Show Me a Perfect Mom… {Imperfect Moms Day 1}

 
 

Show me a perfect mom, and you’ll show me someone who’s hiding.

Mistakes, pain, shame, guilt, vulnerability, depression, rage, a past…She’s hiding something, I promise you.

Not one of us is perfect, even if that’s what we portray.

We’ve all been there at one time or another. Feeling way less than perfect. Inadequate. Like a loser. Like a failure. Like the outcast.

You may be thinking, “I thought all (other) Christians had it together. I thought it was just me who’s broken.”

Nope, even those of us who know Jesus stumble. We make mistakes. We yell at the kids one too many times. We disappoint our husbands again. We just don’t feel up to par. Even Paul of the Bible repeated the same mistakes! (For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Romans 7:15 – This means what he wants to do, he doesn’t, but what he doesn’t want to do, he does! Sound familiar?)

Mistake-making is part of being a human, and Christianity doesn’t change our humanity. But this pull of perfectionism is so strong, even among believers. Sometimes it’s even worse among believers! With all the judgement going on, everyone wants to hide behind masks of perfection and not let anyone see the real person. We only let them see the surface us. The Facebook us. The Instagram us. The church service us. The us that is positive, cheerful, well-off and doing great!

But if we’re honest, that is not our typical daily life. Some people don’t want to see realistic “drama,” so others of us feel backed into a corner: Should we share nothing, share something pretend or exaggerated, or share the real us?

Will I be rejected when I allow myself to be open and vulnerable about my mistakes?

Will I be rejected when I allow myself to be open and vulnerable about my mistakes? Click To Tweet

What about when I am not loving to my kids?
When I yell at them, or sit and stew in anger about their disobedience instead of handling it in love?

How about when I’m disrespectful and hurtful to my husband?
When I yell at him, disagree with him just to be disagreeable, or fight over petty things?

What about when I inadvertently hurt a friend, by something I said, or something I didn’t say or do?
When I fail to meet someone else’s standards for me.

You can do it. Even though it’s hard. You can rip off that mask and let others in. You’ll be surprised – most will be welcoming. Those who ignore or avoid you aren’t really people you want to spend time with anyway, right? Yes, it’s humbling, to let someone in and see the imperfect me. But know what? It’s also freeing. I’m free to just be myself, be the real me, flaws and all, and know that if someone accepts me, it’s really me they’re accepting, not just the projection-of-who-I’d-like-to-be.

I'm free to just be myself, flaws and all, and know that if someone accepts me, #imperfectmom Click To Tweet

I have goals. Big goals for this site, for my family, and for myself. But as you know, I am far from perfect (you picked up on that subtlety, right?!). So sometimes, this site feels like total hypocrisy! I want you to know, that it’s NOT. It’s not hypocrisy. It’s just showing what the goal is, and it’s a reminder that no matter what we’re going through, there’s a blessing somewhere in there.

Shouldn’t we try to grow closer to Christ each day?

Of course! What we want as Christians is to always strive for Christ’s best, but not expect that ever-elusive perfection. In our lives and on this site we should point others to the only perfect One. Daily, He works in my heart to bring me closer to Him. I’ll never be totally perfect this side of Heaven. But it doesn’t matter, because I’m clothed in His perfect righteousness.

It doesn't matter, because I'm clothed in His perfect righteousness. #imperfectmom Click To Tweet

It’s not pointless to be loving, to do good, to be understanding, to apologize when you’re wrong, etc. Just focus on doing your best unto the Lord. Don’t focus on perfection, but press on. (I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14) There’s only one Person Who’s always been perfect.

And it’s not you or me.

Our imperfections only help highlight His perfection.

Our weaknesses highlight His strength.

Our failures highlight His victory.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Click To Tweet

I hope that this Series will inspire, encourage, challenge and convict you to be the real you, the one with flaws, and accept that imperfect you, because Jesus died for you! You’re not perfect, but He loves you. You’re not perfect, but we love you. You’re not perfect, but you’re worth it.

Lord, give me the wisdom to accept your new mercies every day,
the humility to allow others to see the real me,
the grace to allow imperfections in others,
and the love to point each of us to Your perfect Word.

Lord, give me the wisdom to accept your new mercies every day, #imperfectmom Click To Tweet

prayers and blessings from a very imperfect mom,
Jenn

Stain Glass Masquerade – Casting Crowns

Lyrics:

Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today
Feeling so small?
‘Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong
So I tuck it all away like everything’s okay
If I make ’em all believe it
Maybe I’ll believe it, too
So with a painted grin
I play the part again
So everyone will see me
The way that I see them
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
The smiles to hide our pain?
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained-glass masquerade
Is there anyone who’s been there?
Are there any hands who raise?
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage?
The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart
Or would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be?
Or would your arms be open?
Or would you walk away?
Or would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay?
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
The smiles to hide our pain?
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On the stained-glass masquerade
Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
The smiles that hide our pain?
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On the stained-glass masquerade
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On the stained-glass masquerade
Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today
Feeling so small?
Songwriters: John Mark Hall, Nichole Nordeman.