I had a conversation with a woman this week. We had never met, but got pretty deep into conversation of the heart, which are my favorite conversations .
We talked about the struggles of parenthood and trying to show up for our children and then she said this sentence “I’m trying so hard to be a good mom but all I can see are the ways that I’m failing. I feel like no matter what I try, I’ll never be enough.”
I looked into her eyes and knew that she truly believed her shortcomings and imperfect moments were larger than all she was trying to achieve.
We talked about how brains work to point out our shortcomings, and the practice of finding the positive things we do each day as parents. I wanted so badly to testify of the atonement of Christ’s power to fill in the gaps but felt I should wait. The spirit told me I would have an opportunity to testify of that and other truths but that it was in a future time.
This phrase stung, “I feel like no matter what I try, I’ll never be enough.” Looking into her eyes, I could see her truly believe that.
In the past, I’ve thought similar things about parenting, serving in the church, showing up for a loved one, etc.
There is a very important truth that negates the fears of “being enough”. We were not meant to succeed alone. We need Jesus.
We may be able to muscle through some hardships. Figure out a way forward through difficult trials, but we cannot overcome the world without Christ.
God didn’t ask us to leave a cozy and familiar home in heaven, to come to a completely new place alone. Residing in a new body and new challenges, and just figure it out. The plan was always to have a Savior. Jesus has always been factored in the plan of Salvation as a Guide, a Friend, a Trail blazer.
As Michelle Craig said, “Jesus is the point, not our perfect progression”
Yes! Our brains naturally see our shortcomings because we are imperfect beings. I always try to think where the root of those negative thoughts are coming from though. If noticing my weaknesses are helping me turn to Christ and through Him, be strengthened, then I know it’s from the spirit. If it’s making me feel like a failure and that I’ll never be “good enough,” then I know it’s from Satan. That makes a huge difference in how much weight and power I give to those thoughts.
For so long I wasn’t aware the thoughts even happened! Its amazing how understanding our reality, ans using the light of Christ to see things as they really are, can expose Satan for the liar he is. Love this Liz, thank you!!