​There are so many hurting people, especially Christians, who are struggling with sin. I’m not talking about the junk that one may be dealing with, I’m talking about the stigma that others are putting on them because of the SIN they believe to be bigger than everybody else’s.
This subject is so close to my heart because for years I battled with accusations of how “my sin” was worse because it was visible. 
 Are some sins greater than others? In my own opinion, there are “greater” sins because of the consequences they bear. For instance, if you murder someone, the consequences could mean that you will serve prison time or even get the death penalty.
  But what if you were to murder someone with your tongue? Does this mean it carries the same consequences? No, it doesn’t, however the words that you speak to someone can be devastating.  However, speaking murder doesn’t carry out the same sentence as actual murder.  
 So if we are not careful, we can very easily point out "outer sin" to a person, while we may be struggling with "inner sin". Hidden sins are no less harmful than the ones in open view.
 Sin that is “seen” is always going to be attacked or even talked about more, than sin that is unseen.  
For example envy is a huge problem both inside and outside the church. When God brings promotion in someone’s life, we should be happy for them right? Yet “envy” is always right there to stir up the whispers of “why didn’t I get that promotion? don’t I serve as much as she does? Why did they pick her, she’s so full of herself?  She’s not even following all the ways of the Lord like I AM”?  I read more than she does, my woman's meetings flow with the spirit more, and I'm definitely more versed in the word.”
I could go on and on but I think we get the gist. Lets look at the most common used word when Envy comes… “I”
I can’t believe, I am better, I deserve it, I am more spiritual.

 I heard it once said, that some people just know how to sin better than others. What this statement really means is sometimes people “cover up” their sin better than others. SIN or sin is still the same in God eyes. Jesus died for both the SINNERS and the sinners. HE came to proclaim freedom to the captives and open the prison doors to those who are bound.
-(Isaiah: 61:1)
So today, if you are struggling with forgiving yourself because you feel that your SIN is  bigger than someone else’s, let me leave you with some hope.
​Jesus paid the ultimate price for SIN/sin. He died for us while we were yet sinners. He didn’t ask God what sin He was dying for, he died for ALL of it, and He did it out in the OPEN for all to see. That shows me that He wasn’t hidden about it, He was intentional and showed EVERYONE that SIN was not the focus. It was love. 

​Today I want to honor all the mothers in my life. You are beautiful, you are cherished and you are loved. And though we’re not perfect (because let’s face it, kids DO NOT come with instructions) your work and dedication never went unnoticed in God’s eyes. 
********************************************************************************************************

 Being a mom isn’t an easy task. Whether you’re married or single, no one can prepare you for motherhood. It doesn’t matter how many books you read, or movies you watch. Until you’ve become a mom, you can’t grasp the beauty of what an honor it is to raise your children.  
For me, I was 21 when I had my first son. I was scared to death to be a mom. I had so many sleepiness nights because he suffered with colic.  I often cried myself to sleep. I wondered if I was cut out to be a good mom.   Then out of nowhere it happened; their first smile, their first giggle and then their first steps.  Nothing replaces the joy of seeing that little face staring at you and knowing “they are a part of me”. 

     We are your biggest cheerleaders and your swift kick in your behind. We stand proud when you cross that finish line, or give you that reassuring hug when you come in last place.  We take care of you when you are sick and we let you crawl in bed with us when a thunderstorm rolls in.   
     We make your favorite meals and we hear our name called out in a crowded room. We yell the loudest at your sporting events and we’re the ones embarrassing you with kisses in front of your friends.  We know the right words to say after you’ve had the worst day of your life and we stay up till midnight helping you with your project, so you get an “A”.
     We’re the shoulder you leaned on after your break-up and we’re also the ones making sure you’re still cleaning your room.

      Then, out of no-where, something beautiful happens. In a blink of an eye, those babies you nursed, prayed for and raised-grew up right before your eyes. You realized that after all the sleepiness nights and endless worrying through their teenage years that these children were a gift; only given to us for such a short time. It’s knowing that you did the best job you could ever do, with the tools you were given. Its realizing that all your prayers, tears, hopes and dreams for your children are all in place -as they step out into this great big world to start their own life. Yes, moms are a blessing.

     To MY mom, my best friend and the one who loved me through some pretty bad situations- and you still cheered me on. You are the strongest person I know and I want to be just like you. You taught me to never give up, always keep breathing and never take my life for granted.  Though you tell me often that you were not a perfect mother (because none of us are) I learned one thing that I will cherish forever:
     You loved me right where I was at, in my foolishness, in my brokenness, and now in my journey to a new life.  I am forever grateful.

​Mom, you are my blessing.