I love to make book giveaways available and now I’m excited to share with you about Cathy Horning and her new book, Letters from a Mother’s Heart. And read below for winning a copy!

Escaping The Trap Of Mom Guilt

by Cathy Horning

Twenty-one years ago, two letters arrived in my mailbox. One came from Washington state, and the other from the east coast. 

Each letter, from friends who had moved away and did not know each other, was nearly identical. “I am writing…to get some parenting advice…I really admire what I saw in your house…Do you have any words of wisdom?”  And, “I think of you so often. How great you are at being a godly mommy!…Help! How do you do it? I need your wisdom and knowledge.” 

I wept! God knew how much I had struggled to be a good parent. This couldn’t be a coincidence. So, I cried out to God and He opened my heart’s eyes to see the many lessons He had taught me on my parenting journey. Those lessons became fifteen letters, from the heart of one mother to another. Called timeless truths by some, they now fill the pages of my new book, Letters From A Mother’s Heart. 

Recently, a new mom shared with me what a source of encouragement and community social media is. But how it can also cause discouragement and frustration.

She realized she compares her life to others in the same season. I nodded with understanding, knowing that comparison is a dangerous trap any of us can fall into. Especially, when the other person’s life appears easier or better than our own.This reminded me of a letter in my new book:

My friend confessed to me that each day, in her short three months of parenthood, she felt overwhelmed with guilt that she might be doing “it” wrong. I was surprised by her confession, for she appeared so calm and confident. But at the same time, I knew exactly how she felt. Every mom I know, myself included, wrestles constantly with this strong emotion. 

I am convinced there is nothing that can rob, and even extinguish, the joy of motherhood quite like guilt. I can remember the awful feeling of guilt each time I discovered I was pregnant. I would question if I had consumed any food or drink or medication that could have harmed the baby. Or had I done any potentially dangerous activity, like moving heavy furniture.

If the guilt we feel when they are babies isn’t enough, our precious children quickly learn we possess this emotion. At a young age, they master just what “buttons to push” to get this emotion to kick in for their advantage. Before long mom can become worn out from a never-ending battle with guilt.

But Romans 8:1-2 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set me free from the law of sin and death.” 

When I found this passage of Scripture, I was so relieved to see that God knows we try to do our best. He knows we won’t do it perfectly, but we can rest in His perfect work in our lives. 

As we seek to do our best, it is also a great comfort to know the Lord promises to help us any time we ask. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to you.”

God does not want us to waste our days battling with emotional guilt. He wants us to enjoy raising our children in the freedom He gives us as we follow His expert advice. We can rest in God’s promises that we are free from condemnation, that He knows we are doing our best, and that He will give us His wisdom, generously, whenever we ask.

Thank you, Cathy! What wisdom and encouragement. I know the feelings of guilt from so long ago and your words reveal truth.

I know my readers will be want to read Cathy’s book. If you want to enter the book drawing, put a comment on my blog post or email me at KathyCollardMiller AT gmail DOT com. I will draw the winner on Friday, November 9th, 2018.

UPDATE NOVEMBER 10, 2019: The winner of the drawing is Nicci. Congratulations, Nicci. I know you’ll love Cathy’s book.

Here’s more about Cathy Horning: She is a popular speaker, Bible teacher, mentor, blogger and author. She is first and foremost a wife, mom and grammy, who passionately loves to teach and encourage others in faith, marriage, and parenting, as well as how to delight daily in the Word of God. Check out her website at: www.CathyHorning.com.

To order her book, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Mothers-Heart-Timeless-Journey/dp/0692986294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539527847&sr=8-1&keywords=letters+from+a+mothers+heart