Hey, mama. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you know what it feels like to be overwhelmed. The kind of overwhelmed where you’re juggling a million things—diapers, doctor appointments, chores, meltdowns, work, marriage, social relationships—and you still feel like you’re not doing enough. I’ve been there. I’m Isabelle, the mom behind Light for Moms, and I want to share my story of overwhelm, how faith pulled me through, and a simple prayer you can use when you’re feeling the same way.
My Overwhelm Story
A few years ago, I hit a wall. I was parenting a special needs child while dealing with fibromyalgia, a condition that left me in constant pain and exhaustion. I’d wake up drained, spend my days in survival mode, and go to bed feeling like a failure. That was without counting everything else I had to deal with as a wife, woman, and executive assistant in a research center. I was feeling like a juggler with too many balls; I kept dropping a few balls on the floor cause it was all too much. I remember one day in particular, sitting on the living room floor, crying because I’d snapped at my child over something small. I felt like I was failing as a mom, as a wife, as a person. I didn’t know how to keep going, and honestly, I didn’t have much to hold onto. God wasn’t in my life at the time—I was just trying to get through each day on my own.
But shortly that, something shifted. One night, I was chatting online with a few new friends, and two of them opened up about their faith. They sounded so peaceful, so confident, so grounded in their belief that it struck me. I longed to feel so solid. That night, I tentatively talked to the Lord for the first time in a long time. And I did it again the next night, and the one after that. Before I knew it, I was talking to Him every night, and many times throughout the day. I started reading the Bible, and verses like Matthew 11:28—“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”—felt like they were written just for me. For the first time, I realized I didn’t have to do this alone. God was there, offering me peace and strength I didn’t even know I could have. That discovery was like a breath of fresh air, and it changed everything in my life. It’s what inspired me to create Light for Moms—to share that same hope with you.
What Helped Me
Once I found Him, I started building small habits that helped me manage my overwhelm:
• Prayer: I started with a daily nightly prayer, and a few stolen moments between tasks. I’d close my eyes, breathe, and talk to God like a friend. It didn’t fix everything, but it gave me peace.
• Decluttering: I realized my cluttered home was adding to my stress. I started small—one drawer at a time—and it felt like I was clearing space for my mind to breathe.
• Connection: I used pictograms to communicate with my special needs child, which reduced frustration for both of us. It was a small win, but it made a big difference.
• Therapy: I sought professional help to process my anxiety and the challenges of fibromyalgia. It wasn’t easy to admit I needed help, but it was a game-changer.
These strategies didn’t erase the overwhelm, but they gave me tools to face it. More than anything, my faith reminded me that I wasn’t alone—God was carrying me, even when I couldn’t feel it.
A Prayer for You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, I want to share a prayer that’s helped me. You can say it in a quiet moment, or even in the middle of chaos—it’s short enough to fit into your day:
“Lord, I’m overwhelmed, and I can’t do this alone. Wrap me in your peace that surpasses understanding. Give me strength for this moment, and remind me that I’m enough in your eyes. Let your light shine through me today. Amen.”
I also love pairing this with Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
You’re Not Alone
Mama, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I see you. You’re not failing—you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. God sees your heart, and He’s with you in every hard moment. I started Light for Moms to share what I’ve learned, to offer faith-filled encouragement, and to remind you that we’re in this together. I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment below or reach out at [email protected]. Let’s shine His light, one day at a time.