The Be Mighty Mom Ministry
I Almost Didn't Go.
Hello Reader,
For the first time since Finnegan was born, I left town for the weekend. The only other time I had been away from Maximus overnight was when I was in the hospital giving birth to Finnegan. To say I was nervous would be an understatement.
For the past four and a half years, our family rhythm has revolved around complete reliance on me. It has been beautiful — and exhausting. I almost canceled this trip more than once. It was only an hour and a half away, a women’s retreat at the beach with my church. Exactly what my heart needed. But fear was loud.
As I tried to leave, Max was inconsolable and Finn would not let me go. I fought back tears and nearly unpacked my bag. Everything in me wanted to stay. But I also knew this step was connected to prayers I had been praying. God had been nudging me toward rest, toward community, toward trust. So I left.
Twenty minutes into the drive, my car read a text aloud: “Max has calmed down.” The relief was immediate. I exhaled. I turned on Elvis Presley and let myself settle into the drive.
Later that evening, after the first session, my phone rang. It was Mike. We have a rule — call if you need me immediately. My heart dropped. I answered and heard only movement. I hung up and quickly called back.
“Hellooooo,” he answered casually — just as he always does.
It was a butt dial.
And strangely, I’m grateful it happened. That moment forced me to confront the fear head-on instead of bracing for it all weekend. My children were safe. My husband was capable. I could rest.
The weekend was beautiful. Filled with Jesus, community, healing conversations, and even Moriah, the support dog. In just two days, something in me shifted. If I had let fear decide for me... if I had stayed home... I would have missed friendships forming, healing continuing, and a deeper connection with God.
But here’s what struck me most: one year ago, I would not have been ready for this.
God has been preparing me. Slowly. Gently. Intentionally. And I am deeply grateful for His timing.
It made me think about how impatient we can be with the things we ask God for. We pray for growth, for rest, for deeper faith, for answers... but if He gave it to us instantly, what would we learn? How would we mature?
God’s guidance is steady and kind. It requires surrender. It requires obedience. And yes, it can feel uncomfortable. But the growth that comes from trusting His timing is always worth it.
Stay Mighty,
Need Somewhere to Start? Start With Prayer.
If you’re feeling the urge to do something but don’t know where to begin, start with prayer.
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Devotional of the Week
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In Isaiah 41:10, God does not say we will never feel fear. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” His promise is not the absence of discomfort but the assurance of His presence within it. Strength comes not from control, but from knowing who holds us steady.
There are moments when obedience feels heavier than comfort. When staying feels easier than stepping out. When fear grows louder the closer you get to doing the very thing you prayed for.
Leaving for the weekend felt like that.
The tears. The panic. The almost turning around. The “what if something happens?” thoughts that tried to convince me I was irresponsible for stepping away.
Fear can sound responsible. It can disguise itself as protection. But often, it is simply resistance to growth.
God had been preparing my heart for this. Teaching me trust in small doses. Showing me that I am not the only capable hands in my children’s lives. Reminding me that He loves them more than I ever could.
The moment my phone rang that first night, fear surged again. But once it passed, I realized something important: the fear was louder than the reality. Everything was fine. They were safe. I was safe. God was steady.
Growth rarely feels safe at first.
One year ago, I would not have been ready to leave. And that’s okay. God does not rush preparation. He matures us slowly so that when the opportunity comes, we can step into it instead of shrinking back.
Reflection
We often ask God for more. Deeper faith, stronger community, rest, healing. But those things require stretching. And stretching feels uncomfortable before it feels strengthening.
Isaiah reminds us that we are upheld, not abandoned. Strengthened, not thrown into the deep end alone.
Obedience will sometimes feel scary. But fear does not get the final word. God’s presence does.
Journal Prompt
Where is fear trying to keep you from something God has been preparing you for?
Is there a step of obedience you have been hesitating to take?
A Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
When fear grows loud, remind me that You are louder still. Help me recognize when discomfort is growth and when obedience requires courage. Strengthen me when I feel weak. Teach me to trust that You are holding both me and the people I love. Thank You for preparing me gently and faithfully. Give me the courage to step forward when You call.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
