Deuteronomy 27: Prayer & Parenting

What a timely word for me this morning…Deuteronomy 27:20-21 (NKJV) “‘Cursed is the one who lies with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s bed.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’ ‘Cursed is the one who lies with any kind of animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!’”

Good morning, good morning—there’s so much goodness in today’s reading. It’s a very early for me…I’m at the airport this morning, saying goodbye after a sweet visit with one of my boys who’s heading back for his final stretch of school. We had a really great couple of week together. Sure, a few bumps came up, but two out of three were handled with tools and growth—on both sides. I see him maturing. It’s beautiful. I see myself growing, too. That’s pretty cool.

Today, the warnings against sin caught my eye. Some of the examples in the text feel extreme, even shocking—but they’re there clearly because it was a thing.

When I zoom out and think about the roots of sin—any sin—I know it usually traces back to something deeper. Pride. Ego. Wounding. A longing for control. A fear of not being enough or not being seen. Sin doesn’t start in isolation; it starts in the heart. And when I look at some of the behaviors I’m facing in parenting right now, it really makes me so sad—and I’m not just talking about my kids. I see it in myself, too.

There have been hard moments this weekend. Words spoken. Boundaries pushed. Behavior that’s been inappropriate or deeply disrespectful. Some of it is natural with age, among sibling dynamics, and the reality of “testing the waters.” I’d like to think I do a pretty good job mostly. It can be easy to react. I’m learning to pause and ask, “What’s really going on underneath this?” it helps to not take it so personally, and it also helps to respond in a way to the behavior that not only honors my child but honors who I am in the process.

Some days and some behaviors are just hard! Awful actually like we read today. This weekend I had several of those. There was fun and connection, yes—but also moments that left me grieved and concerned. I know I have decisions to make, and they’re not easy ones. I’ve got a session coming up with a therapist I trust, and I’m praying for wisdom and courage to show up as the mom I want to be. The mom I need to be. The mom God is forming me into, day by day.

Last night, I had to draw a line and get harsh. I hate that actually. I communicated, didn’t raise my voice and simply put consequences in place. Being divorced and operating as a single parent is a challenge for sure. I love when I get this kind of support…“You ever think it might be you?” 🙄🤷🏻‍♀️

Divorce is super hard. That one hit hard. Yes Im constantly analyzing things thinking, “What was my part?” I think about it all the time. No one wants to be a single parent. I don’t think anyone wants to be a bad parent! I’m constantly asking the Lord to search my heart, to refine me, to help me see clearly. I don’t want to be above correction—I just want to walk in wisdom, discernment and love, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

Today, my heart is hurting. I didn’t sleep great and we are up early. Thankfully I’m not without hope. There’s deep comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. Scripture reminds me often that brokenness and sin have always been part of the story—but so has God’s mercy. His faithfulness. His refining love.

Thank you for letting me share this. This was heavy. I love reading the Word in community. I’d be grateful for your prayers—for strength, for discernment, and for peace in the middle of the mess. I’ve noticed I often wake up in the night, my mind racing and my heart anxious especially after days like yesterday. It’s in those quiet, restless moments that I find myself praying—sometimes without even realizing it—handing it back over to God again and again. Casting my cares, if you will!

How can I pray for you today?!