How to encourage a young mother
How to encourage a young mother, A simple conversation reminded me of a biblical truth every young mother needs to hear: children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord.
Laura Pelletier
7/14/20263 min read
The Words Every Young Mother Needs to Hear
My husband has the privilege of preaching for a junior high camp this week, and I am so thankful that our children and I were able to join him.
As I was pushing my kids in their stroller, an older gentleman who is an acquaintance of mine stopped me to say hello. His brief remark was so sweet and encouraging to me as a mama of two very little children:
"You are so blessed."
He looked at my two sweet babies and went on to tell me that he had three children, eleven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren—and they were all a blessing to his family.
His small remark got me thinking about the usual comments that mothers often hear.
"Your Hands Are Full" vs. Biblical Encouragement
Typically, when people see a mom out with small children, they'll say something like:
"Your hands are full!"
"You're a busy mama!"
I know some mamas would rather not get those remarks, but those statements have never really bothered me because they're true! My hands are full, and I am a busy mama.
But while those comments are true, they fall short because they don't offer encouragement or a biblical perspective.
When we look to Scripture, we see a completely different narrative about children:
Psalm 127:3–5 tells us:
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Proverbs 17:6 reminds us that children are a glory to their fathers.
Handful or Heritage?
My children are a heritage from the Lord.
Yes, my children are a handful.
Yes, this season is busy.
In fact, today was a little overwhelming as I tried to figure out how to manage two little ones in a brand-new environment.
But before they are a handful...
Before they make me busy...
They are a blessing. They are a reward. They are a gift from God.
That sweet gentleman probably has no idea how much his few words encouraged me today. His comment gently reminded me to look beyond the busyness and remember the incredible blessing God has entrusted to our family.
Reminding Each Other of the Truth
It wasn't that I had forgotten my children were a blessing. It was simply that, in the middle of a busy day, I needed someone to remind me of the truth I already knew.
Isn't that true for all of us? We don't always need new wisdom—we often just need someone to point us back to God's Word and encourage us to see our circumstances through His eyes.
Sometimes young mamas just need someone to remind them that they're blessed.
A Challenge for This Week:
If you see a young mom this week, take a moment to encourage her. Tell her what Scripture says is true. Remind her that she is blessed because children are a gift from the Lord.
She may need that reminder more than you know.
