My husband comes from a family of 14 kids. Every year on the 4th of July, we have a family reunion with his side of the family, at a local park. My husband and all 13 of his siblings were there for the picnic and pictures. There were also many of their kids and grandkids. (Over 100 people!) The picture below is all 14 kids with their spouses.
When You Feel Like “Just a Mom”
Seven of the twelve live in this area, and we all attend the same church. All seven are involved in the ministry there. One brother is the music director, another one works in the Spanish ministry.
What a blessing it is to see how God is using all of them!
It’s especially exciting to me as I think about my mother-in-law, and her part in their lives. She was such a special, and wonderful lady! She was involved in the church till she became sick, then went home to be with the Lord.
Did she ever feel like “just a mom”?
Her husband wasn’t a believer, and the kids were allowed to choose at 7th grade whether they wanted to go to the church he went to, or to the Baptist church she was involved in.
They all chose to go with her, trusted the Lord as their Savior, and went on to grow and become dedicated Christians. (Her husband did accept Christ before he died.)
Looking at the picture above of all the kids and grandchildren (many were missing!), I have to think that if she was able to see from heaven, it made her smile! (Bottom picture at the top of the page)
A stay at home mom’s thoughts on being “just a mom”
Because of her influence and teaching as a mom, many people are now being influenced and reached through her kids and their kids.
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What a thrill to see that her influence didn’t stop with the kids she raised, but they passed on the faith to their children, who are passing it on to theirs!
What a legacy of faith! I’m sure she had no idea how far-reaching her influence would be through the fourteen children she raised.
However, her work for the Lord continues through the kids she raised, as well as their kids who are now serving the Lord and training their young ones to know Him.
I have to wonder how many times over the years of raising fourteen children, she got discouraged?
How many times did she feel like she wasn’t doing “anything” that mattered?
Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes... in You and Your Kids
Passionate Parenting: Enjoying the Journey of Parenting TeensSolving A Crisis in Christian Parenting: Why so many prodigals?[(Child Training Tips : What I Wish I Knew When My Children Were Young)] [By (author) Reb Bradley] published on (August, 2014)
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Did she ever think “I am just a mom”?
All she ever did was stay home, cook, clean, do the never-ending laundry, and take care of kids.
She was “just a mom”.
But look at that picture, and think of the results of those years of giving to her family, and caring for them, while influencing them by her love for the Lord.
Moms, don’t EVER think what you are doing is unimportant!
When you are tired or discouraged, remember that you are preparing your kids to go into battle.
It may not be easy, but it will be worth it in the end when you see them go on to be used by God.
RELATED: (When You Wonder If Your Parenting Is Worth It!)
Your ministry and influence don’t just end when you are no longer able to do what you once did. It continues on in the lives of your grown children, and their children, and on through the generations to come.
(Read this for encouragement: To My Mother, From Your Son: An Open Letter To The Woman Who Gave Me Her All)
What an awesome opportunity we have to “just be moms”!
Being a mom is an incredible gift. But don’t get me wrong. Being a mom is tough! Maybe today you find yourself overwhelmed, discouraged and struggling.
If you use any of those words you use to describe yourself, you’re in the right place! You can get the help you need with the many helpful, encouraging posts we share here on our site.
