Motherhood is a beautiful and fulfilling journey that brings immeasurable joy and love. As Christian moms, we strive to raise our children in the ways of the Lord, pouring our hearts and souls into nurturing them. However, it’s crucial to remember that our identity as mothers should never overshadow our identity in Christ.
In the midst of parenting responsibilities, it’s common for us to lose sight of our individuality and the unique purpose God has for each one of us. Let’s look at some practical ways to remember your identity in Christ, while fully embracing the blessings and challenges of motherhood.
Acknowledge the Depth of Your Identity in Christ
Before becoming a mother, you were fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Your identity as a Christian is rooted in your relationship with Jesus Christ, who loves you unconditionally. Reflect on Ephesians 2:10, which tells us that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Your role as a mother is just one facet of who you are; don’t let it overshadow the other aspects of your identity.
Embrace Your God-Given Gifts and Passions
As a Christian mom, you have unique talents, passions, and gifts that God has bestowed upon you. Take time to rediscover these aspects of yourself and find ways to pursue them. Whether it’s through creative outlets, volunteering, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, embracing your God-given gifts will help you maintain a sense of self amidst the demands of motherhood. What were some things you enjoyed before kids? Which of those things have you let slide that you miss doing?
Prioritize Self-Care and Personal Growth
Motherhood often requires selflessness, but it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish. Things that are selfish only benefit you, while caring for yourself benefits everyone around you, especially your kids. Carving out time for self-care, nurturing your physical and emotional well-being, and pursuing personal growth are essential for maintaining a healthy sense of self. Dedicate time to prayer, reading the Bible, journaling, and seeking spiritual growth. By investing in yourself, you become a better mother. Remember, you can’t pour into others from an empty vessel. Fill your own cup, and that can beautifully flow out onto your family.
We need to remember that God designed us as complete beings, and we need to nurture ourselves accordingly. The totality of who we are is complex, and we need to care for ourselves in all areas:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Social
You can find some specific examples of self care in this post.
Seek Community and Support
Surrounding yourself with like-minded Christian moms who understand the challenges of balancing faith and motherhood can be incredibly uplifting. Join a local church group, participate in Bible studies or mom groups, and build relationships with other Christian women. Sharing your journey, joys, and struggles with fellow believers will not only provide encouragement but also remind you that you are not alone in navigating the complexities of motherhood.
Some of my closest friends over the years were moms from church with kids around the same age as mine. It was always so encouraging to get to talk and enrich one another as our kids played together. Find those like-minded friends, and it benefits everyone!
Surrender Perfection and Embrace Grace
As Christian moms, we often place high expectations on ourselves, striving for perfection in parenting. However, it’s important to remember that only God is perfect. Embrace the truth that you will make mistakes, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to receive God’s grace and extend it to yourself. This models a beautiful example for our kids when they mess up. Lean on Him in moments of weakness, seeking His guidance and wisdom as you navigate the challenges of motherhood. Seeking perfectionism is an exhausting place to be. We can never live up to this image in our minds of being the perfect mom. This will inevitably lead to mom guilt, which can lead to anxiety, which can lead to depression… you get the idea! Surrender your expectations of you AND your kids and you will experience much needed freedom.
Remember while embracing motherhood without losing your true identity that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Your identity as a child of God is central to who you are. By nurturing your relationship with Christ, you will find strength, purpose, and fulfillment in both your spiritual journey and the beautiful adventure of motherhood.
