“This is a guest post by Rosemarie, a beautiful soul”
“ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16
My daughter asked me a question recently that certainly seemed to come from nowhere, but that doesn’t mean I discourage it either. If it’s on her mind and she’s curious, I want to be available, open and honest. As her trusted mother, I am the person she comes to first and most often.
“Mom, have you ever had an epic failure?”
What is with the word epic?! It must be trending among elementary school students.
I pause, and take inventory to pick one from the annals. Yes, I’ve had a few situations where my weakness got the best of me, and seemed to win. But God, He said in His word, “That all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) All means all — the good, the bad, and in my case the ugly. Moreover I am comforted that in Proverbs 24:16 it reads also, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”
“Oh yes, I remember—once I called my boss a bad word.”
Words hurt. It was a reflex from being angry and frustrated. I pulled the pin on a hand grenade and seconds later, BOOM! The explosion and smoke followed. I was wrong, and felt a spiritual conviction immediately afterwards. Peace came when asking for forgiveness from my boss, and then making rounds to each cubicle in the small office. Through tears and apologies I pleaded in my spirit man, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5) The day ended well with my boss blessing me with barter certificates to a fine eatery— God’s love in action.
God is merciful, and where we are matters not. Whether in disobedience or sin, or if we find we’re lost and broken, He can save us. No one is out of His reach! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
My daughter listened attentively, and when I was through she added what an epic failure for a 3rd grader looks like, “Kicking the soccer ball off the field.” Bless her heart. I held back that truth that there will be a worse failure than that in her lifetime, and not because I wish or hope for it, but because it’s likely considering she’s human. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Even so, I pray that she’ll run into the arms of Jesus first, finding an abundance of love, grace and mercy—just as I have.
Being a good parent includes sharing triumphs with our children to give them hope, and equally important is to show them that as parents we aren’t perfect—we make mistakes.
Rosemarie is a giver by design, called to minister, write, and speak, a wife and mother, who shares her journey and God’s strength. Drink a Cup of Goodness to feed your soul and encourage your spirit. Follow her on Twitter.
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Forest Rose is a God Loving, Blessed Wife, & Mama to 3 girls. She’s passionate about lifting moms out of the trenches that are discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling alone or isolated. Her hope is to point them to Christ and equip them to rise up with a newfound hope and joy within, that He alone can provide. Besides blogging, she also loves to create printables!
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