“I’m only a mother through physical children.” -Amanda
“God makes women mothers in many ways.” -Deborah (read Judges 4–5)
A single pink line appears on yet another pregnancy test. Amanda buries her head in her hands and whispers, “When are You going to make me a mother, Lord?”
I’ve faced a similar struggle to Amanda. A turning point came in my ten-year journey through infertility as I read the third chapter of Genesis one morning. In it Eve is called “the mother of all living.” In that moment God seemed to whisper this truth to my heart:
All women are mothers, because all women bring life to the world in some way.
We encourage. We feed bellies and hearts. We nurture dreams. We create beauty. We birth books. And yes, some of us also have physical children. But that’s not the only way to bring life into this world—it’s one of many.
I think Deborah, a judge in ancient Israel, would agree. In a time when women were not usually given leadership positions, she found herself in a place of influence. Those around her looked to her for wisdom. She also served as a mighty warrior who helped win a significant victory on God’s behalf. She says,
“Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7, emphasis added).
Scripture gives no indication that Deborah had children of her own. Yet she clearly sees herself as a strong, fierce mama. Because of her courage and obedience, “The land had peace for forty years” (Judges 7:31).
I believe every woman is tempted at some point to believe she’s not a mother. Perhaps you’ve never married and wonder if you’re disqualified. Maybe you have children but feel like an imposter. You might be an empty nester who believes your time as a mom is over. You could have dealt with challenges, mistakes, or tragedies that make it seem like you’ve lost your chance. Whatever your circumstances, I want to gently challenge you to believe this:
You are still a mother.
God may have you mother your department at work, a group of giggling teenagers at church, or the children running wild in your neighborhood. He might have you mentor individuals who never got what they needed from their own moms to truly thrive. He could have you give birth to a project, idea, or dream that wouldn’t make it into this world without you.
How God calls each of us to mother looks different and may even vary throughout the stages of our lives. But what we all have in common is this: we are a powerful force God wants to use to change the world. Never underestimate what God can do through the heart and hands of a woman. We are influencers. We are nurturers. We are fighters. We are Deborahs. We are mothers.
We don’t need lines on a pregnancy test as proof. The God-written lines of our life stories already show it’s true.
XOXO,
P.S. This post is an excerpt from Holley’s new devotional, Do You Know You’re Already Amazing?. Inside the devotional are thirty truths from God’s Word, and each one will help set your heart free to become all God created you to be. If you’re looking for practical application, personal transformation, and encouragement along the way — this book is for you, friend. You can learn more, download amazing resources and free goodies, and watch the book trailer by clicking here.
