I used Philippians 4:8 as my guide with my intrusive thought - I’m a bad mom.

Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy: Does this thought deserve to be praised or put on a pedestal?.

Whatever is admirable: Does this thought deserve respect and attention?.

Whatever is lovely: Is this a beautiful or pleasing thought?.

Whatever is pure: Does the thought lead us to purity, the action of seeking a life as a redeemed child of God and casting out sin?.

Whatever is right: Is the thought righteous, and does it encourage us to act in accordance with God's law?.

Whatever is noble: Does this thought hold to a high moral standard?.

Whatever is true: Is this a thought that is the actual truth? Do we have facts to back it up?.

“ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Realizing how harmful these thoughts can be will tell us that it’s time for them to go.Īnd instead of letting those thoughts waltz in and take up residence in our hearts, we can evaluate the ugly intrusive thoughts using Philippians 4:8 as our road map: Intrusive thoughts can tell us that we are worthless, useless, lazy and ugly. In my job, I have seen how intrusive thoughts can grow tentacles into nearly every part of mothers’ lives: self-worth, relationships, careers and faith. Like a song on repeat, I’m a bad mom was living in my head rent-free and tearing me into a million pieces. My thoughts about being a bad mom would creep in when I would try to pray, and they would distract me when I was caring for my son. Believing that I was a bad mom, that I wasn’t enough to take care of my baby, the baby boy I would give my life for. Around and around it went until I was a puddle of despair. I loved him to my core, but I was starting to believe that I was the worst mom in history. So when my son was born, I wasn’t expecting to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated, anxious, sad, helpless and hopeless. I’m not afraid of the storm - I was made for it. Like a storm chaser, I run toward the whirlwind of emotions rather than away from it. Emotions have never made me uncomfortable. His everything was just as it should be.Īs a therapist, I’m no stranger to tears.

His red hair caught the crisp sunlight as it filtered through my dusty bedroom window.

I looked down into the bright blue eyes of my newborn baby boy. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Book a bad day for sunshine