The Joy and Trial of Motherhood: What Kind of Moms Are We Supposed to Be?
Motherhood is a sacred dance of joy and trial, a mosaic of tender moments and unrelenting challenges. It is the ultimate paradox: an existence filled with boundless love yet punctuated by self-doubt. For over a decade, the two of us, Emily and Laura, have grappled with a question that quietly underpins the soul of every mother: What kind of mom am I supposed to be?
As sisters-in-law and friends, we began this journey with small, heartfelt conversations during the early years of motherhood. We sought answers to questions like, “How does God’s word guide our decisions on first foods, nap schedules, or balancing work and home?” But what we didn’t realize then was that beneath these practical concerns lay a deeper inquiry. Ten years in, it became clear: we weren’t merely asking what to do in motherhood—we were searching for who we were called to be.
And that search is universal.
Motherhood often feels like a canvas on which we try to paint the perfect picture of ourselves. We adopt labels—sometimes intentionally, often unconsciously—to define our identity. Homesteading mom. Urban mom. Gentle-parenting mom. Career mom. Stay-at-home mom. Crunchy mom. Trendy mom. Each label promises to define us, to make sense of the chaos, to give us a sense of purpose. Yet, the harder we chase these identities, the more fragmented and weary we become. Because deep down, we know: motherhood is too expansive, too profound to fit into any box.
So, what kind of moms are we supposed to be? The answer lies not in what society demands of us, but in who God has called us to be. Here are some truths to anchor us in this beautiful and demanding calling:
Our Children Are Reflections of Us
At the end of the day, our children are mirrors, reflecting the love, faith, and character they see in us. They watch how we handle disappointment, how we celebrate joy, and how we treat others. If we want them to grow into kind, resilient, and faithful individuals, we must first embody those traits ourselves.
Motherhood is not about checking off boxes or fitting into a mold. It’s about embracing the unique calling God has placed on our lives, and raising our children to know and love Him. It’s about letting go of the need to be a certain type of mom and simply being the mom God created us to be.
A Closing Call to All Mothers
Dear mothers, the journey is not easy, but it is sacred. In your daily acts of love and sacrifice, you are doing holy work. You are shaping lives, leaving an eternal impact, and reflecting the heart of God.
So, the next time you wonder what kind of mom you’re supposed to be, remember this: be a mom who loves God deeply, who leans into His grace, and who raises her children with faith and purpose. Because in the end, that is the kind of mom who changes the world—one little heart at a time.
As we often remind ourselves in our ministry, “Motherhood is not about us; it’s about glorifying God through the beautiful, messy, and miraculous work of raising His children.”
Go forward in love, faith, and duty, dear mothers. The world may not see the weight of your work, but heaven rejoices in every step of your journey.
