By: Heidi Jo Fulk
Alright Moms. Everyone get in here. I think we need to talk.
A lot of you are dragging in. And a few of you look pretty beat up. A lot of crinkled foreheads, dark circles, and some funky clothes in here. So let’s get to it.
I know it’s hard out there. You’ve got at least one if not a gaggle of children that call you “Mom”. They probably call you that about 1,000 times a day. You’re feeding kids, cleaning kids, cleaning up after kids, and teaching kids. You’re singing songs, doing homework, playing games, reading books, and rocking babies. You’re grocery shopping, watching the neighbor’s kids, serving at church, and maybe even working outside of your home.
You have so many reasons to be weary. I get why your forehead is wrinkled and your shoulders are slumped. I look in the mirror and see much of the same staring back. So I think it’s time to remember.
To remember that we’ve been called to mother and know an all-powerful, all-knowing God has called us. Your motherhood is no surprise to God. Neither are your momma days, thoughts, responsibilities, joys, or trials. (Psalm 139:13-16)
To remember why and how we answered that call. No matter what path—or paths—to motherhood you walked, your story is specific and known by God. He prepared that path for you. He enabled you to answer His call. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
To remember the strength and power residing in those of us who believe and know a loving, holy, sacrificial Savior. When you’re tempted to give up, when you think it’s too hard or too much, when you can’t figure out what’s next—agree with yourself. Give up. It’s hard. You can’t. So stop trying and throw yourself into the arms of Jesus. Trust His love and His word. Read His word. Listen to His word. Know His word. Obey His word. It is truth and life. (John 1:1, 14:6)
Of course it’s hard. There’s going to be opposition. The obvious kind and the crafty kind. Because what’s at stake is monumentally influential: impact for the Kingdom of God. If you’re raising up children to follow Jesus and show His love and ways, impact will come. If your life—your daily, moment by moment activities—put Christ on display, impact will come. (1 Peter 1:22-25) And so too will come joy—from that impact and journey to it.
Now I’m hearing a whole lot of noise outside the doors. Pounding fists, some crying, and lots of “MOM-MEEEEE! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!” We gotta get back out there. But before you go, remember. Remember the strength, power, and purpose waiting for you and the One who gives it. I’m praying for you. Now go, go, GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HEIDI JO FULK is passionate about encouraging woman and girls to love and live God’s word. She is wife to her high school sweetheart, Dan, and mom to their four young children — Emma Jo, Gretchen, Tucker and Brock. Heidi leads a women’s Bible study and an elementary girls’ ministry at her church.