Oh the fear, oh the guilt!

It seems like the very moment we see the line on the pregnancy test indication a positive result, a new sensation sets in. That of fear.

It is our welcome to the new and wonderful world of motherhood. The realization that we now have a responsibility for a totally dependent individual can be frightening. We now start to worry about everything. If we experience morning sickness, we worry. If we don't feel any sickness at all, we worry. If the baby moves too little, we are fearful. If the baby moves all the time, we are concerned. Suddenly we obsess over what we eat, how we exercise or don't exercise, and how our choices will affect our child growing inside. Even after our little one is born, every decision we must make can be gut wrenching. And to those of you raising small children, I must break the news to you gently that it continues even as our children become adults. And when something doesn't go as we would like our fear can turn into guilt. Moms seem to feel as if they have failed if let's say, a child gets hurt, gets sick, or behaves poorly. How we as mothers can beat ourselves up! I know the degree to which someone experiences this can vary but I personally have struggled quite a bit with fear. At 61 years of age I still have to battle this emotion.

Let me share a few things I have learned.

First and foremost, God is always with me. Psalm 27:1 says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?" 2 Chronicles 16:9 reminds us that God is seeking to show Himself strong to anyone who's heart is completely His. God is always faithful to his promises. I like to think of it this way, "God will always have my back!"

Secondly, no one will ever love my children more than I do. The simple fact that I stress a little over the decisions I must make as a mom proves this.

Thirdly, the Bible also teaches us in Proverbs 11:14 that, "where there is no guidance the people fall but in an abundance of counselors there is victory." I try to seek out trusted friends who can share with me wisdom and advice concerning my fears. And just as important, I have tried to be there to encourage others as well. Lastly, praying and memorizing these scriptures have helped me to calm down during times of fears. I can't say I have mastered this and I believe I will always struggle in this area but prayer does work! I remember the truth that God always has my back, He longs to uphold me, no one loves my children more than I do and God has given us the body of Christ to be an amazing support system. So let me end my article with one of the most repeated commands in scripture, "Fear not!" Maybe God knew moms might need to hear this often.