It’s easy for moms to believe being a mom is all you are. But you are a whole woman and, most importantly, a child of God. Your whole identity isn’t wrapped up in motherhood.

We went camping over the weekend, and I observed a family with three children about 4 and under—at least one still in diapers. The dad was very involved with his kids and took care of meals and the campsite. The mom was flustered and overwhelmed. They fought at least once during their stay. Camping on its own is a lot of work, but camping with young kids pretty much doubles it.

This mom wasn’t on vacation. She was stressed and definitely not enjoying time with her family, which is what camping should be about. Instead she was wrapped up in the needs of her children. There was no down time for her and that’s to be expected.

Being a mom is all-consuming and all-encompassing, with some seasons being more intense than others. Because of the nature of the season, there are certain things we can’t do during specific seasons of motherhood.

I couldn’t take camping trips while having children that young because I knew it would be the very opposite of a vacation for me — even with my husband’s help. We didn’t start camping until our youngest was about 5, and my oldest was 13.

Being a mom involves many aspects

Biblical motherhood is multifaceted and encompasses elements of a role, a ministry, a calling, a privilege, and a blessing. One thing it is not is your entire identity.

Here’s how each aspect is represented biblically:

Role

Motherhood is a fundamental and honorable role within the family structure. Proverbs 31:25-28 describes a virtuous woman who is a dedicated mother, highlighting the role of a mother in caring for and nurturing her children.

Ministry

In many ways, motherhood is seen as a ministry, because it involves guiding, teaching, and nurturing children in faith and moral values. Ephesians 6:4 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasize the importance of parents, including mothers, in instructing their children in the ways of the Lord.

Calling

Motherhood is sometimes depicted as a calling from God. Biblical narratives such as those of Sarah, Hannah, and Mary illustrate how being a mother was part of their divine purpose and calling. For instance, Mary’s acceptance of her role as the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:38) can be viewed as embracing a divine calling. Each of our children has a purpose from the Lord. Even us parents may not know what that is. We aim to point them back to God so He can lead them.

Privilege

The Bible often refers to children as a blessing from God, implying that motherhood is a privilege. Psalms 127:3-5 describes children as a heritage from the Lord and a reward, suggesting that having and raising children is a privileged position. We have much responsibility and authority here; it evolves as our children grow and mature.

Blessing

Motherhood is frequently depicted as a blessing from God. In Genesis 1:28, God blesses Adam and Eve and commands them to “be fruitful and multiply.” Additionally, stories of barren women like Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah, who are later blessed with children, highlight motherhood as a special blessing from God.

Overall, the Bible presents motherhood as a complex and honored aspect of a woman’s life, integrating elements of duty, spiritual service, divine purpose, privileged position, and divine blessing.

Finding Your True Identity Beyond Motherhood

Motherhood is a privilege and a blessing, and yes, all these things!! But it’s not the only thing you are or do. Your identity isn’t found in any role you fill; nor in any calling, ministry, or success you find yourself in. These things are too unstable, unpredictable, unreliable, and put too much focus on us and our abilities (or lack thereof).

These things can make up a part of us and our lives, but if we give ourselves solely to motherhood and nothing else, we either puff ourselves up with pride on how good a job we’ve done or we beat ourselves down as failures when our children don’t live up to our expectations. Both will leave us empty in the end.

Our best and most stable identity is in Jesus, His redemption, and God’s unending love for us. We are created in His image, and searching for our identity anywhere outside of Him will lead to an identity crisis. Everything in this life ebbs and flows, changes and shifts—but God is steadfast. When we plant ourselves into what is steadfast, we will not be shaken when the storms hit. We will not forget who we are when the world tries to measure us by its definition of success or failure. Or when we try to put that burden on ourselves.

Your True Identity in Christ

You are a child of God first. The God of the universe loves you so much that He literally died to be in fellowship with you. Your successes or failures don’t change His love for you.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

After that, you are all the things He has called you to be IN HIM—because apart from Him, you can do nothing.

I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
John 15:5

God sees your struggles and loves you deeply. Your worth is secure in Christ and your identity as a beloved child of God surpasses any pressures of motherhood. Your joy is in the Lord. Rest in Christ’s love, sister!

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