Do you ever wonder if sweet, timid-voiced Michelle Duggar ever raises her voice?  Even yells?  I’m sure I am not the only one that has wondered this very thing.  I watch her and think, how in the world do you do what you do?  Raise a family of 19 little ones, and always seem so under control, so calm…


My flesh wants to give her a clutch.  Thinking that maybe because she is on television, that keeps her in check.  But I think it is more than that. I truly believe that it is because she seeks the Lord, first and foremost, and strives to walk in the Spirit daily.  


I also think she has had a lot of practice in what works.  I mean, come on now, after 19 kids, she has to be a pro!  She has committed herself to staying calm and gentle while talking to her children, and therefore it has become second nature not to yell and scream at her children.


Now, by no means do I think she is perfect.  I’m sure she wants to just go out into the woods and have an all – out – scream once in awhile.  

I never thought that I would ever raise my voice with my children.  But I do.  Sometimes.  More than I like.


Once we do, it can become a habit to become harsher with our tone of voice, when interacting with our children.  When do you find that you become most impatient, quick to lash out, and anything but gentle with your children?  


For me, it is when I’m in the flesh.  I believe that it comes down to my own pride.  I have an agenda for the day, and if they interrupt that, I get flustered.  


It also is when I forget that they come first while I’m home.  It is not blogging time or anything else that comes first.  I am home to care for them and train them up in the Lord.


So, what do we do as Mothers?  How do we stay Spirit-filled, calm, and gentle towards our children?


1. Try and spend time with the Lord daily.  Hear His heartbeat.  Fellowship with Him in prayer and communion.


2. Read/memorize/meditate on Galatians 5:16-22.


3. Make it a habit and a practice to stay calm.  Try it for a day…you will see a difference.


4. Our children mimic us in all that we do.  If we are staying calm, and modeling gentle actions, they will follow.  If we yell, get frustrated, and are harsh with our children, they will start acting this way.