Psalm 23:1 is the little one’s first memory verse. My heart leaps for joy when he recites it. At the moment, he may not understand what he is reciting. In a little while he will understand and I pray that this scripture will become real to him.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ~ Psalm 23:1
Planting God’s Word via memorization of scriptures is one way to raise God-dependent children. Memorization is one step in. It is one way I am turning my unpleasant experiences into something good for my children. Here is a little bit of my story as shared on my business page:
Baby blues, loneliness, past experiences, and a strong feeling of incompetency almost interfered with my ability to bond with my first little one. I remember not wanting to kiss my first little one before he was taken away for his first major procedure. Giving one’s newborn a kiss should come naturally, but it did not. In that moment I was going to deny my innocent little one a kiss because I was hurting. I was emotionally unprepared for motherhood. Subconsciously, my birth experience and past traumatic experiences were beginning to affect my ability to bond. I feared losing my little one just like I had lost my parents and grandparents. Emotional withdrawal was my coping mechanism. I wanted my little one alive but I did not want to miss him if anything goes wrong. I loved him and desired the best for him, yet I was holding back.
I was holding back because I wanted the little one to be independent and not depend on me. Babies need someone they can consistently depend on, that’s how they truly become independent in a healthy way. When my mother dropped me off at age three to live with my grandfather, I learned to live without her. I learned to live like she did not really exist and I was made to feel like an ungrateful child the only time I ever asked to see my mother. It was as though my need for my mother was suppressed. Subconsciously, I also tried to suppress this need in my little one. I am thankful that God opened my eyes to this ghost in my nursery through education, spiritual and emotional support. This is one reason I am passionate about perinatal education. I provide a space for parents to think about the ghosts in their nurseries and reflect on intergenerational issues that can interfere with healthy parent-child attachment and bonding.
I wrote all that to say this- Instead of raising independent children because of my childhood experience, I am raising God-dependent children. Instead of raising children who are overly dependent on me to compensate for what I lacked in my childhood, I have made a decision to raise God-dependent children. I want my children to know that God is their shepherd and he will always be there for them. God’s eyes will always be there when momma is not there and they will lack nothing because God provides. I pray that my children would grow up knowing God as their source, that mommy and daddy are only channels through which God provides for them.
I look to God’s grace, wisdom and mercy to accomplish my deepest desires.
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; ~ Psalm 30:11
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. ~ Psalm 118:8
Do you have a similar story? Please share your thoughts.
These resources can help you overcome the ghosts in your nursery
Temi – this is profound. I have read it three times so far.
Perinatal education is vital, as moms need support in the emotional aspects of becoming a mother.
In humans, mothering is not instinctive ; some women choose not to bear children.
Good ‘mothering’ and good parenting, is something that people learn, through educating themselves.
Mothers come in many varieties, and societies tend to romanticize the view of the ‘ideal’, ever-nurturing mother. Of course, such a mother does not exist.
Through your candor and willingness to share, you help other moms.
You are wise to teach your little one, at such a young age, that the Lord is his shepherd 🌷🤗
Thank you grandma Sally! ❤
Your comment enriched this post. I hope that someday soon I can host a conference for moms and have you bless us with your wisdom.
Awww…that is kind, Temi, thanks. 🤗
Wow. Reading your post shed a whole new light to this. Thanks for sharing your experience too, sis. ❤
The little ones are blessed to have you as their momma. 😊
Thank you for reflecting! ❤
Beautiful my friend and spot on! When we realize our true purpose as parents, parenting becomes a bit more freeing
Absolutely! That’s a new quote for me to screenshot. Abuse is inevitable when we don’t know the true purpose of a thing. Thank you for reading and commenting!
I love this so much!! Keep writing from your heart!!
Thank you! I will continue to do so❤ It was nice seeing you today.
Wow! This is so good! My favorite part – “I want my children to know that God is their shepherd and he will always be there for them. God’s eyes will always be there when momma is not there and they will lack nothing because God provides.” ❤️ Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Laura. ❤
Beautiful post friend!! God dependent children!! So vital❤️
I’ve honestly struggled as a mom because my mother was more of a big sister to me than a mom, it’s complicated but the example I witnessed growing up was probably immature I suppose…now that I’m 36 and have been walking closely with the Lord through my thirties I’m having a better understanding of parenting through God’s example in His word.
I need to review your book, can I do that through Amazon without having actually made a purchase?
Thank you for the reflective comment. I love that you mentioned understanding parenting through God’s Word. It changes everything.
A review would be great! I believe you can leave a review. Your review would not have the “verified purchase” tag. That’s okay. A review is always good. Thank you ❤
Absolutely!! I’ll check into the review today!!
This was great, Temi. I also appreciate everyone’s comments- lots to take in. I wholeheartedly agree on the perinatal education – definitely something our society is lacking, but I feel a generation of mothers are rising up to improve this through God’s lense & not the world’s. Sharing with a friend 💛
Thank you! Comments are always a blessing. I learn from them. Yes, we must view and solve trauma through God’s lense. That’s the only way we can truly get to the root of the problem and cut it off. The perinatal education I provide incorporates biblical solutions to perinatal mental health issues. Thank you for sharing!❤