Some of you may know that I am expecting a little one this year. It's exciting but it's also been a journey. Those of you who have been pregnant before know what I'm talking about. Being pregnant comes with so many changes, pain, and emotions. Some of these things are considered normal when it comes to pregnancy. But, if you are like me as this is my first child, you don't know what is considered normal. Sure, you can Google your symptoms and see what the Internet says, but sometimes you don't know for sure because the Internet lies sometimes.
One symptom I've had more recently is crying for no reason. I don't like to cry. I don't like people seeing me cry; and I'm even struggling sharing this with you all right now. But, I've always prided myself on being authentic with others, especially in my writings. And, as usual, there is a lesson in this.
On a Saturday, which was a nice relaxing day overall, I began to feel sad. Honestly it began with a thought: am I going to be a good mom? Sure, I've taught and worked with students who are preschool age and up, but it's different when it is your child. You are responsible for them completely. I am happy to say, I cut that thought off and didn't go down that spiral. I began to focus on the good things in my life, or I tried to. Then suddenly I began crying. I didn't think about anything negative but I just kept crying. It began to freak me out, but I tried to rationalize. "This will pass. My husband says this is okay and normal. God will help you through this. Everything is okay." And, just when I thought I was done crying, I would start up again. I was confused and scared. The only thing that stopped it was going to bed.
I woke up the next day tired. It was Sunday and my husband asked me if I wanted to go to church. My head said "no, I don't want to go. I don't want to risk crying there." But I knew that I was just as likely to cry at home and I would be focused on it instead of God. I also knew that Satan was possiblity trying to get a foothold in my life. He wanted me to isolate so I would feel alone and sad. So, I said I wanted to go to church.
We went to church and worship began. I felt the spirit in me a bit but was also trying not to cry so I didn't completely let myself get into worship. Then we had a break in between singing and the message. My husband left to get coffee. The pastor came up to me and asked how I was doing. I said, "okay" because at that point I was. She asked how I was feeling and how the baby was doing. I told her that all the scans from the doctors were good. The pastor nodded and said, "well, we are praying for you." I lost it. Tears trickled down my face. Placing a hand on my shoulder she said, "it's been rough for you hasn't it?" I nodded and she continued, "the Bible tells us that this is only a season and, after the child is born, you will forget about all this and have joy." Then she hugged me and told me that my husband and I would be good parents.
My husband came back and saw I was crying. He gave me a hug. Then the service continued. After church, we had a fellowship meal. Two more women came up to me, asked how I was doing, I kept it together, I told them the truth, and they both encouraged me and told me that we were going to be good parents. I hadn't told any of these women the thought I had that I wouldn't be a good mom. Yet, they knew exactly what to say. If I would have stayed home, I wouldn't have gotten encouraged or the support they gave me.
This is why it is so important to have a church family. These people know you and can support you. They love you and will call you out if needed. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us this as well. The verse says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Meeting as the body of Christ is important. It shows that we have unity and we can do more together than we can do separately.
So, are you part of a body of believers who support you and care for you? How can you support and encourage someone today?
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