This week we will look at particular topics that may bring additional helpings of guilt to moms: working outside the home, the past, single parenting, the influence of others, death or illness of a child, and significant personal limitations.
If feeling worthless or inadequate from such circumstances as these, Dr. Julia Slattery teaches us to remember Paul’s words of wisdom in Hebrews 12:1-2: “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance to race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and pertruder of our faith.”
What Do You Think?
- In chapter 8, the author suggests that asking, “Should I work?” may be the wrong place to begin. Why is this the wrong question to ask? Discuss how decisions about work can be made from a perspective of godly wisdom.
- How can mistakes and sins from years ago still impact a mother’s ability to parent today? Can she ever be truly free from the guilt?
- Why is it helpful to have a tangible reminder of when sin was confessed before God?
- Talk about what it is like to be a single mother. What should be the responsibility of the body of Christ to single moms and their children?
- Discuss some influences that you are concerned about regarding your children. How can you use your influence wisely in these situations?
- How can God use tragedies or negative events in your life (or your child’s life) for His glory? How do you feel about this?
Digging for Wisdom
- Read Philippians chapter 3. What in Paul’s past did he have to feel guilty about? From his writing, does it seem that he had trouble forgiving himself? How did he turn his guilt into passion for Christ?
- Read Psalm 139. Do you think these words are true about God’s relationship to you? To your children? Do you live as though they are true?
There will be a brief meeting of the leaders afterwards.