Who’s Got Your Back? (No More Perfect Moms)

Spread the love

Written by Heather Riggleman, Author of Mama Needs a Time Out

Don’t forget to watch the video first! If you haven’t read the book, it will give you info about the chapter on friendships.  http://youtu.be/d2EpSpYEFmU

imagesEven in the world of Christians, friendship can sometimes be a daunting idea. Growing up, I never really stayed in any one town long enough to develop friendships and by the time I got high school, I was a combination of painfully shy and tough girl. In other words, according to Jill, I was and often still am a “Here I am” girl, meaning, “Here I am, come talk to me, come ask me about me and help me feel comfortable.” Instead of being a “There you are,” girl meaning “There you are, I’d like to talk to you, you look interesting.”

It was hard to make friends because these reasons. What about you? What paints your personality?

Very recently, I went through a painful experience in which I learned very quickly the women whom I thought to be friends–were not. Regardless of experiences like this, we cannot become an island and do this “motherhood” thing by ourselves. By our very nature as women–we NEED relationships. Because of the recent events in my life, I’ve had to take a risk to be vulnerable by reaching out to other women and being a “There  you are,” girl. Wow that was tough. 

But it opened the door to new relationships, new beginnings and the funny part is it brought me closer to God. 🙂 How are your relationships? Is it tough to navigate the friendship thing? Let’s Dig Deep and chat about it. 

Dig Deep

1) Are you more often a “Here I Am” or “There You Are” person? Why?
2) Have you ever had friendship disappointments or “mean girl” experiences?
3) Can you identify the women in your mothering community? Who comprises your community?
If not, how can you build your mothering community? Is a moms group an option for you?
4) How is your friendship bank? Do you need to make some investments?
5) What is one thing you highlighted/noted as you read this chapter? Why did it strike you as
important?

Apply (choose one or all)

1) Identify one Antidote practical strategy shared on pages 115-120 that you will put into practice
this week.
2) Send a card or a note to a friend. Express your appreciation for the friendship and share words
of encouragement with her.
3) Set up a coffee date with a friend you haven’t spent time with in a while.

Pray 

Lord, we know that you have not designed us to do life alone. You’ve created us for community. Show us
how to fit friendship into mothering. Help us to each find our mothering community. If there are issues in
our heart that keep friends at arm’s length, bring healing to our hearts. More than anything, help us to
see you as a Friend who Understands. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Stephanie Shott
Latest posts by Stephanie Shott (see all)
Share