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When Healing and Motherhood Collide
There are moments in motherhood that bring out the very best in us — and the very worst. I didn’t understand why I was so triggered by my daughter’s meltdowns, why I shut down during conflict, or why I couldn’t feel fully present even though I deeply loved my babies.
It wasn’t until I began to truly heal that I saw it clearly: motherhood doesn’t hide our wounds — it exposes them. And that’s not a bad thing.
🌿 The Wounds I Carried
I entered motherhood carrying baggage I didn’t fully unpack.
- Adoption trauma.
- Childhood abuse.
- Years of survival-mode living.
I thought if I pushed it all down, I could build something new — something beautiful. But what’s buried alive doesn’t die. It leaks out in the yelling, the tears, the shame, and the exhaustion that no nap can fix.
✝️ Healing by the Grace of God
My healing journey hasn’t been easy, clean, or fast. I’ve sat in therapy. I’ve prayed through flashbacks. I’ve wept in the shower and worshipped in the chaos.
But I’ve also experienced the gentle hand of a healing God — a Father who doesn’t shame the broken girl in me, but restores her.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
🧡 My Children Are Not My Do-Over — They’re My Redemption
It hit me one day: I wasn’t failing. I was growing. Every time I break a generational pattern, I am mothering my children and re-mothering myself.
I used to feel ashamed that I had to learn how to love well. Now I thank God I get the chance to do it differently.
🌱 If You’re in the Middle…
To the mama who feels like she’s too broken to raise whole children — you are not too far gone.
Healing takes time. It takes courage. But it also brings joy. And with God’s help, you are already breaking chains.
Your motherhood is not ruined by your past — It’s redeemed by your yes to growth, grace, and God.
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Welcome to The Essential Schoolhouse
Rooted in healing, nourished by faith, sustained by grace.
Hi friend — I’m so grateful you found your way here.
The Essential Schoolhouse isn’t just a blog — it’s a reflection of the life I’m rebuilding one piece at a time. It’s a space where healing is sacred, faith is real, and grace meets us right in the middle of the mess.
I’m a mama of four doing my best to homeschool, homestead (with just chickens!), and live a natural lifestyle in a world that often values convenience over connection. But behind all that, I’m also a woman healing from deep wounds — childhood trauma, foster care, post-adoption abuse, and the invisible weight of chronic illness.
I’ve lived through brokenness — and I’m still walking through it. But I’ve also found beauty here. In from-scratch cooking with little hands by my side. In choosing gentle rhythms over perfection. In holding onto faith even when things fall apart.
That’s what this blog is about.
Here, I’ll share:
- Honest reflections on motherhood, healing, and marriage
- Tips for homeschooling and homemaking from a place of grace
- Natural living with essential oils and homemade everything
- From-scratch cooking (because nourishment matters — body and soul)
- Encouragement for mamas who feel like they’re doing it all alone
If you’re someone trying to create a different kind of life — one rooted in purpose, peace, and healing — you’re not alone. This blog is for the mamas who are choosing to rebuild, redefine, and reclaim their stories.
So here’s to starting where we are —
Rooted in healing, nourished by faith, sustained by grace.
Welcome to The Essential Schoolhouse.
With love,
LeLe
