About the Author

Kristen Strong, author of Back Roads to Belonging and Girl Meets Change, writes as a friend offering meaningful encouragement for each season of life so you can see it with hope instead of worry. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three children and live in Colorado...

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

  1. Kristen,
    I just chuckled out loud when I read the title of your post. I still remember my kids chiding me when I wore my high-waisted jeans back in the day, “Those are such MOM pants.,” they chided. Just more proof that if you hold onto something long enough it will come back in style. Unfortunately I donated those babies years ago….On a more serious note, I agree wholeheartedly that when we dare to let our not so pretty or insecure parts show, we open ourselves up to let love and acceptance pour in. More often than not, when I dare to be vulnerable, the person I’m with is so relieved to know that someone else has the same insecurities they do. We are not meant to be islands. The enemy seeks to separate and isolate, but if we cling together (especially with our muffin tops) the enemy has less chance of discouraging as two strands are stronger than one, and a cord of three cannot be broken. Loved this post Kristen…a smile and Truth!!
    Blessings,
    Bev xo

  2. Sittin’ here in my Mum Jeans chuckling, but also well-aware that I work pretty hard at keeping the emotional muffin tops at bay as well. Thanks for modeling a brave encounter that also ended up being a safe one. May God give us wisdom and discernment as we share our hearts.

  3. Kristen, your post is just what I needed to hear!! Right on time, sister! <

    Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow! <

    Joy in Jesus,
    Lara <

  4. I love this Kristen and yes, wading through can be messy and unnerving, but is always so fruitful.
    And I bet you rocked those jeans! As another tall brunette I too always wanted to be Jaclyn Smith!!

  5. It is so helpful having at least one friend you can call and be vulnerable with and run scenarios by, and ask those insecure questions of. One of those people has turned out to be my sister. She disperses wisdom and listens non-judgmentally and together we are growing.
    I did notice the pant waists are rising. I agree, where were you when I needed you?

  6. I let my vulnerability show with my daughter the other day and surprisingly a caring loving side of her came out. She has always ,been more like her Dad – more logical, left brain type. We then went on to have one of the most deep conversations ever. We didn’t discuss pants, but we did discuss my goals and purpose in life which is something I have wanted to share with her for many years but felt it would be ridiculed. But it was really valued.

    • Well, that conversation is much better than pants. I’m so glad you got to have that time of connection with your girl! May it be the first of many. Sending love to you both.

  7. Kristen,

    I chuckled at the title also! God made us for community. He wants us to have friends & be open with them. He doesn’t want us to do life alone & try to handle everything by ourselves. Emily P. Freeman said in her book Grace for the Good Girl that women need to take the masks off & be real with each other. Quit pretending life is one big hunky dory party. Find some good friends & confide in them. Let them see the real you. Stuffing all those emotions in only causes us more pain, heartache & health issues. We need to get vulnerable & let ourselves be who we are. Go ahead & show the emotional muffin top- your friend may just say “me too”. Let’s all be vulnerable & open up to good friends. You may be surprised how God will help us handle the situation.

    Blessings 🙂

  8. Thank you for this, Kristen. Fun fact: one of my best ‘muffin-top-facing’ friends is named Kristen! Thank you for this reminder that we are made for community and that we are not the only one.

  9. I love everything about this post! These are lessons I am still learning and writing about as well. Thanks for the encouragement Kristen