Sarah Mae
About the Author

Sarah Mae has a past that would be her present if it weren’t for Jesus. A blogger, author, and co-author of Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, she’s currently writing The Complicated Heart, a book for broken-hearted lovers of Jesus. Learn more at @thecomplicatedheart on Instagram or...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thank God for community of women! A reassurance that I’m not the only one who drowns in desperation when motherhood seems to loose its beauty and awesomeness because of clutter, homework, tantrums and endless cooking.

  2. When I read the introduction to this book, I cried because it spelled out exactly how I feel everyday while trying to raise a 4yr, a 3yr, a 1yr and expecting our next blessing. I am glad that there are other mums who go through the same issues everyday. Thank you for writing this book!

  3. Oh, I need to get this book ASAP! Thank you Sarah Mae and Sally — I hope to read it with a friend or two!!

  4. I can identify with this–not because I’m a mom, I’m not a mom–but because I am living the life I wanted for myself, but it is not as idyllic as it seemed it would be. The fact that the expectation was excitement and joy just makes the not quite so perfect fristration that much worse.

  5. What a gift…my little angels are growing so quickly, but I STILL feel there are days I cannot ‘breathe’. Looking so forward to reading!

  6. My story is different. I didn’t plan on being a stay-at-home mom, but that’s where God has led me. Dare I say my life is better than I planned. But, still, I’ve known moments of desperation along the way plenty of times.

  7. This book sounds so great. My word for the year is “live” and it sounds like this book woukd be helpful in moving towards truly living with my husband and 4 kids!

  8. I so get this…I always planned to be at least a part-time stay at home mom, but when our triplets came along, there was no “part time”…I’ve been at home the last 8 years now and some days -week or months, really – I thought I was turning into a monster because of the walls pressing in. I could see myself turning into the exact opposite of what I wanted for my children and it took some serious surrendering and accepting til the “mad mommy” began to fade away. I still get testy, especially when we’re running behind, but learning to let go of alot of expectations has helped so much, and just learning to experience God’s unconditional love is so essential. Looking forward to reading your book and adding more insight into how to successfully navigate these most important days of mothering our precious ones.

  9. I knew that this would be a good book to read; I was surprised, however, to feel the depth of she-gets-me that I felt in reading the description!

  10. Love it! I especially love how you asked God to help in your desperation and he gave you help AND a gift for others. It is just like our God to bring beauty from ashes. Thank you for your obedience!

  11. I’m so thankful to know I’m not the only mom who struggles with enjoying the simple joys of motherhood. I sometimes feel like I must be broken to still fight my own selfishness and laziness.

  12. I can imagine what a blessing this book is to moms. I loved being a mom and now enjoy being a grandma but I remember the days of feeling like I was going crazy. This book sounds like a great gift.

  13. I would love a chance to read this book! I would love to hear what Sally has to say after years of mothering!

  14. This post came this morning while i was feeling resentful for being asked to help my daughters so much with the children. After all, this is my retirement! I didn’t have help raising my 4 daughters! Ahhh! Maybe that is why I feel resentful? Maybe that is why I struggle today?

    I need to read this book! There is a whole network of grandmothers here waiting to help!

    Thank you! It is grace.

  15. I am going to be a mom for the first time in May. Unlike you, I never, ever imagined myself as a mom – I was a focused career woman without much of a maternal instinct. But during a season of praying and seeking God’s will (not mine!) He completely changed my heart to want children of my own. Now that my due date is drawing closer, I am scared to death! I keep hearing how hard, how exhausting, how lonely being a mom is and I want to run away – or at least hide in a job where I feel competent and confident 🙂 I think this book is going to move to the top of my reading list, a kind of preemptive strike against the feelings and experiences that are sure to come!

    • Heather,
      Remember to be honest about your feelings to the people you trust with your heart. It is so very important to have confidants in Motherhood. I met my best friend in a Prenatal Yoga class – and it saved me. I didn’t know another person in my area who was pregnant when I was, and having her was so comforting. We were honest to one another about our ups and downs and didn’t judge. Don’t fear Motherhood, but don’t try to control it, either. I suffered from PPD for over 8 months because I tried to control my life. The fewer expectations you have, the easier it will be. Let your baby be your teacher and trust your intuition. Good luck to you! You’re going to be a wonderful Mother. =)

  16. I’m buying this book for a few mom-friends of mine! I’m not assuming that they’re desperate, but I know they’ll be blessed and encouraged!!

  17. Sarah Mae – Thanks for another giveaway opportunity! If I don’t win a copy, I’ll be buying one.. I know this book will speak to the hearts of so many mothers and I can’t wait to read it!

  18. As a momma with three year old triplets, I know this feeling. Even though I work full time, the same sense of failure closes in and I’m so glad you’re writing about it.

  19. Even working mamas need to breathe – amidst the toys, the dirt, the dishes, the laundry, AND the full-time job, it all gets to be too much.

  20. Hiding in the bedroom, calling my husband at work…. “I can’t do this”. Some days are so hard.

  21. felt like this blog post already speaks to my heart. hoping to win the book and be able to read the whole story!

  22. This post is so timely. I stay home with my son on Fridays, and last Friday I ended up calling my husband in tears because I was SO weary of doing the same four activities over and over again. And then I felt like a horrible mother for not even being able to spend ONE DAY out of the week home alone with my son.

    • You probably should. One day a week with one kid. yeah, I really feel for you. Or not. Having spent the last eight years at home, giving my three kids everything I have to give, it always annoys me when the part-time parent of an only child starts whining about “how hard it is to be a mommy”. Get over yourself. I feel bad for your child, I hope his father isn’t such a narcissist.

    • You probably should. One day a week. One child. Seriously? I’ve spent the last eight years mothering my kids (I had three in five years) pretty much 24/7 because that’s the purpose of a MOTHER. I’m beyond annoyed with the part-time parent of an only child whining about “being a mommy is so HARD”. Whatever.

  23. I teared up reading this post today and watching that video because, as a young mother of a 3 year old and a 4 month old, I feel so very lonely and exhausted. I look forward to reading this book and I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

  24. Would love to read this. Starting to see I’m truly not alone in sometimes being totally overwhelmed in motherhood.

  25. Oh, wow, do I ever relate to my future not being what I imagined! So many things I was not going to do as a mom were/are done regularly, and things I was going to do don’t get done. Sounds a lot like Romans 7!

  26. It’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t want to play ponies-or superheroes, race cars, Legos. We’re not alone.

  27. Oh, wow, do I ever relate to my future not being what I imagined! So many things I was not going to do as a mom were/are done regularly, and things I was going to do don’t get done. Sounds a lot like Romans 7. 🙂

  28. Praying that this message of hope will reach far and wide and help mamas everywhere see light and freedom peaking around the corners of their everyday. Thanks Sarah Mae and Sally for your words and insight!

  29. I’d love to win this, so soaks to my heart right now. I will absolutely buy it if I don’t win!

  30. What an inspiring story. I feel this way sometimes being a SAHM. I just tried re-entering the working world because I thought I wasn’t cut out for staying home with 2 rambunctious boys. I quit after 6 months because home is where I want to be. It’s nice to read another’s story of struggle (what a lot of moms won’t talk about) to help get me through each day and know I’m not alone.

  31. When I got to the part about not wanting to play ponies…..oh my heart. I just am not good at playing and it guilts me to no end. It’s even more so now that we lost my husband to cancer. He was a good player so I didn’t feel so bad. However, I’m learning to make the decision to play, not because I like it, but because my son likes it and it makes him happy, which in turn makes me happy.

    Thank you for sharing your story. I can’t wait to read your book.

  32. I am not a stay at home mom, but I struggle to find a balance between working full time, and having time and energy to be a good wife, mother to my four, two and 16 month old, keep a clean house and still be pleasant and gracious to endure all the other things that are thrown my way, in addition to having to read my Bible every day, attend events, make all meals from scratch….I don’t know, when I read blogs I feel like I fall so short of who I should be…that I am not enough. I know that I have a lot of desperate moments and could greatly benefit from this book!

    • Just remember…the things that most people post are their HIGHLIGHTS and the photos are most likely staged. You don’t see their dark moments. We’re all human, and we all have our own path. Hang in there mama…just know that you are doing your best with the tools you have. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book either =)

  33. I’m not entering the giveaway! I’m now an empty nester and wouldn’t dream of stealing away an entry spot from someone that REALLY needs it!
    Oh I remember the days, playing on the floor, laying in pjs all day (ALL OF US!) reading books and playing blocks!! I may not have done dishes or laundry for days on end, but I loved playing with the kids!
    It was still exhausting!!
    Gods best blessings on the winner and each of you that reads the book…

  34. Awesome. I feel like this is actually a pretty common feeling in (stay-at-home) motherhood. Definitely interested in reading this.

  35. I’m excited to read Desperate, and am even praying about leading a group at my church. That’s a big step for me! Thank you, Sarah Mae and Sally, for sharing yourselves!

  36. I’m not entering the giveaway! I’m now an empty nester and wouldn’t dream of stealing away an entry spot from someone that REALLY needs it!
    Oh I remember the days, playing on the floor, laying in pjs all day (ALL OF US!) reading books and playing blocks!! I may not have done dishes or laundry for days on end, but I loved playing with the kids!
    It was still exhausting!!
    Gods best blessings on the winner!

  37. I’m not entering the giveaway! I’m now an empty nester and wouldn’t dream of stealing away an entry spot from someone that REALLY needs it!
    Oh I remember the days, playing on the floor, reading books and playing blocks!! I may not have done dishes or laundry for days on end, but I loved playing with the kids!
    It was still exhausting!!
    Gods best blessings on the winner!

  38. Oooh I’m thinking maybe a small group of women from church!! How fun ! Something we all desperately need !

  39. While I’m not a mother I can relate to desperate. I have a good job that pays well, but some days I just don’t want to get out of bed & go to work. I feel trapped & unappreciated in my current position. Certainly can relate to moms wanting help/mentoring to get through the mundane days of same old same old.

    Lord, Please bless these wonderful women. Help them with their desperation and angst at trying to be the best mom to their children that they can. Shower them with your love and affection–letting them know daily that they are just where you want them!

    AMEN!

  40. At first I thought, oh another book, and I am so behind…
    But what you wrote here? It’s inspiring and I have a neighbor who describes herself just as you did. In fact, two neighbors but one is divorcing so I’m not sure I can give her the book.
    I did have a great mom to turn to when I felt desperate. Thanking God for her, and for you all who write encouragements.

  41. Do I ever remember those days! I always say that while I loved my babies, I didn’t love having babies. Now my girls are teens and we are the best of friends. I would love to be able to share this book with a dear friend I can think of with two little girls at home and a less than supportive husband.

  42. I have also experienced this life change of motherhood. It was something I longed for, felt blessed to have the privilege of attempting, and was truly unprepared for what became reality. I was a career person until my daughter was born. When I decided I could not go back to work, God provided the way. But in this giving of myself for my now two precious kiddos, I have struggled with confidence and fatigue. I do not regret my decision to stay at home, and I pray it will reap dividends in their lives.

  43. As I read this post, tears fill my eyes. It says so much about who I am… I love my children beyond comprhension, but being here day after day, refereeing them, feeding them, caring for them leaves me empty and hopeless and ready to run. What kind of mother am I? I have longed for someone to hear me, to see me, to talk it out with me. I AM DESPERATE every day. I don’t know how I can live through the next 5-15 years of doing this…..

  44. This book sounds exactly like what I need right now. Your description of what you went through sounds so similar to what I’ve been feeling these days, but I cannot stop being a mother, especially since I am a single-mother. I feel so conflicted about my role as mother because I have the child I always wanted and love to the depths of my soul, but, on the other hand, I am so tired, so burned out, so alone in my despair. I think I am going to order your book immediately. Thank you!

  45. Thank you so much for honestly telling and sharing your story to help other moms feeling the same way. What courage you have, and what a blessing for all of us! Looking forward to reading the book.

  46. God is faithful to bring us a one of His own to walk along side us in these desperate times ringing us fruits of the Spirit and without judgement, what a great gift!

  47. I think you are really me! I have been married 8 years, 3 kids, was a Family Studies major, and am SO not the mom I had envisioned. I am on the internet at the library, so I will see if they have this book here, because I need to read it NOW! Thank-you!!!

  48. I could have written those same words. Aspiring only to be a mom to a gaggle of kids, discouraged after my first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage and watching so many “lesser qualified, less obedient” christian women get the baby i wanted. I thought I was going to be a calm mom, a cool mom, a mom others wondered at. I found myself the mom getting “talking to’s” by others. I wasn’t measuring up, I was too angry, I complained too much. And here i was having a second. I asked for too much help, I didn’t ask for enough help. I shared too much, I didn’t share enough.
    This book is just what I need. Just amazing!

  49. Thank you for sharing your stories and insight. Looking forward to some inspiring thoughts through your book.

  50. This sounds a lot like me. I always planned on being a stay-at-home mom who was AWESOME and had fun with her kids. I got a psychology degree in college, married shortly before graduation, and got pregnant 2 months after being married. We now have two kids, our first is a very high-energy, suck-all-the-energy-out-of-mommy kiddo and our second is more laid back (thankfully). Most days I just survive and don’t even get a true night’s sleep since our 16 month old is STILL waking up several times a night (though our first was worse at this age, it’s still not easy to deal with). Most mommy books make me want to throw the across the room just from looking at the cover, but this book sounds like one I might actually find helpful to read.

    • Any chance you got any help from the father, or was he totally free to go and have fun with his life while you slaved away uncompensated?

  51. I could have written this blog post and I’m so excited to read about another mom’s journey through the same things. There is freedom in knowing you’re not alone!

  52. Wow. This is my story. This is the story of so many that we are too afraid to talk about for fear of being looked down upon. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU. I cannot wait to read this.

  53. Thank you for putting out there how I feel most days! It’s helpful to know that other women are struggling with the same things!

  54. I am so encouraged by this! Sometimes I feel depressed or drowning staying home with my two month old full time when I know I am so blessed to be able to do so! Thanks for this book and for writing what so many women feel

  55. Oh, my babies are teenagers now, and I work outside of the home. But this was me, so many years ago. In fact, once again I’m struggling with that feeling of being lost and not sure where to go with my life. What a great resource for new and moms of young children!

  56. Oh my, you were writing all about me up there! WOW! Seriously, at one point, I was like “I’m not the only one!!!!” 😉 Thank you for sharing, and I will definitely be buying the book! If I win it, I’ll give it to one of my girlfriends in the same boat!

  57. Congratulations! I hope your book does well. Thanks for being willing to be used by God in telling your own story! Can’t wait to read the book!

  58. This book is a must, if I don’t win I will get my hands on this book 🙂 Thank you so much for the chance to win 🙂

  59. This is what happens to women who take up motherhood. They are deluded by the myths, the expectations, and the nonsense dreams, and then reality hits hard. You’re stuck for life with screaming children and an ungrateful man. Women – please think twice, no thrice, before you enslave yourselves forever through these ancient institutions of marriage and motherhood. It is indeed slavery: your work is unpaid but you have to do it. Despite working more than a full-time job, you will still have to ask a man for money that he gets to earn at a job that pays him for his time and talents. You will always be subordinate, and you will never receive the thanks you deserve or the appreciation you merit from your husband, children, or family. We have fought for a modern world in which women have choices. You have a choice. Use it wisely. Get an education, and use that education to get a career instead of wasting it bringing children to a planet that is not worthy of their presence. Make your own money instead of depending on a man. Refuse to sacrifice your health and your body to pregnancy and childbirth. And live your own life instead of living for a bunch of ungrateful children. The world is a miserable place – if you love your children, don’t have them in the first place.

    • Mimi,

      It sounds like you had a rough upbringing. While I do struggle sometimes with boredom (I am college educated and worked 2 jobs at a time prior to having my daughter) the joy far outweighs the negative aspects of motherhood. [for the record my body didn’t sacrifice much– I was highly motivated to be more active and healthy in an effort to live as long and healthily as I could so I can be here for my daughter. Thus, my health actually benefitted.]
      My daughter is beautiful and loving and silly and my “pay” as a stay-at-home mom is the love I receive in return. Its also fun seeing the world again through a child’s eyes. My husband is incredibly supportive and grateful and not only tells me so, but shows me on a regular basis. He reaffirms my ‘work’ verbally on a daily basis. Yes, I do rely on him to support me financially. It’s wonderful he can be so selfless to willingly, lovingly sacrifice his impulse buys so we can be comfortable and happy at home.
      You post a strong feminist argument; however, if life is so terrible (“the world is a miserable place”) and you have no happiness (your rationale for denying a child’s existence) I urge you to seek counseling. Life is good and worth enjoying. Even on bad, “miserable” days.
      Moreover, I feel that posting your views on a site encouraging mothers shows you have unresolved (potentially anger) issues. Obviously people here are already mothers and your momma-bashing argument is unprovoked and unnecessary.
      Best wishes to you

    • Wow. I can’t believe you said that. Although having a family to care for can be daunting at times, it can also be very rewarding. Everyone has to make their own choice as to what they want to do with their lives. As women we should support one another in whatever choices the other decides to make.

    • You post this on a page for moms? I think it’s a bit late for that. We’ve all already committed to children and/or a man. Too late for us, sorry. Maybe you should enlighten some young women who aren’t already mothers. Enjoy your solitude.

  60. Reading the intro was like reading what I would have written in my own Diary if I had the energy. 8 years married, 3 littles, and nothing left…thank you so much for this gift.
    ~Melanie E.

  61. I’m not a mom, but I “plan on awesome” all the time – and I often come up short. I’d love to read your book. And I know some dear, sweet, tired mamas who could use the encouragement you shared.

  62. As the mother of a ten year old son and a 4 month old daughter … I could really use this book. I am a stay-at-home mom now which I love but it is very lonely.

  63. Oh how I am looking forward to reading yourbook! I love my children dearly, and yet some days are so hard. Thank you for writing it, and sharing your story with us. May you be blessed.

  64. I would love to read this book and then share it with the younger mothers around me, whom depend upon encouragement to make it through

  65. In fifth grade – I had to write a paper on my desired future profession…I wrote on being a stay at home mom.

    In college – my major was Human Developement and Family Science. My plan? Get my teaching or counseling degree and eventually stay home.

    In marriage – we found out about baby #1 was coming while still in college.

    And shortly after – I started staying home.

    And I was a mess. An awful mess. For the better part of 6 years – I was a mess in my home. A few months ago – the Lord awakened me to some things. On a new journey now….promptly found Titus 2, Sally’s site, some helpful books on other blogs, and your new book. Looking forward to diving in.

    Only with Him can we carry all this out well. Desire and degrees aren’t enough. All Him.

    Blessings,
    Kate

  66. That sounds like a fantastic book! Even if I don’t win it, I’ll buy it anyway. 🙂 I’m a stay-at-home mom of two and it’s what I wanted my whole life. From the time I was a little girl I knew I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. And I was blessed to find a husband who is 100% supportive of that. And I LOVE being a mommy. But yeah, some days, it sucks. Just like any job sucks sometimes. Some days I don’t have a minute to even breath because if one kid doesn’t need something the other one does. Throw post-partum depression into the mix and I was a MESS for a while there. I’m better now (thank you meds!) but motherhood is not all rainbows and warm breezes and skipping barefoot through fields of daisies. It’s HARD. It’s a 24 hr a day, 7 days a week, year-round job for the rest of your life with no paid vacation time. It’s making the decision to have your heart walking around outside your body in the form of your children forever. It’s my greatest joy and my greatest trial at the same time. I love my kids so much it hurts.

  67. Thank you for this. It is so encouraging! I have lived through a ‘desperate’ time, and now facing it again. It is hard not to sink, to give in, to give up. I’m super excited to read this book!

  68. What an answer to prayer. I’m in the heart of tired and “not the great mom I thought I’d be.” Thank you!

  69. I truly can not wait to read this book! I said it last night at the Twitter party, and I’ll say it again…it’s coming at EXACTLY the right time!

  70. God always points us in the right direction. I spent last weekend secretly wondering if I was crazy or moody or angry because I lost my temper with my child. Can’t wait to read this and would love to win!

  71. I need this book! Having a 2.5yo is both exhausting and exhilarating. He can frustrate me and elate me within the same 60 seconds. Signed up for your free 7-day devo and can’t wait!

  72. Your story sounds so much like mine . . . right down to the not wanting to play ponies! Sigh. I too thought I would LOVE being a mother and be a great one. Not so sure anymore. I hope (pray!) that I will find a wonderful mentor as you did. And in the meantime, maybe I should read this book.

  73. Everything you’ve said in your post has resignated with me. My kids are 16, 14, and 7 and there are many days I forget how to breathe. I can’t wait to read the book. Thanks for speaking to all of us “awesome” moms out there. Be blessed!!
    Krystal

  74. ohmygoodness.
    i was this mom.
    i planned for awesomness too.
    some days, tho my girls are older than small, i am still this mom.
    the passion of my heart is to reach out to these moms.

  75. It is always such a relief to me when I am reminded that I am not alone in how difficult I find motherhood to be. Thank you for offering candor, encouragement, and hope!

  76. This sounds so good. In my circle of new motherhood, there were women who constantly had masks on and were so “awesome and perfect” that awesome looked attainable, and expected. When my daughter had issues, and didn’t sleep thru the night at 6 wks, and had reflux that required medical intervention, I subconsciously came to the conclusion that it was me, I wasn’t good enough of a mom. I didn’t have have family that paid for all of my baby expenses (top of the line carseats, formula, diapers, cord blood banking)-sounds crazy, but in my circle of mom peers at the time, it was the norm. And on top of it all, my mom passed away when I was 19, so I had no sounding board to speak God’s truth and loving reality over me. It was HARD. Thankfully, God removed me from a lot of that and the past year I have learned some valuable things about acceptance and my significance in HIS eyes. Motherhood is the hardest, most glorious thing ever, but we can’t do it alone, but thankfully God doesn’t require perfection, just a teachable, tender heart. So grateful for his mercy, grace and patience. I really hope I win!!!

  77. So I am not a mom yet but I want to win this for one of the best mom’s I know besides my own . My friend Gentry has 3 boys who are 2, 2 and 4. Two of which are foster children which they have had for the past 7 months and are fighting with everything they have to keep them. Gentry works tirelessly every day to obey and glorify God through being a mom and through the ministry of fostering. It’s a fight in some way every day but her and her husband do it because they know that obedience and faith are sometimes(especially in fostering) accompanied my heart break and despair. These items would be a great encouragement to her and would give her a “break” even though she is at home every day . Thank you for doing what you do through this ministry !!

  78. I haven’t even read it yet and already think we should start giving sets like this as baby shower gifts;).

  79. Congratulations on your book! I think that this is something that I need to read right now. My children are older, last one in college, but I am helping my daughter and son in law to raise their son, my grandson. I want to make better choices this time around, not that I was a bad mother, I am just thankful to have access to all of these good materials to help! I am financially not in a place to buy all the books I would like, but would LOVE to have this one!

  80. I think this book will be a game-changer for lots of mommas out there – myself included!

  81. Sounds like my life…except I have 4 under 8 (2 year old twins) and have been married for 10 years. This sounds like something I need to read!

  82. Not a mom yet, but I can only imagine the disenchantment that comes when we place all our worth and joy in something other than The Lord….mainly because this can happen with anything good that isn’t God. Thanks for speaking out about this!

  83. All I can say is thank you! my kids are in their teens and I have felt this way for some time, just lost. Not sure how to pull myself out of this hole I have myself in. I am so greatful for this book, I know there had to be other women feeling the same way. We just don’t know who we can share it with. We all love our kids with our whole being, but we too need our cup filled. I am so looking forward to settling in with a cup of tea and the book. Thank you!

  84. This book is such a blessing, I highly recommend this book. It will minister to your heart, encourage you, you feel like they are right there in the room speaking to you. I would love to bless someone with this book!

    Blessings,
    Adrienne Reina

  85. This sounds like a great read! Even if I don’t win it has been added to my list of books I’d like to read.

  86. This book sounds EXACTLY like something I need to read! I am a mother to three, and some days I struggle so much with my conflicting desires to be their mom (which I really want to do) and to do my own thing (which I also really want to do). I could use some inspiration and encouragement!

  87. I’ve been that desperate mom and now I’m the desperate grandma playing the role of mommy to our 2 grandchidlren. We’ve had them for over 6 years now(they are 6 & 7) and it’s been a lonely journey.

  88. I’ve been struggling for the past year with the decision to have children. Thank you for this reminder that motherhood isn’t as easy as it may look from the outside. It’s just the clarity I had been praying for.

  89. sounds like a wonderful book for this point in my motherhood journey, thank you for the giveaway!

  90. I think I need to read this book. Sometimes I feel like I just can’t breathe… and I haven’t left the house by myself in over 2 months…

  91. This post is wonderful…so true for myself and many other moms.
    The giveaway looks lovely! I would love this book on my shelf or to loan out after I read it.

  92. This sounds like a great book…one that would definitely hit home with me! Looking forward to reading it.

  93. This is a book I could use, because I’m a little older and feel like I should be mentoring other women instead of still needing to be mentored myself!

  94. i’d love to win this. I love being a mother of my 3, but can so identify with the feeling of “drowning”

  95. I haven’t been a mom for long…only about one and a half years…which is the time I have been a stay at home mom…and I am loving it! I didn’t, however, have a plan to get married, let alone have children. I grew up being taught that I didn’t need a man by my side and all I needed to do was focus on a career…a career I never loved. God in all his wisdom though had a different plan, and I so thankful he gave me my wonderful husband and my son. I do have say that even when I am loving being at home, I have days when it’s just plan boring and hard and want to crawl back in bed…but God indeed gives us grace. Thanks for sharing!

  96. Thankful beyond words that we are talking about these things. What a blessing it is to be honest and TALK.

  97. We keep thinking that “when such and such occurs, this will get easier” etc. And while some things in motherhood DO get easier, others are always getting harder! That’s why He gives grace “for the day” I suppose.

  98. This blog entry and awareness of the book came just when I needed it the most. Looking forward to reading it!

  99. Meh, sorry for the duplicated comments! I’m on my cellphone and the mobile versión kept saying me comment couldn’t be posted, even though it was! Feel free to delete the extra one. I don’t know how to edit it on here! Thank you for your grace. 😀

  100. I need this book. It sounds so awesome. I read the intro and was so moved, it brought me to tears.

  101. I can’t tell you how much of a relief it is to find out that other moms struggle. At one point, I thought I was the only one who had days when I just. couldn’t. breathe. Thank you for writing your story!

  102. Now I am even more excited to read this book, because I totally get this. Motherhood is a LOT harder than I thought it would be and it has been a struggle for me too.

  103. This book sounds wonderful, and I can’t wait to read it. I am a stay at home mom and today has been a rough one! I often wish I had more friends that are moms because some days I just wish I had someone to talk to who can relate. I’s a good feeling to know that I’m not alone!

  104. As a grandmother of soon to be 7 blessings from God who are challenging their parents and especially their Moms each day I am joyful to see this community for them. I am being enlightened regarding my responsibility for assisting young Moms in my community….I wonder where the fathers are in this discussion….their involvement and relief for these Moms….I think it would be nigh impossible to not have them very involved day to day…..

  105. Wow! It’s like you reached into my head and wrote my own thoughts down! Can’t wait to read the book!

  106. I so need to read this book. I am desperate with life right now. Thanks for the giveaway!

  107. I don’t participate in Facebook, so is there another way to enter to win the giveaway?
    Thank you.

  108. God always leads me right where I need to go! He lead me to this giveaway for a reason, I know! 🙂

  109. Thanks Sara Mae for writing this book and to Sally for breathing into it too… We all have those days – nice to know I am not alone in them!

  110. I could so relate to what you were saying in this post: always wanting to be a mom and then standing in the middle of it feeling unhappy. Thanks for writing this book!

  111. This would be a great book for a friend of mine.. I was a stay at home mom for about 8 years too and I went out & got myself a job & find myself missing my stay at home days.. They were some 20 + years ago but I’d enjoy not having to go out of the home to work these days.. Wishing you many blessings & much peace!

  112. I am not a Mom, but almost all of my friends are Moms. I think this book will give me tools to continue to help encouraging my Mom friends and prepare me for that role, one day, if the Lord has it as a part of the plan for my life.

  113. Your book is going to help so many people. I remember those days well! Now I’m a grieving mom, but even in my loss, I try not to romanticize those days (too much!) as I miss them.

  114. I wanted so badly to know I wasn’t the only one. It seems that people closest to me didn’t really want to talk about things. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to reading this soon.

  115. I love this. Sometimes life takes us by surprise, right? I always *knew* I was going to be a writer when I grew up. I dreamed of writing the way some people dreamed of a husband and children. Then, once I got married, I wanted nothing more than to add the pitter patter of little feet to our house. I was not expecting to feel so alone and sometimes, desperate. I can’t wait to read more of the book. Sounds like it is the mentor I need.

  116. I love hearing this part of your story. Sally has been somewhat of a virtual mentor to me and I am so thankful for how the Lord brought her ministry into my life. He is so good to meet us where we are and give us little bits of light at a time to lead us into the truth!

  117. Wow. I needed this today. Thank you. I’m so glad I’m not alone but I wish I had a mentor close to me. My mom is great but lives too far away.

  118. Oh- you have sure struck a nerve with this one. The details may be different, but it sounds like your story is much like mine. It’s so much harder (and different and boring and wonderful) than I thought it would be. I can’t wait to read your book- whether I win or not!

  119. Wow!! I have been feeling today like I can’t do this anymore! I’m a mom of 6 who wanted to be a stay at home mom so bad! I’ve only been a SAHM for 4 weeks & I’m already wandering why I wanted this so bad. But I know this isn’t something I always wanted….it’s something God has put in my heart. For that reason I will continue to be obedient but I feel like I already need a break! I laid in bed all day with a migraine because I’ve been so stressed & aggravated, not knowing what to do but give up! I can’t wait to read this book!

  120. It’s the early years that are killing me… 4 kids 5 and under… I think it might get better, but maybe I’m just deluding myself and it’s me who needs to change…

  121. I had planned on being awesome too. I was an awesome babysitter. What could be so different about motherhood? HA!!! So excited about this. It is so NEEDED! I just want to thank you again and again for putting yourselves out there and doing this!

  122. I cannot wait to read this book. Really hope to win it, but, if not, definitely planning to buy it!

  123. Wow. I just finished writing a blog post on having a “bad” wife/mom day and then I get to finally checking my mail and see this. Your words could not have resonated more with me. Excited to read this book.

  124. on my list, hope I win a copy but I will definitely be reading this book. Sounds like my life.

  125. I felt like it might be “too late” for me to bother with this book as my “baby” is 5 next week. but then I read these words…

    “I loved my babies to the depth of my being, and I would have died for them. I just had a hard time playing ponies with them.
    And I still do.
    I’m selfish and lazy, because it’s my default, and it’s easier that way.”

    and I realized I could definitely use the encouragement… my motherhood journey has really just begun…

    • Julie,
      I totally feel the same way. I have a 10 year old, and recently found myself having that same conversation. Wondering, “wow, Paula, really at this point shouldn’t you have it a little more together?”

      Then I remember that it’s not up to ME to have it all together. I don’t think it’s ever “too late” to receive encouragement and fight the desperation that we all, as moms, face on and off throughout our journey.

  126. I remember so vividly the desire to run away when my firstborn was just a few weeks old, he was very difficult and I was so exhausted and lonely. Almost 11 years later there are days when I still feel that way. This book seems like a real gift to moms everywhere. Bless you both for writing it!

  127. It is so nice to know I am not the only woman who dreamed of being a mother for most of her life, only to find herself pulling her hair out once that day actually came. Would love to read this!

  128. wow. this book sounds good and needed. yes, i am one of those moms who has experienced the ‘drowning’ feeling in the midst of mothering. God is good and as I have learned to rest in Him, I am able to enjoy my boys. blessings to you all.

  129. Thank you for your honesty about motherhood. The greatest privelage yet the hardest thing I’ve undertaken. Looking forward to reading Desperate

  130. Really looking forward to reading this book. So grateful for the awesome privilege to raise my 4 children, but weary…

  131. You would not BELIEVE the timing of this book and post!!!!! I am too giddy and thankful and don’t have enough space to get started. I just want to say that I am so thankful to hear our story….my husband actually read your blog and told me to read it NOW and that your story was so much like mine, it was like I could have written it….except for the last part…no mentor…not yet. secretly….i HOPE i get picked!!!!!!! to GOD be the glory!!

  132. I’m not entering the giveaway because I’m already reading my copy – bought it on Kindle yesterday when I first saw the announcement and read the description. I have three little boys, ages 6 months, 2.5 and 4.5, and this book speaks so directly to where I am right now. I love that it’s written from the perspective of someone who’s still down in the trenches AND someone who has successfully raised functioning adults. Thank you for writing this!

  133. This sounds like just the book I need. Thanks for sharing the story he gave you, though I’m sure it wasn’t a fun one to go through at the time.

  134. Oh my goodness – this book is calling my name! I can’t wait to read it! Thank you for stepping into the issues a lot of us Moms don’t like to admit we too are feeling.

  135. Isn’t that something, we ‘get’ what we want and then we struggle. Kind of like the grass is greener on the other side, or the ‘if I have this, I’ll truly feel happy’ syndrome. I think we all do this, get there. I am curious what you found in Sally and wonder how ‘it’ shifted for you. I just got married at age 39 and we would love to have babies. It’s something I have wanted for a long time, and yet friends around me who have wanted it basically all their lives are struggling in their day to day life. Again, I am just very curious what you have to offer in your book.

  136. This book sounds like something I really need to read. Somedays I feel like a good Mom and other days I wonder why I’m a Mom??

  137. This is exactly what I need to read this year. One of my 2013 goals is to decide on whether to try for baby #3 and frankly, my biggest worry is that I will again feel overwhelmed and lonely and desperate like I did during the first year after my 2 children were born. This book may just be what I need to help me in my decision.

  138. It is good to know that I am not the only mother that feels this was sometimes. I can’t wait to read the book.

  139. This book was great. There were so many times when I nodded along with Sarah’s comments and then felt comforted with Sally’s comments. Thank you so much ladies for sharing this God-given wisdom with a desperate generation of mamas

  140. Boy do I need this today! After staying up with one 5 yo child with an earache and another 4 mo puking, I am exhausted AND at work today. Thanks for the encouragement. If I don’t win, I’ll buy! 🙂

  141. Although I am now an “older mom”, I remember so clearly those tiring days of being a young mom. The feeling that I would never be “me” again was sometimes overwhelming. I want to read this book so I can be that older woman to young moms in our church. My own daughters live too far away for me to help on a regular basis, but I do all that I can there. But I know there are young moms in our church who do not have their own moms nearby. Thanks for the encouragement to step up and serve.

  142. I feel like I could have written much of the first part of this post even down to the major in college! It wouldn’t have been nearly as eloquent though. As long as I can remember my desire was to be married and a mom. Well, I got here and now I have days when I think, what in the world was I thinking! I’m so excited to read this book and praying for a wonderful mentor like Sally for myself.

  143. Hi my name is Sarah, I did a bachelors in HDFS and considered a masters in counseling to be home with the kids after school. Now we have decided to homeschool which I found your site the other day and saw you are a homeschooler also. I also bought your 31 days to clean e book last year not knowing how I would come to follow you for a different reason! These last few days I felt a drowning feeling because of the need to wrap my head around homeschooling and don’t know where to start. Not type A here! Anyways thanks for this post and I can’t wait to get my hands on your new book!

  144. Love this! Thanks, Sarah, for being so real. My mom’s group is actually reading Sally’s book The Mom Walk this year and we are all loving it! So will have to make Desperate the next on my reading list. I, too, have been married for almost 8 years and have 3 little ones. I get it. All of it. Blessings on your journey.

  145. I am so excited to read this book! Even just the hype (deserved) and excerpts are enough to light the hope in me that I can do this and that I’m not the only mom feeling this way! Thank you!

  146. I can so relate to this description. I had plans for myself in high school and college much the same. And guess what? God made those plans happen. I was going to be that awesome mom too….haha,well now I just do the best I can, and some days not even close to that. I would love to win.

  147. I can’t say enough good things about this book!!! 🙂

    The journal and tea cup are so cute! Joy is really what I want to focus on this year. And they’re just so bright and fun.

  148. This entire post brought healing to my soul.. God has brought me here for a reason! thank you for sharing.. I would love to read that book.

  149. Desperately need to read this book! Sounds just like me, although I’m too tired to write a book.

  150. This book sounds like just what I need! 3 kids, a husband, part time job, a youth director job, volunteer activities and about to start another degree. Yes I think I need this book!

  151. Sounds like THE perfect book for those days I feel like I’m drowning trying to hold up our 4, 3 & 1 year old.

  152. My heart is singing that I am not the only one who feels this way!! I adore my family and would lay down my life for them , but I just want to run away some days, but not for long, because I would miss them too much ! 🙂

  153. I just write about feeling like a failure of a mom on my blog. I have to be less critical and more grateful. Thank you for sharing your heart!