I remember feeling captive during heavy child-rearing years with Tony working long hours. As women, we have to be aware of our feelings so we don’t take them out on others. When I finally opened up to my husband about my overwhelmed heart, we arranged a system. I greeted him at the door when he returned from work, and we kissed on my way out to the mall. I had to get away, whether I bought anything or not.
I also chose to leave some of the disciplinary responsibility to Tony, so we were equals in the home and I didn’t feel like the great burden bearer.
At other times, the demands in the church were too big for my developmental stage. I learned delegation because I didn’t possess those gifts. In your life too, whether you are feeling pulled by your job, ministry, husband, or children, you must learn to delegate – without shame or embarrassment – the areas that aren’t part of your package of gifts. Otherwise, the work of your hands could feel like slavery.
Maybe you feel held hostage by your family situation: no parents offer emotional support, no husband helps raise the children and run the home. Don’t let Satan trap you into being a captive! Don’t let the Enemy trick you into harming yourself or someone else. If no one is there to help, find a surrogate mother for your motherless heart, or a good friend to share your frustrations with. It takes the body of Christ to raise a family; make use of the one God has given you in your local church.
