Women

Why are women immediately defensive when something goes...maybe not the way they thought?  Is it expectations?  Is it the need to be right?  What is it?  And why do we do it?

If you not among the women I am talking about, could I read your book?  I am certainly among those who's feathers get ruffled and who's hair stands on end.  I am guilty.  I'm just saying it.

Part of it has to do with my expectations.  I am the queen of high expectations and you know what happens when expectations don't match, right?  Hurt, anger, frustration...all the ugly rolled into one.

It just so happens that I stand on the other side today.  The side where the reaction of a few, has caused hurt, has left me feeling worthless, like I have nothing to offer.  I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say, it was ridiculous.  (And if you're reading this, you were probably not the offender, so let's not go there either.  This is definitely NOT a passive aggressive stance.)

I just don't know why I continue to seek my worth in other people.  Imperfect, going to let you down, people.  Why is it so hard for me to look to the One who created me, the One who knows every thought I have, the One who designed me.  Why do those loud voices of crabby and let's face it, probably insecure women, tell me who I am?  What is the deal?

Let's just say that today a lesson was learned.  A lesson in when to let it go and when to push.  A lesson in worth and value.  And guess what???  I've got worth and value and so do you!

My honest opinion is that there is such a battle between moms - working moms, stay at home moms, work from home moms.  Who makes the best cookies, who takes the best vacations, who puts in the most volunteer hours at school.  Here is where I say, ENOUGH!!!!!

I am not designed to work full time as a mom.  I believe that God designed me with the heart to be at home with my kids.  And that does not make me less because someone else works and bakes and volunteers more than I do.  This is me and I have value and worth and something to offer just like the next person.  We do not chose to be over the top busy.  That is our choice.  I know that part of my design was that the minute I get overwhelmed, it isn't fun and when mama ain't happy...you know the rest.

So here's my plea.  Let's just be kind to one another.  Maybe that email was a little snarky because she's having a bad day or a bad year.  Let's be kind even if her tone is that you are nuts and know nothing.  Let's just be kind.  Jesus said we should be kind and love everyone, not just the people that are easy to love.  I am guilty.  I write an email response and call my husband so he can talk me down.  I need to be kind and love those women even when they make me feel like crap.  Because let's face it, they can't tell me who I am.  Only God can.  I either listen to the whispers or I listen to the truth.  So how about it...a campaign of kindness??????  Who's in?