Do not be conformed to this world.
Lots of peer pressure out there. It is hard to be different in a world where most people want to fit in and to be alike. It seems that my whole life, I have been called to be different than most of my peers. I would have loved at times to just blend in–but He called me to a different life.
Yet, in scripture, holy means to be the set apart one. God calls us to be set apart for His glory–not our will but His–that is how Jesus taught the disciples to pray. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.”
The only place we can find peace and joy is in God’s will, so if we try to find it in, to conform, we will not find His blessing or rest, peace and joy.
I remember when I left full time ministry to stay home with my children, I was criticized for leaving “the ministry.” Such a shame, they said, a waste of your arena and skills and influence.
When I decided to have more children, as many as God would provide, some well meaning believers said, “You already have your boy and your girl, and kids take up a lot of time and are expensive. Why would you have more?” (This from many places)
When I wanted to have one more when I was in my 40′s, after 3 miscarriages, I heard from many places how unwise it was to have a baby in my 40′s and how unhealthy for me. But I had prayed……
When I wanted to homeschool my children, I kept hearing and hearing and hearing how they would be unsocialized and that I would see, eventually, just how hard it was and that I would quit when they were teens. God lead me to keep going.
When I had an out of the box child who struggled with some passages in life, I was told I was not disciplining enough and I needed to spank more–but this child responded to gentleness and firmness. And so I prayed, and loved and trained patiently for many years.
When I read articles on how important it was to read to my children and focussed them on great authors, great minds, experiences and discipling them and walk by faith in the home nurture and education of my children, I was criticized for the possibility of leading many astray through my articles and speaking–after all how do you know you are not missing a lot by not using proved curriculum? How do you know that you are not hindering their development and ability? But we had prayed and sought wisdom………
All of these voices and more criticized me, and told me I would find out I was wrong. These voices proved to create havoc in my soul, and stress in my life.
But, I kept having quiet times and praying and was, as much as I knew how, following God by faith. I do not pretend to say that His way for me is the right way for everybody, but I had to listen to Him and follow Him by faith, even though it took me in different directions than everyone else.
Without faith, it is impossible to please God………
And so, as I am seeking His voice these days, he is again saying, “You, follow me.” “You, live by faith.” “You, do my will.”
Adam and Eve didn’t listen to His voice when He was calling them to loyalty in the garden.
The spies did not listen to Him, but looked at the giants when they saw the land of milk and honey He had already prepared.
The soldiers could not defeat the giant because they did not hear God’s voice, only a young boy could do so.
It is age old to want to fit in–but only those who listen closely, who seek intently, will have the blessing and privilege to hear Him, to see His ways and to live in the grace that only comes from resting in Him, and obediently walking by faith.
Where is He leading you today? Follow Him only.
How timely is this article? I gave birth to our 9th child just yesterday. A beautiful baby girl born at home surrounded by her family & her daddy watching from the middle East, where he is currently deployed with the USAF, via Skype. Some might say why so many? The timing is terrible? Are you done (having babies) now? I have no answer, but I can’t imagine life without this miracle, not to mention the 8 others & the miscarriage of three more over the years! Certainly not the life I imagined, but I rich beyond measure since I’ve allowed God’s will in my life.
Nerd this TODAY
SO GOOD! Thank you for sharing your heart.
God applied these words lovingly to my heart today. Thank you for the offering.
The timing of this post is perfect. I was sitting here getting ready to spend time in the Word, wondering why God made me so serious and wishing I was more “likeable and fun.” A good reminder that I need to be who God made me be and follow His ways. Not be tempted to perform in order to win the approval of men or conform to win the approval of men. My life is to be lived to His glory, to please Him and follow Him alone! Thank you for speaking God’s truth to my heart today.
Thank you! our words were perfectly timed!
I really needed this today. Especially ‘are you done having children yet?’ . My husband and I are 24 with our 4th on the way and that is all I hear about! I want some positive words spoken into my life!
Your blog is such a joy and an inspiration to me daily.
Take heart…We have four children four and under and I am 25…It is not super easy, but it is a MEGA blessing
I am also 26 with 4 children….expecting the fifth! I thought I was the only one. What a beautiful post Sally. Educating the Wholehearted child has inspired me more than you know!
such words of encouragement!!
Thank you so much Sally. I have been really struggling lately with how few friends make similar choices as we do. It can get mighty lonely. I so often feel God gave me an exceptional gift when He gave me you. I appreciate your wisdom and example. My little blog is all your encouragement, my little HSing group uses your seasons as our anchor, and my weekly mom’s group is all about encouraging hearts to follow God and not our peers when we listen to His heart for our families. So much good to say about how lovely the fruit is that I am able to enjoy as a result of you having made the faith-filled and Spirit guided decisions over the years. So happy!
The school we took Christopher out of after first grade was ranked as one of the best in the state. People at the time thought we were crazy to take him out, even though they had labeled him as unteachable… made him take drugs to “control” him… and teachers talked to each other that he was stupid.
Then even other homeschoolers put us down because we chose a combined Charlotte Mason – Unschooling way of learning. I understood their concerns that Christopher would not be able to go to college.
Christopher has been on the Dean’s List each semester of college and just made straight A’s (in Computer Science!) this semester.
The thing is, God places children in the families in which He wants them and then lets those parents know how to raise their children. He doesn’t tell us how to raise the neighbor’s children or our best friend’s kids. So we must be very cautious when we try to place our set of rules (even if they work for us) on another.
One can never go wrong with lots of good books, music, art, etc. Until this past century, those were the hallmarks of quality education.
Well said, Brenda!
Yes, Brenda, AMEN!
Brenda!!! Amen!!! Beautifully said!!
I heard you speak my very first homeschool conference 11 years ago, right before our first year of homeschooling. What blessed years they have been. I think the Lord put you at that CHEO conference just for me! I introduced my love for reading to my children early on and now they treasure books. We’ve had some special memories and adventures with read-alouds. Our homeschool journey will soon be coming to an end since our second child will be going to college next year. What precious memories we have had. I can honestly say that it was a walk of faith. The Lord was calling me and it was so hard to put into words or explain myself to people. My husbands family is very well educated, several masters & PH.Ds. It was very intimidating to be questioned by them and not have a college background. I can only say “In my weakness He is made perfect.” And my children are college bound and doing well. Thank you for your encouragement over the years with your books and materials.
I’m so glad that you followed God, and your heart, rather than listening to the world. You are a wonderful witness.
I often said that God keeps putting me in “pioneer” situations when I think of myself as more cut out as a “settler”, where the trees are already cut down and the house is built and friends live close by with whom to swap sugar and stories. Then I realize, wait a second, I’m just wanting Heaven, that comes later. While we’re here we have glorious work to do that will reap a harvest in due time.
Keep on, Sally! Keep on! Thanks for cutting out the forest as a forerunner in the home school movement.
This is exactly what I needed here today in Australia.
God bless you for the amazing blessing your words are in my life.
Looking forward to Heaven when Jesus can introduce me to you and I can give you a hug and a thank you for being a the Christian Mother – role model that I needed on this earth.
Keep shining for Him. x
What precious words and they have clearly resonated with so many readers, thank you for being such an encouragement.
I found that when I sit and listen to God’s “Yes” in my life, it requires simple obedience (done in faith) to say “No” to what ever else is offered. Many times it seems a lonely road, but I had such peace in my heart.
Dear Sally, This is the first time I comment. Excellant article today! Thank you… I am so glad I found you through Courtney’s blog. Happy New year! Martine
Thank you so much for your encouragement. These days I still get the same ‘advice’. I often feel lonely as we seek to homeschool our three (and my oldest is only in preschool, yet I am asked constantly when is she going to preschool) and live life simply. I often feel the only kindred spirits are the blogs I read…none is ‘real’ life. Aah, well, next year we will be official (kindergarten) so maybe I will find a few like minded friends. I love your books, as well as Educating the Whole Hearted Child and your daughter’s Read for the Heart. My kids and I love reading (ok, the baby just likes to cuddle) and your words are affirming that I’m being a good Mom by that time together. Thank you!
Thank you Sally for sharing your heart in this post. This word really ministered to me.
I so needed to hear this today!
I agree this message was what I needed…I often feel like we are going against the flow, but I am reminded of Noah in the Bible who also went against the flow, and the Lord richly blessed him…Thanks for the encouragement today…
Sally, thank you so much for being so real and so honest. Your words ministered to my heart today. Yes! It is all for His Glory! Some of us he calls to go against the grain even more than others and it is hard sometimes!! I just want you to know that I love coming here and reading your words–it’s like having a Titus 2 mentor in my life and how I need it as a first year homeschooling mom with a first grader and three toddlers!
Once again, Sally, the Lord has used you to confirm His stirrings in my heart. I’m at a crossroad of sorts in a few arenas of life with the begging question, “Which way will you go? The expected, accepted, wide road or the narrow road I have called YOU (not necessarily all your friends) to that best meets the needs of the family I’ve entrusted to you.” I hear the Lord’s voice of direction so clearly and then get up, go about my day and start second guessing it as the “noise” of the world drowns out those things I’ve heard Him speak to my heart in the stillness. Thank you for your consistent encouragement to listen to and trust what I’ve heard him speak. It gives me the courage to walk in that direction by faith, knowing what He has spoken to my heart is indeed the direction to follow.
What a word in season for this weather beaten mommy! I am experiencing so much of what you shared and standing up for what God has lead me or standing up for what is right (even though it goes against the flow) is so very difficult. As you have shared in the past, it is a lonely road. Thank you Sally. These are words of comfort and edification!
Ms. Sally, you have a window to my soul that not even many of my close friends or mentors have. Thank you for your life-giving words.
Sally, thank you for your words today. I have felt the same way all of my life. Hearing from someone else who has walked similar paths is encouraging and refreshing. It helps alot to know one is not alone.
Oh Sally, this was perfect timing! Thank you for listening to the Lord.
Oh Ms. Sally, you have heard me praying. This is the essence of my greatest struggles. Thank you for reminding me I have a very special purpose. Bless you sweet friend.
Wow, I’m at a lost for words after reading this post. Like all the others that posted this spoke to my heart deeply. We just had our fifth baby and am feeling pressure from others that I should tie my tubes because enough is enough. I hear from “friends” that I need to live for me and not have any more kids because I have no life for myself. But God is the stage setter in our lives! And I thank God He has tailored my stage for me..God bless you all! Wonderful words of encouragement here on this blog!!!
Sally and/or any others, I am having a book study on the mission of motherhood come this Feb. I’m wondering if there is any study guide to go along with the book for the other women and I. If not, do you recommend a certain format, or have any of the ladies on here done something with this book and found a system that works well? Thank you and greetings from Athens, Greece.
Thanks, Sally!
What perfect words. As I struggled with doing what God said, when so many well meaning Christians around me have clucked their tongues and shook their heads, God took me to John 10. There He says the sheep knows His voice and listen to Him, and then He lovingly showed me that I was so busy listening to the bleating sheep around me that I couldn’t hear His sweet voice. Our Shepherd is our children’s Shepherd as well and He will lead us to green pastures If We Will LET Him.
Thanks for the lovely reminder again to listen to the Shepherd, the Guardian of our hearts and souls and the Guardian of our childrens’. He know them and loves them even more than we do!
~Susan
http://whatevermylord.blogspot.com/2012/01/whats-your-excuse.html
I must confess that up until this post, I was a very casual reader of your blog. I sometimes even considered it to be a bit boring. (That’s kind of embarrassing to say.) But with this post, you gained a reader for life
I have two of your books on order, and I hope to someday look at your book on home schooling too. Thank you for sharing your heart!
I can’t begin to tell you how much this spoke to me! My husband and I have remarked that we’re the “weird ones” in our families – we homeschool our kids, I stay home, and we do our best to make faithful, Biblically-principled decisions. We’ve certainly faced a fair amount of criticism, but your example of persevering and continuing to seek the Lord’s will is so encouraging! It’s a reminder to me to quiet my soul and seek His will in all things.
timely post. Yet for many of us women when would such a topic not be timely? I was especially y encouraged, touched by the stirring up to Listen. Thanks for that lode Rd this morning!
Hi, Sally! Ohh… the Lord led me here today. This was delightful!
Your words, “…even though it took me in different directions than everyone else” really stood out to me. Sometimes it is SO MUCH better to go a different way than everyone else. Think of Noah!
Well, I am a total stranger to you, writing from my homeschool/kitchen table. I have at times been that person who said. “9 kids??” or what have you. I am going to be more careful when I speak.
Blessings to you. I’ll be reading…
Sandi from Faraway