The Mosaic of Motherhood

Business   ·   May 11, 2020

Let’s hear it for the moms – the strong, motivated, creative, unique, tired, faithful, committed and caring women who keep this world spinning. The ones who have birthed and adopted children, who spend every moment teaching their little ones how to live, love and engage with the world. The ones who work in the home, in the office and everywhere in between. 

Motherhood is a badge of honor worn throughout every culture, every industry, and every country –  creating one of the most beautiful mosaics ever to exist. Many women are led into the life-changing world of motherhood, and when that change happens, it’s essential for us to celebrate the diversity of us women both before and after they become mothers. 

Howard Thurman said, “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” I have met far too many women living with guilt because of the societal pressure they feel to go to work, to stay home with the kids, to work part-time, to keep the house clean, or to prove themselves in their careers, rather than simply seeking to come alive by following what they truly feel passionate about, regardless of what that passion is. If every woman is unique in what gives them life and where, far be it from us to squeeze anyone into a mold they don’t fit into. 

Mom and Business Owner 

I was born with a passion for creating beautiful things, and I’ve spent more than a decade developing a career doing what I love as a visual designer. Three years ago, I became a mother to my son Roman, and our lives have become all the more vibrant and wonderful; Roman has brought an inexpressible light, joy and love into our lives in a way we never thought possible. 

I love being Roman’s mom. I also love being a designer, and I’m grateful for a life that allows me to be so many things – my client’s designer, my husband’s wife, my son’s mother, and more, and today, I want to encourage all women and all moms to feel they are free to do the same. 

In recognizing the value of diversity, I do want to move forward in highlighting my own experience, and using this opportunity to encourage those of you who, like me, are both committed to your families and your careers. 

Embracing Your Uniqueness In Motherhood

The reality is this – I’m a better designer because I’m a mom, and I’m a better mom because I’m a designer. If I were to deny my passion and calling to be a designer to step into another role I’m not called to, I would be refusing to embrace the way God has created me to be. I would be withholding my trust in Him to provide for, strengthen and lead our family if I didn’t lean into both of these areas. And if the extent to which I put my trust in God and embrace my passions is the example Roman will see and seek to emulate, I will do everything I can to set the best example possible for him. 

Jim Henson – the creator of The Muppets – once said, “The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”

So, the question is…who do I want Roman to remember? 

A mom who wakes up everyday with passion in her heart and a purpose worth pursuing, who illustrated and self-published a children’s book for our family to enjoy together. A mom committed to her faith with complete trust and surrender in Jesus Christ, and a mom who works hard for what she wants, and what she wants is the best life possible for our family. 

The biggest point I want to make here is that we all get to paint that picture for ourselves and our families. Only you can decide what’s best for you, your kids, your spouse and your schedules.  Paul states in 1 Corinthians 10:29-31, “For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 

Let my final encouragement be this: whatever your unique form of motherhood looks like – whether your passion is to cultivate a warm, safe, loving home environment as a stay-at-home mom, or whether you’re hard at work developing your own business or career, be thankful for your passions and opportunities and give God the glory in every season. This is His will for us, and this will continue transforming us into the best mothers we can be.