Finding Your Worth As A Stay-At-Home Mom
We live in a culture where one’s worth is often directly connected to their occupation. The position I find most scrutinized is that of a stay-at-home mom.
Think about it. If you met a new group of people and learned the occupation of each during introductions, would you view differently a doctor compared to a dishwasher? I’d venture to say most of us would. In as much as a stay-at-home mom does not earn an income, the position is usually not even viewed as real work.
I faced a few surprises when I left the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom. Immediately I noticed it was so much harder than I expected. My dreams of a clean home and well-behaved children were quickly crushed. I discovered my little angels were sinful little mess makers, just like all children. My other surprise was the public view of my new role. I was suddenly being addressed as “unemployed” or “just a mom.”
It wasn’t long into my new job as full-time mom before discouragement set in. A few weeks with a newborn and two high energy preschoolers, and I struggled to maintain the use of big words during adult conversations. It didn’t take long before I was shamefully admitting, “I’m just a mom,” when asked what I did for a living. Even worse, trying to redeem some sense of worth, I would prattle on about my former occupation.
If you are in a place where you feel undervalued, unworthy, shameful you’re just a mom, or spending energy trying to somehow prove yourself, I have a message for you. Two simple words. “Stop it!!”
Okay, I’m kidding, I have more than two words. Consider what or who you are allowing to define you. Then stop listening to the voice of lies and remember who you are.
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12
Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-19) and read every scripture you can find about your identity in Christ. As you listen to the voice of truth, remember why you are a stay-at-home mom. Remember how you were called to nurture and train your children.
“The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only – and that is to support the ultimate career.” C.S. Lewis
Our children need to see we have the confidence to persevere in God’s calling as the keepers of our homes. We must know our worth to effectively teach them to seek after God’s calling for their own lives. Regardless of their eventual occupations, or how our culture views them, I pray we teach them to always find their worth in Jesus.
It’s okay if the world views me as “just a mom.” I should not seek to be validated by the world. When discouragement comes, and it will continue to come, I turn to the Word and let scripture remind me of who I am. I am a daughter of the King, and I am honored to answer the calling of being a mom!
Teresa is a wife and busy homeschooling mom. With a passion for writing, she shares the adventures and lessons of her faith, family and homeschool.
Often times I get so busy in the daily routines of cooking,cleaning,homeschooling,(the new normal),that I have to remind myself I am more than “just an unemplyed mom”. I know that I work harder and longer than a typical 40 hr work week! Thank you for the small reminder that we are more! I play role call on who I am all the time,and studying scripture is always a great reminder!
Tina, I hear you! The tasks of keeping a home can feel mundane and oh so constant. Despite the lack of a monetary paycheck, it is real work! It is also a calling from the Lord, and there are blessings from Him for the work we do. Some days they are harder to see than others. Keep using scripture to define you, when you find yourself taking roll call on who you are.