The lady whirled around and yelled at my son.
I was at the movie theatre with my kids. My son was kicking the back of her seat. She was loud. I sat a few rows back and heard her—as did the rest of the people in the theater. If her life was anything like mine, I’ll bet she was looking forward to a couple of peaceful hours in a movie theater instead of being cooped up at home with her kids. When she got to the theater and got everyone situated, I’m sure the last thing she wanted was to deal with some kid kicking her chair.
At first, I was angry. Who does she think she is, yelling at my kid? Simultaneously, I was embarrassed. My son was annoying someone, but she had just screamed at him in a theater full of people.
Honestly, that ugly feeling of shame and condemnation washed over me too. Would all those people in the theater think I was a terrible mom because my son was kicking the back of someone’s seat?
Moms beating up on themselves when one of their children misbehaves is common. Going down the road of self-condemnation is easy. In times like this, I need to pretend as if I’m not me and tell myself what I would tell someone else in the same situation: Everyone’s kid misbehaves at one time or another. This doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom.
I might even quote Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” and remind the person Jesus died so we no longer have to live under a cloud of condemnation and shame.
If I believe that for other people, I have to believe it for myself. God doesn’t want us living under a cloud of shame. He loves us and wants us to bring our failings and embarrassing moments to Him so He can provide comfort and peace.
Don’t live a life of shame. Give it to God.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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A former civilian journalist and editor of the U.S. Army's award-winning newspaper, The Cannoneer, Sheila Qualls is now a stay-at-home mom, speaker, and writer. Sheila writes from the experience of thirty years of marriage, five kids, home schooling, ten corporate moves, two dogs, and a ferret. (May they rest in peace.) She inspires women by giving them a view into her world through a window of humor and transparency. Her goal is to help women break down barriers and build confidence while strengthening their relationship with Christ. You can find more of her work at www.sheilaqualls.com.