Chapter Seven

God's Sense of Humor Begins with Contractions
Principle 7: Be Intentional about Being God-Dependent

"The earlier you learn to depend on God, the more you like your children, the more you enjoy being a mom, and the less you care about other's opinions on how you perform as a mother. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

"God knew that the way to a woman's heart was through her children. From the beginning of time, women have been the caretakers and primary nurturers of children. The child's dependency creates a deep sense of protection and responsibility within us."

"Mothers are vulnerable to their children in a way that nothing or no one else compares. God created us this way because He knew He could teach us the greatest lessons of life, faith, and unconditional love through our children. He knew nothing else could get our attention quicker."

"When mothers are intentional, they learn to lean on God for parenting wisdom, hope, insight, and strength. They also find themselves more confident in the daily challenges of being a mom. The weight of motherhood responsibility isn't as heavy because they know God carries the load for them."

"Another benefit of being God-dependent is that we reach the point of expecting God to take care of our children. This becomes instinctual-a way of thinking and believing about our kids where we automatically turn to God first in all issues involving them. Trusting God this deeply with our kids is liberating for mothers. They truly feel as if they are in partnership with Him in the process of raising their children."

"When mothers choose to live a life of faith, trusting their children to God, they'll find the path rich with life experiences that will better prepare them and their kids for life. Learning to wait graciously, asking for what you want or need, and expanding the way answers are delivered can be huge moments for increasing a child's faith and hope. We don't want to hinder God's mysterious unlimited ways."

"Crises are great opportunities to demonstrate...
steadfast faith, gentle patience, and incredible peace."

"All because you allowed a difficult moment to become a platform for children to see God show up on the life of your family."

"Intentional mothers know and trust that if God allows a difficulty to enter your children's lives-or even affect the entire family-He plans to use this experience as preparation for their future. He may use challenging circumstances to develop their character, patience, perseverance, or faith, but God always has a purpose and a plan."

"When our children and teens watch us become God-dependent, we teach them it is okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to allow ourselves to have needs. They realize that we don't have all the answers, which makes it easier for them not to have all the answers either. Simply put, our God-dependence demonstrates to our kids that when we are weak, He is strong."