Mama to Mama
I went to the library to do some writing after play practice yesterday . While there, I checked out some books from the children’s library. My stack included books about two presidents. The woman working at the desk was the children’s library assistant. She told me that she has realized that they need to have more books about individual presidents. It was encouraging to learn that she wanted the library to have a more complete selection.
I didn’t have my library card with me, so she checked on the status of my card. When I gave her my name, she recognized it. She said that library patrons who homeschool have told her that they use Notgrass History.
This led to a discussion about homeschooling. She is supportive of homeschooling families. She said that she misses them when they take a break from coming to the library during the summer. She handed me a brochure that the library has put together for new homeschoolers in the area. It was accurate and helpful. She even asked me to let her know if there were any resources that I thought they should add to the library.
Standing nearby on my left was a new homeschooling mother. She joined the conversation, too. Then, I saw another homeschooling mother on my right. She joined also. I keep business cards in my purse, so that I can invite mamas to sign up for Daily Encouragement. I shared cards with all three women.
The homeschooling mother on my right, who had been homeschooling for a few years, said that discouraged homeschool mothers are hesitant to share their needs with other mothers. The children of the children’s library assistant go to public school. She said that mothers in her sphere are even less likely to share their struggles.
I was encouraged by my fifteen minutes at the children’s library desk yesterday afternoon. I am thankful that the homeschooling families in our area have good support from the library, and especially thankful that the library has real and accurate help for new homeschooling mamas. I’m also thankful that two mamas were able to admit that mamas have struggles.
In Ray’s sermon this past Sunday, he taught from John 8. In this passage, scribes and Pharisees come into the temple court, bringing an adulterous woman with them. In his sermon, Ray pointed out that the scribes and Pharisees weren’t interested in helping people overcome their sins. They were interested in condemning people. Ray reminded us that finding fault is easy.
The scribes and Pharisees wanted Jesus to tell them if they should stone this woman. Jesus knew that they were trying to trick him. They wanted to get Jesus in trouble with the Roman government. The Romans ruled the land of the Jews then. They had made it illegal for the Jews to practice capital punishment. Jesus’ response at first was simply to ignore the scribes and Pharisees, while He stooped and wrote on the ground. They didn’t give up. They kept pestering Jesus.
Jesus stood up and said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Then, He stooped down and wrote again. One by one, the scribes and Pharisees left. The older ones went first.
The woman still stood in the center of the temple court. Jesus asked her where they were. Then He asked, “Did no one condemn you?” (verse 10). When she told Him that no one did, Jesus said,
“I do not condemn you either. Go.
From now on sin no more.”
John 8:11
As Ray also reminded us on Sunday, Jesus did not come into the world to condemn it, but to save it. In our own small ways, we need to follow His example. Perhaps mamas would have less fear of sharing their hearts if they could count on others to offer grace rather than condemnation and criticism.
The woman Jesus spoke with that day needed real help. When Jesus chose not to condemn her, He went on to point her in the right direction by telling her to “sin no more.” Paul teaches us how to be honest, how to be full of grace, and how to give practical help to others, when they are simply struggling — and even if they genuinely are wrong.
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass,
you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness;
each one looking to yourself,
so that you too will not be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens,
and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2