Motherhood is a beautiful and sacred calling, but it is not the entirety of who you are as a woman. It’s easy to get consumed by the demands of caring for your children and forget about your own individuality and the unique purpose God has for your life.
In this blog post, we will explore the journey of discovering your identity beyond motherhood from a Christian viewpoint. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made, with a divine purpose that extends beyond the role of a mother.
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- Embracing Your Unique Gifts
- Nurturing Your Relationship with God
- Rediscovering Your Passions and Talents
- Cultivating Self-Care and Personal Growth
- Building a Supportive Community
- Embracing Your Role as a Mother
Embracing Your Unique Gifts
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
As a Christian, understanding that your identity is rooted in God’s design is crucial. You are a child of God, deeply loved and cherished by Him. Looking for your identity in anything else (motherhood included) will turn up empty.
Take time to think about the unique qualities and gifts Gos has given you. Really think about it, what gifts do you have? Use these questions to help identify them:
- Talents and Skills: What are you naturally good at? Is it a particular artistic skill, musical ability, writing prowess, or organizational talent? Recognize the areas where you excel and the skills that come easily to you.
- Passions and Interests: What activities or causes ignite a fire within you? What topics or hobbies do you find yourself drawn to? Whether it’s advocating for social justice, nurturing plants, cooking delicious meals, or caring for animals, your passions can point towards unique gifts.
- Personality Traits: What character traits do you possess that make you who you are? Are you compassionate, empathetic, a good listener, or a natural leader? Reflect on the qualities that define your character and consider how they can positively impact others.
- Spiritual Gifts: What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? These gifts, mentioned in the Bible, are bestowed by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for service in the body of Christ. They may include gifts of teaching, wisdom, encouragement, discernment, hospitality, or others.
- Life Experiences: What significant life experiences have shaped you? Have you overcome challenges, developed resilience, or gained unique perspectives through your journey? These experiences can equip you with insights and wisdom that can be shared with others.
Once you start to identify your gifts, embrace them with an attitude of stewardship and think of ways you can practically use them to make a positive impact on the people around you.
It can also be helpful to ask for the opinions of those who know you well—good friends, family members, or mentors—who can offer insights into the unique qualities that they see in you.
Ultimately, understanding and appreciating the unique qualities and gifts God has given you allows you to then use them to honor God, bless others, and find fulfillment beyond the role of motherhood.
You are not defined solely by your role as a mother, but also as a unique individual with a God-given purpose that extends beyond the home.
- Reflect on the qualities and characteristics that make you unique.
- Seek God’s guidance in understanding His purpose for your life.
- Read Bible verses that affirm your identity in Christ.
- Embrace the truth that your worth is not defined by your role as a mother.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Nurturing Your Relationship with God
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8a
Finding your identity outside of motherhood is founded upon a healthy and active relationship with God. Seek Him through prayer, studying His Word, and participating in worship and fellowship. As you draw closer to God, He will reveal more of your purpose and guide you in discovering your unique gifts and passions.
Your identity is intricately and beautifully woven into your relationship with Him.
- Set aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection.
- Join a Bible study group or grow relationships with other women who will keep you accountable.
- Keep a prayer or praise journal.
- Spend time in worship – put on your favorite worship music in the car, around the house, or while showering.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Rediscovering Your Passions and Talents
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Motherhood may have temporarily shifted your focus, but it’s never too late to rediscover your passions and talents. What used to bring you joy and fulfillment?
Whether it’s writing, painting, volunteering, or pursuing a career – learn to incorporate the activities that you are passionate about back into your life.
Your passions and talents are God-given gifts – motherhood is not designed to bury those passions but to give you the opportunity to use and develop them!
- Make a list of activities or hobbies that used to bring you joy. Then brainstorm how you can incorporate one of them into each week.
- Explore new interests and hobbies that align with your values and desires.
- Consider taking classes or workshops to develop new skills.
- Volunteer in organizations that allow you to put your talents to good use.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6
Cultivating Self-Care and Personal Growth
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
As a mother, it’s easy to neglect self-care and personal growth. However, investing in yourself is crucial to finding your identity outside of motherhood.
But what exactly is “self-care” from a Christian standpoint?
Unlike you may have seen plastered across the media, self-care is not about indulgence. Sitting on the couch all day binging a tv show with a never-ending supply of junk food is not self-care.
Self-care should be pursued in a balanced and God-centered manner. It should never be a pursuit of selfishness or indulgence but rather an intentional practice of honoring God, stewarding our bodies, and nurturing our overall well-being so that we can better serve and love others.
Some examples of self-care from a Godly view
- Daily prayer to grow a deeper relationship with God.
- Quiet time with your favorite book (like Jesus Calling for Moms)
- Random acts of kindness.
- Take care of your physical health by engaging in regular exercise and making intentional healthy food choices.
- Set
- Practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself, to experience freedom and peace.
- Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as pursuing hobbies or spending time in nature.
- Seek wise counsel and support from fellow believers or Christian mentors when needed.
- Take time to rest and prioritize sufficient sleep.
- Practice self-compassion and embrace your worth as a child of God.
- Set goals for personal growth and track your progress regularly.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Building a Supportive Community
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Surrounding yourself with other mamas who understand the importance of finding your identity outside of motherhood is invaluable. Find other Christian mothers who can provide encouragement, accountability, and support. Join a small group or Bible study where you can share your journey, learn from others, and grow together in faith.
- Join a mothers’ group or support network for Christian women.
- Connect with other mothers in your church or community.
- Attend Christian parenting classes or workshops.
- Seek out mentorship from older Christian women who can share wisdom and tips.
- Engage in online forums or social media groups (there are tons of Facebook groups!) that are focused on Christian motherhood and personal development.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
Embracing Your Role as a Mother
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Motherhood is a significant part of your life’s journey, and finding the balance between raising your children and pursuing your individuality is key. Cherish the moments with your little ones and recognize the unique influence you have in shaping their lives.
- Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for both motherhood and personal pursuits.
- Engage in activities that allow you to bond with your children while also nurturing your own interests.
- Seek out opportunities to involve your children in your passions or hobbies.
- Practice self-compassion and let go of perfectionism in both motherhood and your personal life.
- Celebrate the unique influence you have as a mother and the positive impact you make on your children’s lives.
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'” Proverbs 31:28-29
As a Christian woman, finding your identity outside of motherhood can be difficult, I know!
Remember that your identity is rooted in God’s love and purpose for your life. Embrace your individuality, nurture your relationship with God, rediscover your passions, prioritize self-care, build a supportive community, and embrace your role as a mother.
As you walk this path, you will find fulfillment, joy, and a deep sense of purpose that extends far beyond the boundaries of motherhood.
Embrace the abundant life that God has called you to and let your light shine in all aspects of your identity.
Jess
