Gospel-Centered Motherhood

In light of our first Child Dedication at Doxa Church and dedicating our little girl, Charlotte, I have been reflecting over this past year of motherhood. There’s no way I can sum that up here, but I want to give you a little glimpse of something I have learned and a resource that I have really enjoyed.

The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. - 1 Kings 17:16

Charlotte has brought us so much joy. Knowing her, loving her, watching her learn and grow, hearing her voice, holding her—it’s all a sweet gift from God. This past year has taught me a lot about trusting God to provide for all of our needs. Charlotte did best with breast milk, but I could not provide that and needed to supplement. Between my sister and a few other women, they mostly kept her supplied until her first birthday! Every time we were running low, I would start to feel anxious and worried, but God would somehow connect me with someone who could provide for her. I thought a lot about this story of the widow in 1 Kings—she trusted the word of the Lord and He provided. I wanted to have a full freezer so that I wouldn’t worry, but God wanted me to trust that He would supply all of our needs. He wanted me to depend on Him instead of my own efforts.

When all the nation had finished passing over the Jordan, the Lord said to Joshua, “Take twelve men from the people, from each tribe a man, and command them, saying, ‘Take twelve stones from here out of the midst of the Jordan, from the very place where the priests' feet stood firmly, and bring them over with you and lay them down in the place where you lodge tonight.’” - Joshua 4:1-3

As Charlotte’s mama, I struggle all the time with worries and decisions I make for her, and one day, decisions she will make for herself.  I am prone to forget things I know to be true, like God’s goodness and provision. Like setting up memorial stones in the Old Testament, I think God graciously gave us this little trial so that I can look back and remember that He is good and He takes care of us and we can trust Him.

Risen Motherhood

I want to share an excellent resource with you.  It has been a blessing to me and has served me so well. Risen Motherhood is a nonprofit that exists to encourage, equip, and challenge moms to apply the Gospel to their everyday lives. This is the first parenting resource that I found that truly gives Gospel-hope, not just tips and tricks or behavior modification. I have mostly listened to their podcasts, but they offer articles as well and a thorough equipping page of resources for you and your children. No matter what topic they are exploring—discipline, education, diversity, family devotions, or birthday parties—they always bring it back to the Gospel. I hope you will check it out, be challenged and encouraged as I have!

*This post is written by Caroline, one of the Doxa Core Team Members.