If you were around Mom Unplugged on Monday, then you know that Marilynn Griffith stopped by to talk about a chunk of ground beef, social media, and her emotional state while looking for cheese. Reading her post was like drinking a nice refreshing cup of lemonade.

The same rings true for her book, Mom’s The Word. When started reading, I could immediately tell that this was going to be one of those books I would read late into the midnight hour. Trust me when I say that my 10pm bedtime was totally shot. I even read the book while chatting with my husband late one night before bed time.

What attracted me to Mom’s The Word was the parallel between Karol’s life and my own. You see I was the mom who did not want to hear the word that my family seemed to spit out, making it sound more like an annoying scratch across the chalk board. For me the word “mom” did not drip from their lips like honey.

As I considered my own life and why I was that woman who did not like the fact that “mom” really was the word, I thought about the other moms just like me. The ones who are lost and can’t seem to find their way. The ones who feel a lack of support for the dreams that lie deep down inside. The ones who cringe when their husband calls them “mom” instead of by their God given name.

Yes, there are moms out there just like Karol and LaTara. You know what? It is ok to feel like this. There is nothing wrong with you at all.

Many moms are living vicariously (often times not realizing what they are doing) through their families. We let our children and spouses live out their dreams and toss ours in the bottom of the pile; never thinking that we will have a chance to reach back into that pile and pull out what is rightfully ours.

How sad it is when we don’t think our dreams matter once we have a family. Yes, family is a priority; but isn’t that same family also a team? From mom and dad to each child, there should be room for every player to get a turn.

For Karol her turn at bat came when her husband took the time to see his wife’s issues for what they were, step up to the plate and give his wife 21 days to find herself again. Talk about team work and sacrifice.

The gift Karol’s husband gave her that Mother’s Day was the best thing he could have done for his wife. She was losing it fast and he knew she needed to be revived and renewed.

Our gifts, talents, and skills have a place. It is up to us to take the time to figure out just what that place is. Being a mom is not a calling, it is a part of being a good steward to the most precious gift God has entrusted us with… HIS CHILDREN! I know some moms may gasp or call me crazy, but when you think about it, it is reality.

While having kids may be a part of the reason we are here, it is not the epitome of why we are here. How do I know? Because God Words tells us so.

In the Word we read why we were created and it was not to be mom. It was to glorify and serve God (Isaiah 43:7). Too many times as moms we glorify and serve our kids and place our husbands on pedestals. Sorry but I will not place my children or my spouse before my God.

Please don’t get me wrong and think I am not into my family or that I don’t love me kids. I am into my family and my kids I would die for and they know this. However, I know that my gifts, talents, and skills are for more than just being “mom”. Like Karol, I am a writer and everyday God reminds me of those projects I have left hanging and those books I have started but fear moving forward with.

I am a motivator and I have been called to motivate with words (both spoken and written). I motivate my kids daily and challenge them to be more than they dream. I tell them all the time that they are God’s chosen. You know what? It is the same message I am to take to the masses as well.

Moms I challenge you to look at all that you give your family and find ways to give it those same things to yourself and others. Like Karol and LaTara, it will ROCK your world and bless your family!

Look for more reflections on this great book over the next few days. It is an eye opening look into the mirror that many moms refuse to face out of fear of doing the wrong thing.

Can I tell you a secret?

Living your life to the fullest for the Glory of God is the best gift you can give your family.