This week, we’re getting honest about our inadequacies as parents — when all we can say is, “I can’t.”

Inspired by The Fellowship of the Withered Hand, a concept from John Ortberg’s Steps, we explore how embracing our weaknesses can actually be a gateway to deeper healing and growth. Rather than hiding our shortcomings, what if we brought them into the light — to both God and to trusted community — and found strength in surrender?

Rooted in the story from Mark 3 where Jesus heals a man’s withered hand, we talk about the courage it takes to stretch out the broken parts of ourselves. As parents, that might mean owning our impatience, our fears, or the lies we tell ourselves about needing to have it all together.

Because the truth is, we all have withered hands. The question isn’t if we’re broken — it’s whether we’re willing to hold out our hands for healing.

Steps to Addressing Our Inadequacies:

1. Admit: Acknowledge that you have “withered hands” and name what they are.
2. Invite: Ask God for help in your weaknesses.
3. Release: Let go of control over your shortcomings and the outcomes of them.
4. Remember: You are not alone in this journey!

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Where in my parenting do I say, “God, I can’t?”
2. What would it look like to make prayer my first parenting move — not my last?

Prayers to Pray:

1. God, what keeps me from admitting my weaknesses? What shame is hurting me and keeping me from admitting?
2. God, point me to the books, podcasts, teachings and people you want to use to speak into my life.

Books Mentioned: Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough by John Ortberg + Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You by John Ortberg

Scripture Mentioned: Mark 3:1-6, Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Isaiah 66:1-2, Psalm 8:4, Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 8:23-27, Hebrews 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 12:10, Matthew 7:7, 2 Corinthians 12:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9 + James 5:16

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