Oh yes, I’m a strong-willed woman, and I passionately hate that label.
It makes me feel like everything that the Scriptures say I shouldn’t be. I’ve spent years looking deep inside to find a gentle, even-tempered, compassionate-oozing woman. She’s there. I’ve found her at times. But more often than not, she’s buried beneath the weight of a determined, focused, and justice-minded personality.
Let’s just say, I’ve found the journey of being strong-willed to be anything but easy.
Which means the one person in my life I have the most compassion for is my strong-willed daughter. I see her struggles and understand the tension she faces on a daily basis. If only I could teach her all that I’ve learned in a way that she’d want to receive it . . . I’m sure I could make her life easier. The problem, however, is that strong-willed types don’t want others to tell them what to do. It’s quite a predicament.
I’m learning to let go of bossing around my strong-willed girl, but I won’t give up pressing on with her and persevering through the challenges she faces together. I won’t give up, even when it’s hard. Even when I feel like I’m failing. Even when I wonder what to do or say. Because I know that being strong-willed isn’t is, but it’s not without purpose.
[Tweet “The problem in being strong-willed occurs when God-given strength is not yielded to the Lord for His glory”]
So how does a strong-willed person learn to yield? Moreover, how does a parent of a strong willed child endure the battles while training the heart submit to the Lord? There is hope for raising a strong-willed child, which is what I’m sharing about over at The Better Mom. Come on over here and find out more about my story and what the Lord has revealed to me along this journey of raising my own strong-willed leader girl.
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I received your article via the better mom emails and I want to thank you so much for these words. I am sitting in my office at work with tears in my eyes. Yesterday was not a good day at my house, as my son pushed to the limit. I needed to hear every word of this. I need to parent from my knees more often because I defintely need God to guide me.
Jamie, this post was prayed over for weeks and I asked God to use these words to encourage even one mom. You are that mom! May you find strength in Him today and know that you’re not alone on this journey!
I keep telling my husband that our daughter’s future will be bright if we can help her learn to harness and direct her determination, stubbornness, and passion. It is so hard to see the trees through the forest,especially when everyone is getting heated, so thank you for the reminders. I love the suggestions you outlined in this post.
Nancy, it is so hard! I’ve felt just like you, both seeing the potential and feeling weary. May God give us both the strength and desire to press on for the sake of our children!