Motherhood as Ministry: A Sacred Calling

Originally posted: 04/22/2024

Revised: 04/28/2025

From “The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie

I love my role as a mother to the two girls I have been gifted. I love being the first in many roles and moments in their lives. I enjoy being the one they can reach out to for love, help, and support in a way that no other person in their lives can fulfill. Daddy has his place, Grandma has her place, but I get the most special room where I am greeted with hugs, kisses, and my children’s love. As much as I love it all, I would be remiss to say that motherhood has not sometimes taken a toll on me to the point of burnout. These are the days when I don’t think I am quite suited for motherhood, no matter how much my partner and mother remind me. I get annoyed by my kids sometimes, I yell sometimes, and there are times I simply want to retreat from motherhood. I want to be like a bear seeking refuge from the brutal elements of the cold until the season is over. 

As the child of a single parent who had the help and support of an amazing grandmother, I don’t think I truly got a sense of what motherhood would look like to me, before becoming a parent. I knew that becoming a parent was on my priority list and that finding someone to build that family with was the ideal. If someone were to simply explain the sacrifices of motherhood in my younger years, my mind would not have been able to wrap around the magnitude of it. Like many roles, motherhood is where you get a lot of on-the-job training. Your life is no longer fully owned by you, because you now have to prioritize little humans who depend on you for their every need. 

In the early stages, I recall days of being so sleep-deprived that all I could do is cry. This was also countered with the celebration of all the milestones that my children would accomplish: first roll, sitting up, first word, first teeth and first steps. Who can forget? I loved it all. I relished it all. I remember the first time that I noticed that my very witty two-year-old understood sarcasm and shared our first inside joke. When my first daughter transitioned from saying “or-dayng” to finally saying “orange.” I still miss “or-dayng” to this day. As they get older, I know the child I can connect with on our love of movies and the child I could connect with on our love of food. 

Motherhood ebbs and flows. It is an adventurous, joyous and fulfilling journey. It is a full-time commitment that is physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding. It requires commitment above all else to the highs and lows of being within and outside of your comfort zone. Whether you view motherhood as birthright, obligation or choice, in its most authentic form, motherhood is ministry. It is a sacred calling that we shouldn’t tread into lightly, whether it is by choice or circumstance. I have such great respect for the women who choose not to be mothers. It shows self-awareness on the highest level, as it pertains to a whole human life. For those who choose to fulfill their calling, by birthing, surrogacy, or adoption, know that your role is valuable and appreciated.

Here are some of the ways that motherhood is ministry:

1. Nurturing Hearts and Minds

As mothers, we tend to the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of our children. We become their teacher and their source of love and guidance. The simple act of listening and comforting our children is ministry to their hearts and minds. It shapes them into compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful individuals. We may not always get it right, but focusing on doing better with every new day is how we can fulfill this role.

2. Cultivating Values and Virtues

Mothers play a crucial role in instilling values such as honesty, kindness and empathy in their children. As we interact daily with our children, we model these virtues, guiding them to understand the importance of integrity, compassion, and respect for others. As we heal and protect our inner child, we will keep passing on these lessons learnt.

3. Creating a Safe Haven

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, our love and support offer a sense of security and belonging. A mom’s goal is to creates a safe haven for her children. Moms also need support from their tribe and nothing feels better than when needs are communicated and everyone is up to speed. In the meantime whether it's through a warm embrace, a listening ear, or a comforting presence, moms will continue to provide refuge, solace and strength.

4. Embracing the Sacredness of Everyday Moments

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the sacredness of ordinary moments. Yet, in the eyes of a mother, even the most mundane tasks become sacred acts of love and service. Whether it's preparing a meal, tucking her children into bed, or sharing a laugh together, a mother recognizes the divine beauty in these simple gestures, knowing that they are building bonds that will last a lifetime.

5. Growing Together in Faith

A mother guides her children on a journey of faith. Whether it's through bedtime prayers, family rituals, or conversations about life's big questions, a mother helps her children cultivate a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around them. Together, they explore the mysteries of life and deepen their understanding of their place in the universe.

Motherhood is indeed a ministry—a sacred calling that requires love, devotion, and a deep commitment to nurturing the souls entrusted to her care. So, to all the mothers out there, remember that your work is not just important; it is holy. And may you continue to embrace the sacredness of your role, knowing that you are shaping the future with every gentle touch, every guiding word, and every loving embrace.

Photo: First image from “The Lives We Actually Have” by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie