Sunday, March 25, 2007

I'm Desperate!

Does that sound bad?

It's true!

I have just finished going through Kathy Troccoli's book Live Like You Mean It with my friend. The last chapter is called "Be a Desperate Woman," and in this chapter Kathy talks extensively about our need for God and His ability to do anything. She writes, I am completely desperate without Him. I sink without Him. Is that weakness? Yes. I am so weak without Him and his presence and guidance. I must get up every day and hold on to hope. Being desperate is something to celebrate because of the position it puts me in with the tender, generous, romantic Lover of my soul. Living a life of passion, romance, and adventure is about panting for God out of sheer desperation so He can satisfy my deepest longings.
And oh, how deep are my longings! God made me a hungry, thirsty, needy woman. He made all of us that way so that we would seek out His richest fare, as if our lives depended on it - because they do. (p. 170-171)
Since Amber and I discussed this chapter the other day, I have been intentional in my thinking about the fact I am desperate. I need Him every moment.
And, as if my own efforts to think about this reality weren't enough, my kids nailed it for me yesterday. Sometimes (OK, a lot of the time!) I am at a loss for what to do with them. I want to raise them well, and train them on the right path. I want to teach them to be respectful and honorable. I want to instill in them the importance and value of obedient behavior. I want them to grow up to be self-controlled, responsible adults. I also want to remember they're kids and it's OK for kids to be loud, and goofy, and obnoxious (a little!) and, well, kids!
Finding the balance between these two worlds (training them and still letting them be kids) is really hard for me. So as I was making my way through the day yesterday I was praying a lot, admitting my desperation to God and begging Him to lead me as I raise these children. I so want to do it right. More and more I am aware of the fact I'll never get it right on my own. I need Him every moment.
Finally, this morning in church we sang Breathe. Perhaps you're familiar with it, and you know the chorus...I stood there in His presence declaring the very thing that's been on my mind the past couple of days. I'm desperate for You!

That's the truth. I'm desperate. I'm a desperate mother and, yes, a desperate housewife! And I am not ashamed to admit it because I know He made me this way - to need Him - and because His power is made perfect in my weakness.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love the flow of this post--especially ending with being a "desperate housewife"!

It reminds me of what my friend Sonya said during an interview. I included it in my book. She said, "Motherhood has boiled down my faith to the essentials. I'm so needy that if I don't have time in the Word for a week...I'm desperate for it and I'm desperate for *Him*. It's not just...obligatory...but it's because I'm broken about 30 percent of the time and I *need Him*. So it's very real."

Oops. I didn't mean to go on so long, but I enjoyed your post and it prompted that memory of Sonya's "desperation."

Karen Hossink said...

Ann~ I'm glad you did "go on so long." Sonya's words echo my heart and I'm glad you shared them! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

What a great spin on the "desperate housewife" phrase...and a great reminder. I'm with you...I so want to do it right! Thanks for sharing. And thanks for the kind words on my blog! Can't wait to look around yours more.

Anonymous said...

Wow Karen...great post! Brought me to tears, but that seems to be happening to me a lot today. I seem to be overwhelmed with God's goodness in our lives these last few weeks.

I'll be the first to admit I'm a truly desperate housewife. I can't make it through the day without Him. The first chapter of James is my motto..."If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask..." Me! Me! ME!!!!

Thanks for stopping by this morning (my blog that is!). It would be awesome if you were speaking in the area. We are moving to the Dallas area. Where are you going to be? I posted a picture of our new home.

Blessings from one desperate mom to another,

Ang