Overwhelmed by My Blessings: Encouragement for Moms (Part 5)预览

Encouraging the men in our lives can help them believe in themselves.

Maybe you’ve been at this marriage thing for a while. Like being a mom, it may not be going quite the way your fairytale dreams imagined. For others of you, it didn’t go well at all. Marriage is tough and works best when both partners are 100% in.

If you are married and struggling in the encouragement area, don’t despair. It will get better and better as you determine to encourage your husband. For those who have no husband, especially if your husband left his children, learn to build up your young men to become legacy changers. The devastation left in his wake is not something you want your grandchildren to endure. Fill your husband’s or son’s love-tank with your loving and kind words, your respect. Build him up. Give him injections of hope and courage, filling his mind and heart with your belief in him.

“Thank you for working so hard for our family. It means more to me than I say sometimes, but I wanted you to know that I do notice.”

“Your quiet and calm spirit is just what I need. God knew when he brought you to me.”

“I’m glad you are so strong! I could have never moved that sofa without you.”

“When you open the door for me, it makes me feel so loved and cherished.”

OK - these may not be your statements. In fact, your husband or son may be failing in many of these areas mentioned, or more. While we know that nothing we say can change a heart, our harsh words can often leave a man feeling deflated.

“No, that’s not how I do it.”

“For the thousandth time, please put the seat down on the toilet!”

“Why do you always ___________?”

“I wish you would ___________.”

“You are too rough and harsh.”

These critical statements far too often slip from our mouth, bringing dejection, discouragement and disappointment to our men. And we wonder why our husbands and sons are becoming distant and won’t talk to us anymore!

If this hits a nerve in your heart, please ask for forgiveness from your husband, son, or any man in your life. Be vulnerable and ask him to let you know when your words or statements hurt him. Begin to add words of encouragement to your conversation with him daily. Slip notes into his briefcase or lunchbox. Text him throughout the day with kind words and thoughts, not with what just broke and who needs discipline or what he forgot to do. Remember to tell him all that he means to you. Anytime you think of something positive to say, say it!

Mommy days will eventually come to an end, but hopefully your wife days will continue. You single moms will begin a new season of life. Cherish your man now so those future years together will be exciting and full of love and joy! Single moms, build up your sons for a lasting relationship!

Married moms: Father, I know I’m not always good at encouraging my husband and sometimes it is truly hard to find positive things to praise. With all the care of the kids and the house, I am often leaving the leftovers for him, and then demanding and commanding, rather than building him up. I confess this to you and pray for an open heart and mind, retraining myself to offer encouragement to him. Give me boldness and the humility to admit my failings to him and the courage to set things right. I know you will show me the way.

Single moms: Father, you and I both know that encouragement wasn’t easy for me as it was difficult to find anything positive to say. I pray that the broken legacy of my past will not be carried along to my children. May my words for them be uplifting and encouraging, reminding them of who they are and Who You are for them. May you be their Father, and may you be my Husband. (Isaiah 54:5) Thank you for your love that never fails.

Overwhelmed by My Blessings:100 Days of Refocusing Your Heart

Connect with Robin

If you have enjoyed this plan by Robin Meadows, consider reading the first 4 parts and find part 6 here.