Why I Wrote “Reclaim Her Heart”

I birthed this book out of an epiphany. It was Labor Day, September 2, 2019. I knew God was calling me to lead tween and teen girls. However, I sought worldly approval through social media, my body image, and my personal appearance. My workouts came before my time with God. I was obsessed with the number on the scale, weighing myself daily—and the number was never low enough. 

Then I heard God whisper, “Trudy, how can I allow you to lead My girls if you aren’t seeking Me first? It’s time to lay it all down at the foot of the cross.”

Commence the tears. I fell to my knees. On that day, I began a journey of complete and total surrender. It didn’t happen overnight, and I am not saying I get it right every day. There are days I get caught up scrolling socially, seeking approval through likes, comments, and shares. It’s a constant heart check and posture change. All of me, God. All for You. Your Kingdom come; my Kingdom goes.

Through this process, I realized that where I find my identity, value, and worth will determine where my daughter finds hers. That was a hard pill to swallow. I could spend the rest of my days allowing my girl to watch her mother miserably seek the ways of this world, or I could be a witness to her young, impressionable heart. My choices will affect the way she sees this world. It is my obligation to point to Jesus in my behavior and in my attitude toward myself. 

As parents/mentors, we are navigating newfound territory in the lives of the girls around us. There has never been more pressure to measure up in appearance, academics, and athletics. Social media invites our girls to a public competition of self-worth. If left to their own wandering hearts, they will look for validation and worth in places and spaces that will leave them feeling empty inside. 

Helping our daughters maneuver through the minefield of modern life starts by addressing the struggles of our own hearts. 

Friend, I am not sure where your struggles lie, but I know that God knows. With Him, we can rise above the societal pressures and norms to fit in as moms, and we can reposition our priorities to seek God for the good and the glory of our families. We get to lay down the striving and sit confidently in His good and perfect plan for our lives. In doing so, we empower the next generation of Kingdom daughters to rise and glorify Him in all they do.

I love you, sister. God loves you. We’ve got Kingdom work to do.