A monthly spotlight to celebrate real motherhood, anchored in grace.
Meet Our Featured Mom:
Name: Lizzie Fleet
City/State: Cedar Park, Tx
Kids’ Names & Ages: June, 8 Max, 8 and Finn, 6
♀️ Her Story & Calling
How has motherhood shaped your relationship with God?
As simple as it sounds, He has shown me His love for me. Growing up in a very conservative and legalistic atmosphere I was told God had unconditional love for me but not often shown it. As a result, in my adult walk I’ve often struggled to grasp this. God not only has unconditional love for me but delights in me? I’m not just a burden always getting things wrong?? A huge way He has made this apparent to me is through the gift of my 3 incredible kids. They are so funny and complex and beautiful and unique and I love them simply because they are mine. Even in the midst of tantrums or bad choices, I could burst with my love for them. As an imperfect sinner, I can barely contain my overwhelming love for my kids and God in his perfection has whispered to me time and time again, “this is how I feel about you.”
What part of your identity have you had to rediscover (or release) in this season?
Like many fellow female millennials I’ve struggled with body image for the majority of my life. Having kids obviously alters your body in considerable ways; good, powerful, meaningful ways I would say now! But it’s been a journey to release the identity I held in appearance. I’ve been very athletic and active for most of my life and while being active is still something I enjoy, it can’t be everything in motherhood. Your priorities just have to shift. Seeking to truly find my value and worth in Christ alone has been a significant struggle unfortunately. Especially with two daughters of my own now, I want to not only embrace this truth but model it. I want them to see themselves as Christ does and have their hearts seek out Him and His approval over all others.
Is there a Scripture that’s grounding you right now?
I have so many I’m constantly turning to, but for body image specifically I have this one next to my mirror so I can look at it every day and keep my priorities in check!
“Training the body has some value, but being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8
️Faith in the Everyday
What does quiet time look like for you lately? Messy, sacred, or both?
For the first time since becoming a mom, my kids are all in school! Before my quiet times were sporadic and short, often crammed into before they woke up or during a quiet time, but now I have the privilege of quiet mornings. It’s been a truly beautiful gift and a time I look forward to. Even with the extra time on my hands though I have to make sure and prioritize it. There’s always laundry to do or dishes to wash or errands to run. Making sure I start each day with my cup of coffee and time in the word makes such a difference in how I go throughout the rest of my day. And I’ve truly seen and felt the closeness of the Lord in our relationship through it.
How do you see God show up in the ordinary moments of your day?
I think because the early years of motherhood were so over the top chaotic for me, (I had 3 babies in 2 years) I’m extremely aware now of the peaceful moments. Not to say he doesn’t show up in the mess as well, but I’m really aware of Him in the peace. When my kids are playing well and being kind to each other or when we have family meals around the table and are able to talk about our days. These beautiful peace filled moments feel like glimpses of heaven to me.
What prayer have you been praying most often?
Forgiveness. Ha! The Lord has been so gentle with me in my sin, showing me the dark parts of my heart that need softening. Everyday I am humbled. I’m so quick to get frustrated with others, be short with my kids, be bitter or resentful in my marriage, be ungrateful for our endless blessings, or try to control my circumstances instead of trusting Him. The more I learn about His character and spend time in His word, the more gratitude I have that he puts up with me.
Grace Over Perfection
When was a recent moment you had to give yourself (or your kids) grace?
For 7 years I was a full time stay at home mom. My days were filled to the brim with diapers, wiping noses, organizing play dates, picking up toys, and dispelling fights. Not to mention the myriad of everyday tasks to keep a home. When my twins started kindergarten I suddenly had what seemed like endless time on my hands. The transition to this, while wonderful in many ways, has proven to be an opportunity for me to be even harder on myself than usual. I typically have quite a few plates spinning at once and as a first born daughter/perfectionist I don’t ever like to let any of them fall. However, when I inevitably do, that inner voice can be really loud.
How could you forget to do this? What excuse do you have?? Lizzie from 3 years ago is disgusted with you!
Learning to give myself grace when I forget to restock certain groceries or don’t have clean underwear for the kids has been harder for me than I’d like to admit. But I’m human! And it’s an opportunity to remind myself of how much I need Jesus, even in the small things
What would you say to the mom who feels like she’s not doing enough?
Oh sis we have all been right there with you. The enemy loves for us to live in the mom guilt. God gave you your specific children because He knew you were the perfect mom for the job. If you are seeking Him and His will, you are doing enough. Full stop. He will guide you in all of your decisions whether it be birth plans, schooling, nutrition, discipline, career choices, and so on and so forth. Don’t let the enemy distract from the good and perfect plan He has for you in motherhood.
What’s something God is gently teaching you right now?
My desperate need for ongoing sanctification alongside his overwhelming love for me. The two together being the key. I’ve always been told I was a sinner, but without the love piece this made me want to rebel against the idea. I didn’t think God actually cared and therefore could find justification for many of my thoughts and actions. In his gentleness, He’s been showing me how much He truly does love and care for me specifically. He cares about all the mundane, day to day issues as well as the big emotional life choices and paths. As this truth has settled into my heart so has my desire and conviction for growth. Not out of fear or obligation, but out of gratitude for His presence and help.
Wisdom & Legacy
What do you want your children to remember most about you?
I hope they’ll say I reflected Christ in how I spent my time and our money. In our family and especially in our oikos, I attempt to embody Philippians 2:3.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
My prayer is that I respond to and interact with others in a way that models the selflessness of Christ and therefore encourages my kids to do the same.
What’s one truth you return to when things feel heavy?
God loves me. So simple but so comforting. In my darkest moments when circumstances are hard or I feel overwhelmed, I can come as I am to Him. When sadness is all consuming, I’m not too much or too weak or a burden. I’m His daughter. He loves me and cares about me and there is so much comfort in that.
Finish this sentence: “Being a mom with faith means…
always having help! We are never truly alone. He gives us strength on the days that we are overwhelmed. He is with us through the late nights and the marriage fights. He is with us when it feels like no one else is. We can always have hope and find peace knowing He’s got our back.
If you could write a note to yourself 5 years ago — or 5 years from now — what would you say?
To Lizzie circa 2021
Hey sis,
You are really going through it right now. Your kids are so little. Your marriage is so hard. You’re walking through a season of the deepest grief you have ever known. Sparks of joy are few and far between. I know it’s hard to have hope right now.
But
Someone is still there for you. Holding you up even when you can’t see Him. Guiding your steps and giving you strength even when you can’t hear Him. Gently molding your heart into one filled with compassion for others who will go through these same things one day. This suffering you are experiencing is not your fault or a result of mistakes you’ve made. This world is broken and broken things happen. But God is using this to bring about his good and perfect plan for you. Hang in there because things might get worse before they get better. Cling to the Lord. Cling to Him. He will reveal to You His heart, His love, His faithfulness, and His plan in his good and perfect timing.
Favorite Scripture or Prayer
“I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ and to belong to him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him.”
Philippians 3:8-9
At MomQ we believe that motherhood is a calling from God. While it is both a privilege and an honor, it is by no means easy! Moms have a lot of questions/concerns and need caring support along their journey. Whether you are a brand new mom or a little more seasoned, MomQ is here to help you fulfill your God given role. Don’t see a group in your area? Contact us today about starting one in your community!
