Joan Sewell

Joan's Thoughts on Gentle Mothering

Pr 31:26 says of the virtuous woman that: She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. What a balance! Also, the New Testament says about treating others: Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. I think this should apply to our children more than anyone. And about how we are to teach others: 2Ti 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Why do you feel that gentle mothering is so important?

We all make mistakes. We all have our bad days. But, if we are striving to be gentle then we will make more "deposits" into the emotional bank accounts of our children than we make "withdrawals". Let's face it, none of us are perfect. However, we can strive to be virtuous, kind, gentle and meek. We should be living to show others Jesus. He is the ultimate example of gentle.

Why do you feel that God wants you to parent this way?

Because God would have me to disciple my children according to His example set through His Son, Jesus. If my children are truly a blessing and not some kind of inconvenient curse, then I should desire to strive for unconditional love as He loves me. I have tried the stiff, authoritarian style of parenting and still struggle with the desire to control at times, but God has shown me a better way.

Joan's Testimony

Here's a link to one of Joan's articles. . . Eternal Salvation vs. Conditional Salvation.