Skip to main content

My Mother-in-law Hijacked My Confidence




If I could go back in time and change something, I would tell myself at twenty-two to take a deep breath and be confident, square my shoulders and say to my Nazi mother-in-law, “back off!”

I never pleased her.  Okay, I forgot to serve her son orange juice for a bedtime snack.  He laughed at that one and told me to ignore her.  I chose the baby’s name without her approval.  My lasagna recipe never met her expectations.

I was anything but confident back then, but this mogul drew me to my knees.  The pain of not measuring up becomes fertile soil to seek a Savior!  Ah, Jesus waits for us to break so He can pour His perfect love into us and teach us how to withstand every earthly blow!

I’m thankful for my mother-in-law.  She drove me into God’s loving arms where I became a confident woman.

“Even if my father or mother abandons me, the Lord cares for me.”  Psalm 27:10

I am linking this post to Five Minute Friday where writers write for five minutes about today’s word:  confident.   

I also want to say a special thank you to several friends who sent me emails or notes concerned for me since I’ve been absent from my blog.  All is well here and I appreciate being missed.  My healed knees allowed me to pursue new interests leaving little time to be on line or to write which I also love.  My routine shifted this past year with new doors swinging open for me.  I never wrote that "I'm closing this blog" post because I hope to resurrect my blog even if I can only get in on a fun prompt!

Comments

  1. Oh, wow! It was so nice to hear from you tonight! I am so thankful you are doing well and enjoying life. God is so good! May He continue to pour His richest blessings on you, my friend. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good to hear from you, Mary!
    That's how usually things are - you marry not only your heart's choice but also his family, and especially his mother. Fortunately, there's God above and He protects, heals, teaches.cares, reassures. One's never alone in one's struggle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. And here I am thinking my MIL was an alien! Didn't know she wasn't the only one! Kidding aside, it's so awesome to hear from you sister Mary! Our good Lord always make us find a lesson in everything, be it a good or bad moment. I am praying that someday, I would be a good MIL (God willing). Because it wasn't fun at all to not be loved and be under the microscope no matter where I was or what I did. It took a long time to forgive but I did and what "freedom!". Every season brings us new things to discover and I'm glad you're enjoying your time! I pray for good health, love, peace, and that you always remain strong in the Lord's mighty power! Take care sister Mary. Love and blessings.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow ... it's SO GOOD to 'see' you again, Mary! I love how, instead of accepting your pain, you chose His blessing and self-worth. Most of all (hee-hee) I love how your Tom advised you to ignore her!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ugh.

    Lord, please make me a good mother-in-law! My boys are only 11 and 13, but I am praying that already.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's good to see you here again! And I love your testimony. I have one that was ok to me, but the kids hated to visit because they were always scolded - expected to sit and not touch anything. My hubby and I frequently said there were things we wouldn't do because of what we saw there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am SO EXCITED to see a post from you dear friend! YES! Oh speaking of MIL...I must say...I had the absolute best Motherinlove and loved her dearly. No, we didn't agree on everything as none of us do but she was always so good to me and our children. I miss her terribly. So glad to see your post today. Hugs and blessings dear lady.
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy Sunday sister Mary! Not only on the specific date but each day I always lift you up and your family but much more "that day" I'd be storming the heavens with you. This year, the Lord had brought Philippians 4:6-7 to be etched in my heart and be tied around the neck. I"ll pray that with you until the big day ;) After all, I am claiming already the success in everything because we believe by faith!!! You are blessed to have wonderful children who are there to help you out! Praying also for their strength and discernment. I am also blessed with mine. Thank you for your prayers as well. I know my son finished his career when he doubted it before yet he excels because I know that is His gift for him. To be a Graphic Designer and bless those who will cross his path. So, rest assured. You also got a nurse here in Spirit, to be watching your back ;) God bless and stay strong in the Lord's mighty power. Love you sister Mary.

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMG!!! "Monday" I meant not Sunday. LOL... I'm literally running after time... Goes by sooooo fast!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Our words are so powerful! they can build up or tear a person apart! I am glad you found out your true worth! Blessings. Glenys

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Selina



    i am Montoya Jazhel from the philiphines ,i was in a big problem in my marital life so i read your testimony on how Dr Ikhide help you get your husband back and i said i will give it a try and i contacted the Dr Ikhide to help me and he promised to help me get my problem solved. now am so happy with my life because all my problems are over. Thanks to the great Dr Ikhide for the help and Thanks to you Selina.

    You can reach him with this email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com and i promise he will not disappoint you.



    I AM SO HAPPY…… remember here is his email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com



































    Kumusta Selina



    ako si Montoya Jazhel mula sa pilipinas, ako ay nasa malaking problema sa aking buhay sa pag-aasawa kaya nabasa ko ang iyong patotoo sa kung paano tulungan si Dr Ikhide na maibalik ang iyong asawa at sinabi kong susubukan ko ito at makipag-ugnay sa Dr Ikhide upang matulungan ako at nangako siyang tulungan ako na malulutas ang aking problema. ngayon masaya ako sa aking buhay dahil ang lahat ng aking mga problema ay tapos na. Salamat sa mahusay na Dr Ikhide para sa tulong at Salamat sa iyo Selina.

    Maabot mo siya sa email na ito: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com at ipinapangako ko na hindi ka niya bibiguin.



    AKO KAYA NAKAKITA …… tandaan dito ay ang kanyang email: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Selina



    i am Montoya Jazhel from the philiphines ,i was in a big problem in my marital life so i read your testimony on how Dr Ikhide help you get your husband back and i said i will give it a try and i contacted the Dr Ikhide to help me and he promised to help me get my problem solved. now am so happy with my life because all my problems are over. Thanks to the great Dr Ikhide for the help and Thanks to you Selina.

    You can reach him with this email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com and i promise he will not disappoint you.



    I AM SO HAPPY…… remember here is his email:- dr.ikhide@gmail.com



































    Kumusta Selina



    ako si Montoya Jazhel mula sa pilipinas, ako ay nasa malaking problema sa aking buhay sa pag-aasawa kaya nabasa ko ang iyong patotoo sa kung paano tulungan si Dr Ikhide na maibalik ang iyong asawa at sinabi kong susubukan ko ito at makipag-ugnay sa Dr Ikhide upang matulungan ako at nangako siyang tulungan ako na malulutas ang aking problema. ngayon masaya ako sa aking buhay dahil ang lahat ng aking mga problema ay tapos na. Salamat sa mahusay na Dr Ikhide para sa tulong at Salamat sa iyo Selina.

    Maabot mo siya sa email na ito: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com at ipinapangako ko na hindi ka niya bibiguin.



    AKO KAYA NAKAKITA …… tandaan dito ay ang kanyang email: - dr.ikhide@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Mom Fought the U.S. Post Office and Won

My mom embarrassed me years ago when she called our small town post office and complained about slow package delivery.   I gave the eulogy at mom ’ s memorial service, and I told the mortifying story at the chapel. Respectful laughter filled the room.  However, embarrassment doesn ’ t bother you when you ’ re dead in the grave and maybe that ’ s the lesson here today. Mom loved to send packages to me in Arizona.  She often mailed pencils, recipe clippings, bars of soap, cereal, odds and ends that were meaningful to her.  Mom never understood that her mailings to a hick town in the west take a heck of a lot longer than it does in Chicago.  I got umpteen phone calls from her before any shipment arrived and she would ask impatiently:  “ Did you get my package yet? ” It was about six years ago when retrieving my mail, Toni, my favorite clerk shouted to me across the room from the front desk, “Your mother called me yesterday.   She...

A Memorial Day Reflection

  Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls.  Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts  run through my mind.  The journey of loss takes on various emotions.  The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness.  In a split second, I would forget he departed forever.  I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home.  My mind is realistic now.  He's not coming back.  There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars.  He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day!  And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...

A Veteran's Story

  I noticed Bill sitting in our local park where I walk.   He glanced my way just as I finished the last exercise walk song on my playlist.   He shouted and pointed to my car:   “Hey, is that your car with the Nam front license plate?   I stepped closer into the veranda where Bill sat on a picnic bench.   I noticed his Vietnam Vet cap and instantly I knew why I walked there that day.   The Marine Vet served during the 1960’s, the same time span as my husband.   Bill talked a lot about the war evoking my emotions from laughter to tears.   My South Vietnam front plate often prompts a conversation with a stranger and I’ve learned a deep respect for it over the years.   It is my way of listening to a veteran.   I enjoyed listening to Bill.   He made me laugh in spots but he made me cry as well.   Like when he talked about the sandwich lady.   “Do you ever eat at the sandwich shop in the gas station down the street...