Honest and Free

“Mom friend, go out in confidence, knowing God is with you, and be strong in your faith.”

“When I say these things, I am not trying to please people. No, it is God that I want to please. If I only wanted to make people happy, then I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10 EASY

Ok Moms, let’s be honest. We are constantly trying to please everyone in our lives. Our husbands, kids, parents, friends, even our church community. Our brains are filled with these thoughts every day.

And we aren't alone! A 2022 survey showed that 50% of people would describe themselves as “people pleasers”. 39% said that this made their life harder because they aren’t being honest.

We know it’s not the right thing to do, but it’s just easier sometimes to do what society wants or be who they want us to be. We know we can’t please everyone and that their happiness can’t come through us, yet we still try to be exactly what they expect. And our insecurities keep us from being honest. It’s a hard cycle to break. 

So how can we stop being people pleasers, and become God pleasers? 

First, I think we need to embrace who we are. Look at your strengths and know where your limits are, too. You will be different from other moms, have different capabilities, different opinions, and different ways of living. But God made YOU with a plan and purpose.

Next, build a community of other believers around you. People who will love and appreciate you without judgment. People who will give you godly advice and remind you to seek God. 

And remember, you can feel confident and capable in your walk with Jesus. Read your Bible, listen to worship music, do a daily devotional, build your life around Jesus’s words. 

Mom friend, go out in confidence, knowing God is with you, and be strong in your faith. Don’t let others tear down your confidence in Christ! As my mom always used to say to me growing up, “let your nays be nays, and yays be yays.” Which means it’s ok to say “no” to things, but if you say “yes” then do it with your whole heart. 

Go out into your world and be pleasing to God first, and let His love be seen through you. 

Action Steps:

• Ask yourself these questions: Why am I making this choice? Am I doing this to glorify God, or to please people?

• Read Galatians 6:14-16 (The Message translation is great!). Let’s be set free to live our lives with Christ as the only one we need to please. 

• Listen to “If We’re Honest” by Francesca Battistelli, a beautiful song that reminds us that we all need to be honest with God and each other.

Written by April, reformed people pleaser and mom of 3 

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