E is for Edification: A to Z of Encouraging Homeschool Moms
We’re up to the letter E. I know, I know — that’s not very far into the alphabet. But, that’s why it’s the perfect time to talk about edification! Although I’ve been homeschooling for over two decades and can empathize with what many of you may be going through each day, there are times when I need a little edifying myself (like now). So, in this installment of A to Z of Encouraging Homeschool Moms, we’re going to discuss the importance of edification. (My ulterior motive is to touch your heart so that you will leave {hint, hint!} a wonderfully edifying comment.)
Romans 15:1-2
Romans 15:2 speaks of being “strong” in reference to those who are well-grounded in Scripture. But, every Christian I know will tell you they still have a lot to learn about the Bible. They may feel strong in some areas, but know they are weak in others. It’s a constant battle in their heart to stay in the Word some days. Those are the days they are weak; the days they are discouraged and need edification because they are sure they are ruining their children’s lives.
I once heard a speaker use the analogy of construction workers who use short boards to fix weak areas in longer boards. The short boards “come alongside” the long boards and strengthen them as they are secured in place. I thought that was such a perfect example of edification, I’ve never forgotten it.
How can we, as homeschooling moms, be short boards for our friends and fellow homeschooling moms? Sometimes it’s not so much in asking what someone needs, as it is in doing what you’d want to be done if it were you.
Now We Who Are Strong…
Maybe you’re a little farther along in life than some of your friends. You’ve been through the wringer and come out strong. You can look back on various situations in your life and see now that God had His hand on each of them. Then you hear about another mom in your local homeschool group. She’s struggling. Struggling to find the right curriculum. Struggling to get her kids to their activities. Or struggling to be an active member of the homeschool community because she knows if she starts talking to anyone she’ll start crying. Maybe her husband has lost his job. Maybe one of her children has some learning issues. Or maybe her baby is teething, and she’s just plain worn out.
…Ought to Bear the Weaknesses of Those Without Strength…
You remember those days (or, maybe you’re still living those days). You’ll never forget that one mom who was almost finished with her homeschooling journey who offered to come over and sit with your children so you could nap. Or the mom with the teen daughter who took your children to her house last week to make cookies while you had a dental appointment.
How can you help a struggling homeschool mom?
- Offer to take some or all of her children for an afternoon activity so that she can nap.
- Chaperone her children on a field trip so she can do something else.
- Offer to pick up milk, vegetables, or ground beef for her while you’re at the store.
- Lend her some curriculum.
- Offer to grade math papers. (You would be a saint in my book if you did this for me!)
Or, maybe she just needs someone to study the Bible with, someone to hold her accountable in her daily reading. Can you send her a text message or a quick email to check in with her? Can you type a few verses into Messenger to be sure she’s at least reading something from the Word of God today?
…And Not Just Please Ourselves.
If you’re expecting undying gratitude and verbal thanks for helping a struggling mom– well, you’ll probably get it, and you’ll probably feel pretty good about yourself. But, that shouldn’t be your reason for doing this!
First Corinthians 10:31 tells us that whatever we do, do all to the glory of God. When you help that struggling homeschooling mom, make sure that God is getting the glory.
We don’t know who may be watching us. Our children, her children, her husband, extended family members, other homeschool moms– do not grow weary while doing good. Galatians 6:9 tells us we shall reap in due season if we do not lose heart. What are we reaping? Souls for God’s kingdom! Our actions reflect on God to bring Him glory and to bring others to Him.
Each of Us is to Please [Her] Neighbor…
If you can help a struggling homeschool mom, do it to bring a smile to her face. Bless her, and let her praise the Lord instead of thanking you. Be humble. (And remember, being humble is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.) Put the needs of the other mom ahead of your own. Sow some seeds! As noted above, you never know who may be watching.
For [Her] Good, to [Her] Edification.
That haggard homeschool mom you are trying to edify? Her child may just grow up to be your child’s boss. Or spouse. Or teach your grandchildren. As much as I want my children to succeed in life, I want other children to succeed as well. That happens when their parents succeed in homeschooling and in raising them.
I don’t know all the details of your life. I don’t know where you are at in your homeschooling journey. And there are things you don’t know about me. But, we can still edify each other.
- You did a great job today!
- Your childen are amazing!
- I’m going to need that recipe because it’s my new favorite dish!
- I love how you love on your children!
Now It’s Your Turn
Think of that mom in your group who seems like she’s struggling. Think of that mom who seems to have it all together– chances are, she’s struggling with something, too! If you could say something to her, what would it be? Leave a note in the comments and then share this post with her through social media. Hopefully, it will be just the edification she needs today!
