for sharing this. It will help me have more compassion and understanding for my step-parenting friends.

    • Satin
      May 30, 2014 | 1:54 pm

      Blessings to you as you raise your son for the Lord! Thank you for the encouraging words.ā™„

  5. alecia simersky
    May 29, 2014 | 5:29 pm

    I can only imagine how helpful this is to those that are walking in your shoes. I know it’s hard now, but one day you will look back and see all the reasons it was worth it. And WOW, what a blessing that day will be!

    • Satin
      May 30, 2014 | 1:55 pm

      I agree, friend… requires patience for today, in order to get to tomorrow!! HA HA Something God’s working on in my life! šŸ™‚ Always appreciate your word of encouragement & support! Hugs to you!

  6. Elise Daly Parker
    May 30, 2014 | 1:14 pm

    Oh yes, I know this well! I am a step mama too. And your insights are excellent. My stepdaughter is now 36. I’ve known her since she was 2 and she moved in with us when she was 12. I was a very young 32 years old, had one baby and another on the way. Complicated! I can tell you now though, we have a wonderful relationship…and get along just fine with her mom. In fact, my six-month-old granddaughter is named after Lauren’s mother-in-law, me, and her mom. Emalinda Elicia. Stepparenting was more than a little challenging, but it taught me so much. And truly because I was so over my head, I had to learn to fully rely on Christ!!

    • Satin
      May 30, 2014 | 1:58 pm

      Oh how encouraging to hear that you made it through! šŸ™‚ I had no idea you too are a step mama-that’s amazing! Appreciate you, Elisa! Much Love!

  7. Kaylene
    June 4, 2014 | 10:14 pm

    I was born for such a time as this….I really like that. He knows. He cares. He’s present. Afterall, it’s His plan! šŸ™‚ thank you for these encouraging words. Blessings