Shelly (who passed away in October of 2021) WANTED other Moms to hear this.
In early 2020 my wife Shelly came to me with a request. Something she’d never asked me to do before… or since.
She then shared with me how she was feeling and in her sweet southern voice she said, “I want more Moms to hear about something that changed my life. Because I hope it will change theirs, too.”
So, here goes… from Shelly’s angelic mouth to you.
Shelly said…
A few years back, on the internet, I read something that SHOCKED ME to the core.
What did I read? Check this out.
“If the devil can get the mother, he can get the family.”
It stopped me in my tracks. I decided RIGHT THEN that I couldn’t let my emotions and difficulties get the best of me and ultimately… the best of my family.
So I started watching the women around me. Women who are distracted. Women who are stressed out by the amount of things on their plate. Women who are always hustling and too busy. Women who are overwhelmed. Women who struggle to be present.
I think sometimes God makes us aware of things going on in other people’s lives because REALLY… He is hoping we will notice that WE are doing all those things, too.
Of course we can empathize and connect with them because we all have struggles but instead of JUST THAT… I became more aware of myself and how easily I stumble and get off-track.
I also realized something even more revealing. This is exactly what the devil wants.
The devil wants us to be distracted. He wants us to have too much on our plate. He wants us to be stressed and overwhelmed. He wants us to be stuck in the hustle and too busy to pay attention. Because that is how he creeps in.
Into our mental health, into our faith, into our homes, and into our families.
It’s no coincidence that in this time, in this day, when the power of women has never been elevated higher, the devil WANTS US to… get discouraged… get overwhelmed… get frustrated… grow angry and get bitter.
Why?
Because…
WE. WOMEN… Especially us Autism MOMS… SET THE MOOD. We have the ability to inspire our families, our husbands and our kids… basically, the next generation as an incredible force.
IF… IF… we set “the right mood.”
If we set the “wrong mood”… well… it’s NOT good.
So, what did I commit to doing?
I committed to step away from distraction and overwhelm.
I committed to step away from unnecessary stresses I was allowing in to my life.
I committed to set a “good” mood. Even when… ESPECIALLY when… things don’t go my way.
And the results have been incredible.
By setting the right “mood” in my home and in my life, I’ve seen more peace and stillness and felt more power in my heart.
Here’s a quote I think is real important to remember.
“If the MOOD IS GOOD, things can be going really wrong, and everything will STILL work out okay. But if the MOOD IS BAD, it doesn’t matter what happens… everything will eventually GO BAD.”
I agree… and I hope you do, too.
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