Enough.

Over the past few months, my heart and mind have pondered the words to adequately share what I have been feeling every time I see another post that tells me “you are enough.” While the message is shared with kind intentions, meant to be an encouragement and build self-confidence, it can be deceiving.

Enough means “as much as required; occurring in such quantity to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations.” And I can tell you right now, without hesitation, that my name could never define “enough.” There is only One whose can.

My oldest is about to enter high school, and it has become especially urgent to me, that she realizes who she needs more than anyone else in this world. And it’s not me. Or her daddy. Or herself. It’s Jesus. Only Jesus.

The greatest gift I can give all of my babies, is to point them to Him. Not only when we are praising Him for answered prayers or thanking Him for our food, but when the days are hard. When they are afraid. When they feel defeated. In every situation that I might be tempted to try and be their savior or make them think they can save themselves.

The truth is that I’m not enough…they’re not enough…and none of us are…because we were never meant to be.

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 (italics mine)

When our children’s feelings are hurt, when self-esteem is low, when doubt clouds their minds, or when they feel like they just don’t have what it takes to meet a challenge ahead, what I wish we would say instead is this:

“Jesus is enough for you in this moment.

You are able to rise to this challenge because He created you . He thoughtfully knit your inmost being together with intricate detail to prepare you for this very moment. (Psalm 139:13)

You do not have to be afraid because He has already conquered death and is your helper, holding your hand as you walk through hard things. (Isaiah 41:13)

You are weak, but can survive this moment, because He is strong. (Philippians 4:13)

I am your mama, and as much as I want to save you from all the hurt that this life can bring, you must remember this…it’s not my job:

I gave birth to you, but He created you.

I would die for you, but He already did.

I love you with my whole heart, but He loves you beyond comprehension…with the evidence in His scars.

Jesus is enough for you. Every second of every day, always.”

Call on His name. Listen for His voice. Seek His face.

He loves you so very much more than you could ever imagine and is the only One who can fill the empty places in your heart. He provided manna for the Israelites…enough for each day…and He is able to do the same for you. Meet him each morning, gather sustenance from His Word, and know that your words and gifts and offerings are enough, because of Him.