“How to Handle Criticism From In-laws”

"I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors –rescue me."

Psalms 7:1

Moms,

We can often face loads of criticism when we try to raise our kids in a different way than our parents or our spouse's parents raised us. God tells us in many places in His word that we should expect challenges and criticism from others. Many times Jesus was persecuted unjustly. He tells us that just like they persecuted him they will also persecute us. I personally have felt heavy criticism for my parenting choices and for a long time it would really hurt me. I was too caught up in getting everyone's approval and when I didn't get it, I was crushed and broken- hearted over it.

It's taken a really long time, but I have begun to realize that #1: The criticism will probably never stop and #2: I better look for approval somewhere else.

I have had to adjust my thinking and remember that I am to follow Christ and when I do that others may not always agree. Moms, I am not in any way, shape, or form telling you I have this mastered. In fact just this week I was challenged to either choose to believe what God thinks of me or allow the opinions of others overwhelm me with sadness consequently ruining my day.

Psalm 7:1 reminds us where we should go when we're being criticized or persecuted. What also helps me to keep moving forward is reading certain scriptures over and over. I make sure I am filling my mind with the words of God and not the words of others. I would challenge you to do this.

When you're being unjustly criticized by someone, instead of dwelling on it and letting it ruin your day, go sit down and read some verses and I promise you, your heart will feel better.

-Kristy