After a speaking engagement, an adorable “mom” walked up to my book table and we began chatting. As the crowd dispersed we continued to gab. She was bright and articulate and I couldn’t help but feel a prodding to tell her something. What came to my mind seemed odd and I tried to smack it away like a buzzing insect. As she chatted, I silently argued with God.
You want me to tell her that? Now?
Yes. Tell her she is a speaker.
Okay, that’s just strange, Lord. We’re talking about our kids right now. She’s going to think I’ve lost my mind.
Tell her.
What if I’m hearing you wrong.
Tell her.
“You know you’re a speaker, right?” I awkwardly mumbled those words in what I hoped the Lord would accept as obedience.
“What did you say?”
Wonderful. I’ll be labeled a kuku-kachoo all my days, now. Perfect. Thanks God.
With more volume and clarity I spoke the words again. “You know you’re a speaker, right?”
In that nanosecond while I waited for her to back away slowly from my book table and run, something much different happened. This precious mom began to cry.
“How did you know that?”
“Um…I didn’t. I just really felt a burden to share that wi…”
She interrupted as happy tears rolled down her cheeks. “God shared this with me a long time ago. Before I had a baby and before I felt my passion to speak slowly fading away.” She sniffled.
Words came out of my mouth I didn’t even know were there. “Don’t believe that for a second. That dream? That desire? That passion God placed in you to speak, it’s still there. Be patient. He hasn’t forgotten you.”
She gave me a big hug.
What about you? Do you believe the Lord has forgotten you? Is there something He impressed on your heart a long time ago? Or, maybe after a few kids and a thousand or so diapers you’ve tucked that dream far away. Instead of feeling discouraged, wait in joyful hope and rejoice that you are one day closer to a promise He gave to your heart.
Mark this day on your calendar. Write these words in your journal: He has NOT forgotten. Maybe you need to hear the same words I shared with that young mom: Don’t believe that for a second. That dream? That desire? That passion God placed in you to speak, to write, to adopt, to sing, to create, it’s still there. It’s always been there. Be patient. He hasn’t forgotten you.
He loves you with an everlasting love. Being a mom diminishes nothing, as a matter of fact, it increases your wisdom and understanding. Sometimes walking out a season of motherhood is the greatest teacher. Be patient. Remember, you are already doing something BIG. But, that other something He has for you to do for Him? Don’t believe for a minute He has forgotten. He hasn’t.
Joanne Kraft is a recovering too-busy mom and the author ofJust Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical. She’s a mom who writes and a sought-after speaker.
Joanne’s articles have been published by In Touch, Thriving Family, ParentLife, Today’s Christian Woman, Kyria and P31 Woman. She’s appeared on CBN News, Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Sacramento & Co., and The Harvest Show.
This summer Joanne moved with her family to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee where she’s writing her next nonfiction book: The Mean Mom’s Guide to Raising Great Kids.
Joanne knows she is blessed. As an author and speaker her passion is to encourage women – one heart at a time.
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REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
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