WRJZ

April 10, 2008 | family, media interviews

mom and child It was a pleasure to have another early morning radio interview, this time with Bob Bell of Joy 620 WRJZ, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Maybe you are visiting DTB today because you heard something in that interview, and want to know more.

Being a mom is both a wonderful, and yet sometimes challenging role. It’s life changing. It’s beautiful. It’s also demanding, difficult, and overwhelming at times, especially if you are carrying hurt or anger or unhealthy parenting patterns from the past.

What can you do?

I’m so glad you are here. I remember when I first held Leslie in my arms. She was beautiful. I was a young mom and God had already started the healing process in my life, but I was still a work in progress. All I knew is that I didn’t want this little girl to ever experience rage or humiliation or instability at my hands. I wanted her to grow up loved and confident and whole.

But that began, with me, by opening my life and heart and past to Christ. There were some things just too big for me to do on my own, though I considered myself a strong, independent person who could take care of myself. I needed wholeness before I could offer it to my children, or even to the other relationships in my life that mattered.

I also needed to learn from the past. What unhealthy parenting patterns affected me? We often resort to what is familiar over what is best, and sometimes don’t even realize the effect that it has or that it’s being carried into one more generation. As I learned, I also sought mentoring and education on parenting methods and tools that would work for my family.

It was a process, but I started to grow. I forgave. I trusted. I learned. When things were challenging (I had three children in 19 months - twins! - so it happened) I learned how to respond with reason, with consistency, and in love.

Today that first little one is in her twenties, no longer a child, but a beautiful, smart, fun young adult. She’s newly married and graduating with her law degree, working to one day serve as a judge for children who need an advocate. She never suffered physical or emotional abuse. She loves the word “home”, and it will be beautiful to watch her start her own family one day–leaving a rich legacy for her children.

Maybe you came here today because you have questions, or maybe you have made mistakes as a parent and want to start fresh. I’d love to talk with you, pray with you, or send you the resource “The Mom I Want to Be”.