I certainly remember feeling captive during heavy child-rearing years with Tony working long hours. As women, we have to be aware of our feelings so we don’t take them out on others. When I finally opened up to my husband about my overwhelmed heart, we arranged a system. I greeted him at the door when he returned from work, and we kissed on my way out to the mall. I had to get away, whether I bought anything or not.

I also chose to leave some of the disciplinary responsibility to Tony, so we were equals in the home and I didn’t feel like the great burden bearer.

At other times, the demands in the church were too big for my developmental stage. I learned delegation because I didn’t possess those gifts. In your life too, whether you are feeling pulled by your job, ministry, husband, or children, you must learn to delegate - without shame or embarrassment - the areas that aren’t part of your package of gifts. Otherwise, the work of your hands could feel like slavery.

Maybe you feel held hostage by your family situation: no parents offer emotional support, no husband helps raise the children and run the home. Don’t let Satan trap you into being a captive! Don’t let the Enemy trick you into harming yourself or someone else. If no one is there to help, find a surrogate mother for your motherless heart, or a good friend to share your frustrations with. It takes the body of Christ to raise a family; make use of the one God has given you in your local church.

More from The Alternative View:

Testimony Time

“Dr. Evans, you changed my life and my view of who God is in a message on Houston's KSBJ Radio. In fact, I pulled my car over and wept out loud for ten minutes. When I heard your message, I became completely free. I understood His unconditional love, hearing my every prayer and word. Praise God for that day and for your messages. Yours in Christ!”   

“Brother Evans: God has used you and TUA to speak into my family's life. We're very grateful. We pray blessings and grace come to you and the ministry that God has entrusted to you.”   

“Dr. Evans: for the past two months, God has been using your sermons on my local radio station (WORD-FM) to humble me, make me more teachable, use me to share with others, lift me up, and give me hope in totally hopeless circumstances. He loves when we find Him!”