Here’s a try-hard girl sharing common-sense grace, and who’ll make you laugh out loud! I love Melanie Shankle’s ability to point us to Christ as we laugh at life as we find it. She’s the New York Times bestselling author of three books. Melanie speaks at events nationwide and writes on her blog, Big Mama.

She’s an Aggie (Class of 1993) and a San Antonian, where she lives with her husband Perry and daughter, Caroline. In her spare time, she enjoys online shopping, laughing at things that are often inappropriate, and spending time with her family and friends. Oh, and writing books! Her newest book, Everyday Holy, released this March.

What would you say to encourage the woman who’s inner critic is so loud she has a hard time hearing the truth that God is just crazy about her?

I would say that our inner critic is our own worst enemy. God created you just the way you are, with all your flaws and failings, because the world needs you. He will use even the weakest parts of you when you allow him to and that inner voice that tells you aren’t enough is a liar. Believe that you are who He says you are. You are loved, cherished, and valued beyond measure. Your name is engraved on the palms of His hands.

How has God helped you trust His grace and love for you?

I think it’s a cumulative effect. Any time I start to doubt his grace and love, I look back over all the times when He has been so much better to me than I deserve. He gave me grace when I couldn’t give it to myself and He has filled my life with so much goodness and joy.

What counsel would you give to the woman who wants to live a life of grace, but is having a hard time moving away from doing all-the-things, in an attempt to prove her value?

Not one of us will ever be good enough. There will always be critics and people who find fault with us, but God loves us just as we are. He’s our real love story. And it’s nothing you can earn. We need to quit focusing on feeling like we need to do more or be more and realize that He ultimately wants us to live out Micah 6:8…act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.

In Sparkly Green Earrings, you wrote about how you were under the illusion that you could give Caroline a perfect childhood. What would you say to the mama who still struggles thinking that she can provide perfection for her kids?

It’s just not possible. And often in our quest for perfection, we’re missing the joy found in the messiness. Real life and real love are about giving and showing grace and mercy. We are going to make mistakes as moms. We will yell too much or not enough. We will lose our patience and lose our way, but God will cover every single one of our mistakes if we trust Him. We are flawed people raising flawed people and we can’t do it without his help.

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Comment below and you’re entered to win one (1) copy of Melanie’s Sparkly Green Earrings. One person who comments below will be randomly selected as the winner and notified by 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

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