Momma’s G.R.I.T.S.
(Gratitude, Resilience, Integrity, Tenderness, Selflessness)

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” – Phil. 4:8

By Amanda Daniels

In the south a breakfast table often includes grits – a hot mixture of boiled, ground corn topped with salt and butter. When prepared correctly, they are delicious. My momma can make a mean pot of grits.

Good mothers not only tend to the physical needs of their children but also feed their emotional and spiritual needs.

My mother used another type of grits for that, the kind the dictionary defines as a firmness of mind or spirit and unyielding courage. These grits fueled my faith, nourished my soul, and matured my spirit.

The ingredients in my “Momma’s G.R.I.T.S.” include

• genuine gratitude (regardless of her circumstances),
• resilience to persevere and overcome significant struggles with joy,
• inspiring faith to lean on the Lord and encourage others to do likewise,
• an ability to be both tough and tender, and
• selfless humility, always giving more than she takes and standing down while building others up.

These are the kind of G.R.I.T.S. I hope to feed my daughter. But these G.R.I.T.S. do not come easy. Like the grits we eat, they must be ground and boiled (refined through fire).

My mother’s life provided for such a process. She grew up poor with a father who battled alcoholism. She married my dad while still just a kid herself and together, they raised two strong-willed daughters.

Despite our struggles, she loved us unconditionally with grace and patience. Instead of reminding us of our failures and her disappointments, she celebrates our achievements and fondly remembers our teenage years as wonderful.

Over the last three decades, my mother’s physical health has been under attack. Numerous surgeries (including triple bypass and abdominal to remove ovarian cancer), life-threatening infections, fluid in her lungs, bowel blockages, hair loss, nausea, dizziness, COVID, fatigue, and severe headaches are only a selection of the suffering that has tested and refined her faith.

Yet through it all, she still sees the glass as half full. She chooses joy. Like all of us, my mother is human. She has weaknesses, makes mistakes, and falls short of the glory of God.

Despite all this, each morning she intentionally fixes her hair and makeup – and her thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

Each of us has that same choice – to view ourselves and others through His perspective.

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul talks about putting on the armor of God and notes a shield of faith. I always thought this shield protected my heart. I recently realized the breastplate of righteousness does that. I now realize the shield is to protect my face; it is more like a bulletproof windshield with an eternal lens.

An eternal lens changes our perspective and aligns our will with the Lord. It is the key to peace and the abundant life for which Jesus came to give us.

As a southern girl, I highly recommend a plate of grits for breakfast. And as a daughter of the King, I encourage you to ask Him for a portion of the G.R.I.T.S. He has given my momma. It will change your life.

UNAFRAID

JOSHUA 1:9

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

September 8-10, 2023

FOR MOMS AND DAUGHTERS 6TH – 12TH GRADE
CAMP WILLOW SPRINGS – LAKE GASTON, NC

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with your daughter on a deeper level!

• Modern Dorms
• Canoeing, Ropes Course, The Giant Swing, Swimming, Camp Fire/Smores Saturday evening
• Pool with water slides!
• Worship
• Moms Only – Parenting Segment
• This is a unique location and a wonderful opportunity to spend special time with your daughter(s)!