It Starts With Me

Nkoya Kidd
Jul 23
3 min read

“Start children off on the way they should go,

and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

I’ve been having the hardest time as a mom lately. I’m three years in, and it feels like ten. The exhaustion has been weighing me down—not just from the day-to-day tasks, but from the challenge of learning how to discipline my children. I have two toddlers—two under three—and some days, our home feels more like a circus than a sanctuary. I am outnumbered. Two of them. One of me.

But Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds me that I am not alone, and my team is bigger and stronger than I realize:“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We often read scriptures like that and assume they only apply to major, life-threatening situations. But no, Mama! That promise applies to everything. God is always with you—right there on the front lines, supporting you through every journey… even the messy, overwhelming, sanctifying journey of raising strong-willed toddlers.

When I grow frustrated because my children aren’t listening or following directions, I begin to empathize with God. My children are me to Him. I don’t always listen. I don’t always follow His commands—and I definitely don’t do it right away. That must be frustrating for Him. And to think—He has millions of children doing that, while I only have two!

But here’s what humbles me: even in my disobedience, God still loves me. He is still gentle with me. He still blesses me. And that’s the kind of parent I want to be.

I used to think I had to “fix” my kids first. But recently, God has been showing me—it starts with me. I set the tone for my home. If I want obedience and peace from my children, I need to model obedience and peace in my walk with God. As I implement the corrections in my own life, my children will follow. And the daily frustration I’ve been feeling will begin to fade.

I have to lead by example.That means showing what it looks like to walk closely with the Father—not just in prayer, but in practice.

Isaiah 1:19 says,“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.”

Mamas, I don’t know how you interpret that, but for me, it means a shift is coming. A shift in my home. My children will honor me. Peace will reign here. Joy will flow consistently—not because of anything magical I did, but because I chose to walk in obedience to God.

So I’ll ask you what I’ve been asking myself:

What changes can you make that will allow a positive shift in your life?

Remember, Mama: It starts with you.

With love,

Your fellow Able Mom,

Nkoya Kidd

Lord, give us the desire to be obedient. Help us to see that following Your commands is always in our best interest. Please help the moms who are being challenged in their homes. Equip them to conquer this battle. Grant them the tools and strategies they need to create a shift. Help us to work on ourselves first. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Connect With Nkoya:

Instagram: @na.co.wa

Facebook: Warrior Nori Books

Website: warriornori.com

Email: nkoyakidd@gmail.com