The Lie of Ordinary Motherhood

Last week, in a moment of desperation and frustration, I looked at my husband and lamented, “I live in a state of constantly disappointing someone!” That’s how I felt after forgetting to get back to one of my grown children about a coffee date while simultaneously being behind in everything from laundry to dinner prep.

And yes. I have helpers. The kitchen helper complained that her chores were too much, and one of my teens blurted something out about being “ruined” due to homeschooling.

I’d love to tell you that I reacted positively to these minor challenges, but I didn’t. I retreated to my room and hosted my own pity party.

It felt good, actually.  Forget those kids! They can make their own dinner tonight! For that matter, they can do it for the REST OF THEIR LIVES! Our ten year old poked her head into my room and observed that I was “in a bad mood.” She was right. I was.

“I’m just a mom!” I complained. I can’t keep up. Why am I even doing this? Who cares?

For those few hours last week, I forgot I was part of a battle.

I have discovered that where mothers are concerned, the devil doesn’t need to change tactics very often. One of his favorite tactics is to tell mothers this simple lie, “You’re just a mom.”

Have you ever heard the enemy whisper the lie in your ear?

lie-ordinary-motherhood

Here’s the truth: There’s no such thing as just a mom.

Many moms believe this lie because they don’t realize the implications it carries with it.

See if you can see the danger of the lie. If I am “just a mom,” then

  • I’m not part of a battle.
  • I’m not capable of training warriors.
  • my role is insignificant.
  • it doesn’t matter if I’m strong or not.
  • my role is replaceable.
  • my role is just for one generation.
  • my walk with God is not important.
  • the spiritual battle doesn’t include me.

Can you see the risk in believing the lie?

There is no such thing as “just a mom.” Mothers are literally shaping the hearts and minds of an entire generation of children. Moms matter, and the devil knows it. This is why he works overtime to discourage Christian moms from taking an active part in the spiritual nurturing of their children.

Honestly? We can’t afford to let Satan lie to us any longer. Too much is at stake. We’re dealing with more lies in this generation than in the past sixty years—and it’s time to put this one to bed for good.

You’re more than “just a mom.” You’re more than “ordinary.” You’re ordained for the kingdom purpose of raising your children to follow God.

That means you’re a warrior. Stay in the fight!

This entry was posted in MomStrong Parenting and tagged , on by .

About Heidi St. John

Heidi has been married to her husband Jay since 1989. Together they have seven children and three grandchildren! The St. Johns homeschooled their kids all the way through high school. Heidi is the the author of seven books, host of the popular podcast "Off the Bench," and the founder of MomStrong International, an online community of women learning God's Word and how to apply it to every day life. She and her husband Jay are also the founders of Firmly Planted Family and the Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center, located in Vancouver, Washington.

5 thoughts on “The Lie of Ordinary Motherhood

  1. Noelle

    Heidi,

    Thank you for posting this! I feel like you wrote it for me! I am in the midst of my own bad mood, feeling defeated pity party as I read it. Recently SO many issues have been rearing their heads with our kids, the house is not kept up like I like it (not Pinterest believe me, just to good enough!) and I’m tired ALL the stinkin’ time! However my husband just decided to take on a position as a Pastor part time in a church, working toward full time. I am certain Satan is working hard to stop this! And I’m probably an easy target! I keep telling my husband, you want to pastor a church and lead others and I can’t even take care of our home, AHHHH!!!! Thank you for the reminder I am the one God picked for these kids (poor kids, ha!) and this is a battle not “just” raising kids for no real purpose! I am sorry you had to go through that but thank you for sharing so I could be encouraged I’m not alone! OK, time for the pity party to end and time to get ready for the next school year – YIKES!!! Keep sharing your timing is amazing!

    Reply
  2. Holly Henderson

    Hello Heidi,
    I saw your name listed on the upcoming 2018 HSLDA Conference and clicked on your website to learn more about you. A very impressive website chock-full of thoughtful articles and insightful podcasts! Thank you for sharing your heartfelt experiences encouraging Homeschoolers, may the Lord Bless You richly!

    Warmly,
    Holly Henderson

    p.s. Who did you use to design your lovely website? My website is due for an upgrade…

    Reply

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