The Regret I Carry: A Mama’s Heart and a God Who Shows Mercy
There’s a weight I carry, not every day, but often enough that it lingers beneath the surface. It shows up when I see families walk into church together. When I hear someone say, “I was raised in church.” When I remember how different things could have been.
Because while I always made sure my children knew who Jesus was… we didn’t go to church.
Yes, they knew Jesus loved them.
Yes, I made sure they said their prayers at night ,when they were little and even as adults I still remind them to say their prayers.
Yes, we made Easter and Christmas about Christ, not just candy and gifts.
Yes, I told them about the cross .
But the truth is,we only went to church a handful of times.
And that is something I regret deeply.
I Loved Jesus… But I Didn’t Live Like I Did
I was raised with faith all around me. My daddy was a man of God. My brother is a Baptist minister. My father-in-law is a Methodist minister. Faith wasn’t just nearby, it was rooted in my family tree.
You would think church would be second nature .And yet, I didn’t follow Jesus closely back then. I loved Him, yes. I believed in Him, yes. But I didn’t walk in a way that showed it—not consistently, not in front of my kids.
That’s the part that stings. That’s the part the enemy tries to whisper in the dark: “You failed.”
But God…
Here’s the part that humbles me to tears.
Even in my imperfect motherhood…
Even when I wasn’t living out my faith…
Even when I feel like I dropped the ball…
God was still writing a story.
My daughter, now 28, has walked through valleys I never imagined for her. And yet she shines with a faith that moves mountains. She puts God first in everything. She inspires me now. Her strength, her devotion, her walk with Christ… it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
It’s God’s grace on full display.
I Know I’m Forgiven , But I Still Struggle to Forgive Myself
Guilt is a quite ache that settles deep and sounds lsomething like :
“I should have taken them to church, to Sunday school.”
“If I had take them to church maybe they wouldn’t be where they are now.”
“Did I mess everything up?”
If your a Mama that feels this guilt ,here is the truth: God’s grace is not limiteted to our past decisions. His mercy reaches beyond yesterday.
I know God has forgiven me. I’ve laid it at His feet more than once. He is rich in mercy. I feel it every morning. I know He has covered every failure with grace.
But I’m still learning how to extend that same grace to myself.
And maybe, Mama, you are too.
If you’ve ever sat with this same ache in your heart… if you’ve looked back and wished you could change the past… let me whisper this to your soul:
God is not done with your story—or your children’s.
Mercy Wrote My Story
I may not have raised them in church, but I raised them to know Jesus is their Savior .
And God being God can take our small offerings and multiply them in ways we never imagined. He can take whispered prayers and broken starts and turn them into bold testimonies.
So if your grown child now says, “We weren’t raised in church,” let it sting if it must (it has left a scar on my heart) but don’t let it define you , let it remind you of how far God has brought you and how deeply He loves your family.
It doesn’t matter if your child is 4 or 44 , God hears your prayers . The seeds you plant now through your words and actions can grow in ways you may never fully seed this side of heaven.
Remember Mama even if you didn’t raise them in church He can reach them no matter where they are. He doesn’t stop loving and pursuing our children because of our past mistakes.
Yes as I write these words I know I am a work in progress who still has so much more growing and learning to do . I feel like I am creating a new chapter. I am choosing faith. I am choosing to walk forward and not in shame .
Mama’s let’s let our stories be filled with grace, not guilt ( even though I admit mine still lingers & the enemy is whispering “you failed”) God’s love for me and my children and you and your children is unfailing.
A Prayer for the Mama with Regret
Lord, You know every tear I’ve cried over what I didn’t do.
Thank You for being the kind of Father who never gives up on us or our children.
Cover my regrets with Your grace.
Help me forgive myself the way You already have.
And continue to work in my children’s lives in ways only You can.
Thank You for Your daily mercy. Amen.
To the mama carrying regret—you are not alone.
You are seen.
You are still a good mother.
And in Christ, there is always hope for redemption.
Writing things down helps us process our emotions, bring hidden thoughts into the light, and open our hearts to God’s healing. Journaling is a powerful way to reflect, release, and reconnect with His grace. I’ve created this free printable journaling page—“Mercy Over Regret”—just for you. Use it as a quiet space to pray, write, and reflect. And if you’ve ever felt this kind of regret or guilt in motherhood, I’d love to hear from you. Share in the comments if you feel led—your story might comfort someone else walking the same path.
FREE PRINTABLE
Right click image to download and print as many times as you like !!!
