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Ericka Scarbrough

E-mail: earthmuffins@onlinemacREMOVETHIS.com

Ericka's Thoughts on Gentle Mothering

Gentle mothering, to me, is about my whole attitude and approach to motherhood. I have to say that I am a mother under-construction as the Lord is continually teaching me and guiding me and changing me so my definition of "gentle mothering" is open-ended!!! I believe that gentle mothering means communicating love and kindness to my child in my words as well as my actions. Jesus describes Himself as being "gentle" and as I read through out the Bible of all the many times He is gentle with us, as He guides us, protects us, disciplines/disciples us, and ultimately saves us, He has set the stage for "gentle mothering". To be a gentle mother to my child means to strive to be Christ-like in my whole life, including parenting. Might I add that I cannot do this without abiding in Christ.

I believe that gentle mothering is so important because first and foremost, God, my Father, "parents" me with gentleness. It is the example He has given me. Second of all, my child deserves to be treated with gentleness, as he is a gift from God. Third, I am setting an example for my child in parenting his children. And lastly, because Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." "All men" includes my child and if, by being gentle towards him he will know that the Lord is at hand, then praise the Lord!!!!

I believe that God wants me to parent this way because He knows it works!!!! I believe the Bible is full of evidence that God wants me to be gentle and kind to my child. Surely God would not tell me to treat my child in this way unless He knew it was the very best way!!!

Ericka's Testimony

I came to know Jesus at a very young age: I was four when I accepted Him into my heart. My Lord has certainly been my redeemer!!! I grew up in a broken home and was without a dad for most of my childhood years. As some of you may know, the results of growing up in such a home can be very painful and very damaging. But God has been my Father through it all. By His grace, and I am convinced it was His grace alone, He has kept me close to His heart, led me into a WONDERFUL Christian marriage with the most committed, loving husband I could ever imagine, and blessed me with His provision and guidance all the while. God has been faithful, and continues to be faithful, to provide me with the things I missed out on while growing up. His work in my life has amazed me and I can't wait to sit at His feet and praise Him for Eternity for redeeming me!!!!