Saturday, September 20, 2008

Raising Teenagers

I have a teenage daughter who battles with low self esteem, lack of confidence and depression.

This is a struggle not only for her but for me also. I struggle somedays to be the mother she needs me to be. I get angry with her, and for her. I often wonder if I get anything right, and then, after I've tortured and frustrated myself for a few days I remember to give it to the Lord.

It's pretty hard entrusting the care of your daughter to someone else, even when that someone else is the creator of the universe!

Lord, I pray that I can be still, and listen for your direction rather than doing what I think needs to be done. I pray that you can enter my daughters heart and her thoughts and release her from the negativity that is stealing her joy. I pray that she can one day come to realise the wonderful gifts that you have given her and use them for your glory.

I pray that I can be the Mum she needs. That I can show her the wisdom and compassion she needs. That I can be tough with her when she needs it, and caring when she needs that. I pray that I can be patient and tolerant, and not let frustration and lack of faith get in the way of her healing.

Most of all I pray for faith. The kind of faith that moves mountains. I pray for the unwavering and certain faith that only you can bring.

4 comments:

sailorcross said...

Thank you for sharing your heart. Raising teenagers is certainly a challenge, this I know for a fact. Having raised one son and two daughters myself, I can empathize with where you are right now.

Through you and others around her, God will reveal His full truth and love to her.

Raise her up to God always, and He will call her to Him. Then she will know the love and fullness of her heart that only He can give.

I'll join you in prayer for your daughter and also for you. And, then we wait, wait expectantly for Our Lord to answer. The waiting is the difficult part.

And, thank you, God, for bringing Sharon to us. It took us a little while, but we are finally together in You.

Lelia Chealey said...

OH, loved what you wrote here: I get angry with her, and for her.


You know what I've been living out with my girl. Keep your head UP looking toward the Almighty Father. He'll help us through this. And don't beat yourself up!
This was in my daily "Power of a Praying Parent" calendar:

Sadly, many young people suffer with depression. This doesn't have to happen. Don't allow your child to be stuck with a sad, depressed, angry, moody, or difficult personality. Pray them out of it.

Thought that was good. Have you ever read "Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie O'Martian? If not, get it!

Love ya,
Lelia

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your openness and honesty. I too suffered from low self-esteem as my mom has. Looking back, I learned it from her as a young child. I don't blame her because it was passed down to her. But now that I know my value in Christ, the new creation I am, this dark lie has left my life. I still see my mom suffering with it - and I try to help her see her own beauty - but it is something she has to gain from Christ alone. Our value is to be in him and nothing else.

As a teenager, I use to hate my mom - but now my love flows to her, she is one of my closest friends. The fact that we share in the same struggles has brought us close to one another – because we understand each other like no one else does. I never thought we would have the relationship we do today and I pray a similar relationship for you and your daughter and that this generational lie stops here.

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Your prayer was powerful, perhaps more than you know. Prayer changes things in the spirit realm, and your daughter is blessed to have a praying Mom!

Thanks for joining us here. Looking forward to getting to know you better.