Rooted Woman Blog

There are stories we carry quietly for years — stories that shape our faith, our motherhood, and our identity long before we ever find the courage to speak them.

 

Today, I’m sharing mine.

Not because it’s perfect.

Not because it’s polished.

But because it’s redeemed.

 

Rooted Woman (the ministry - podcast, coaching and speaking) was born from a place of surrender — from healing that was slow, holy, and deeply personal. And my prayer is that somewhere inside my story, you recognize your own.

 

Growing up, I learned how to carry things on my own. I didn’t have words for it then, but I believed needing help was weakness and strength meant staying quiet. That emotional independence followed me into adulthood — and when trauma entered my story, it became the place where the deepest lies took root.

 

After that moment — the one that split my life into “before” and “after” — I tried to survive in silence. I felt broken, ashamed, confused, and angry with God. I didn’t know how to reconcile a loving God with the pain I was carrying.

So I pulled away.

 

When I found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed with fear, grief, confusion… and a love I didn’t expect.

 

Motherhood didn’t begin for me in joy — it began in survival. I felt unworthy. Unprepared. Alone. And yet, the first time I heard my baby’s heartbeat, something shifted. It was as if God whispered, “I will bring life out of what was meant to destroy you.”

I didn’t understand it then — but light had begun to enter a very dark place.

 

Healing didn’t come in one moment. It came in hundreds of quiet ones.

Opening my Bible with a crying baby in my arms.

Praying when I didn’t feel God.

Worshiping while still hurting.

Forgiving slowly.

Learning to trust again.

God rebuilt me piece by piece.

 

Psalm 34:18 became an anchor: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

 

And slowly, I began to believe it.

As God healed me, He stirred a desire to help other women — women who felt unworthy, overwhelmed, unseen, or stuck in their stories.

 

I didn’t feel qualified.

But God wasn’t asking for qualifications. He was asking for obedience.

 

Rooted Woman was born not from success — but from surrender.

It is not a brand.

It is a testimony.

A living altar to God’s faithfulness.

 

Friend, hear this:

You are not too broken.

Your story is not too messy.

Your healing is not too slow.

Your motherhood is not too imperfect.

God is not intimidated by your story — and He is not finished with you.

The same God who carried me is ready to carry you.

You are not walking alone.

    You are becoming.

And your story matters — even now, in the middle of it.

 

Father, thank You for every woman reading this. You see her heart, her pain, her story. Remind her that You are a God who restores, redeems, and heals. Wrap her in Your love and anchor her in Your truth. Let her know she is never alone. Amen.

 

Thank you for being here in this sacred space.

 

If this story encouraged you, I hope you’ll share it with another woman who needs hope. And remember:

You are not defined by your past.

You are defined by the God who makes all things new.

 

With love,

Sarah

Rooted Woman 🤍

Growth is a beautiful thing. Whether it’s spiritual growth, personal healing, or success in your calling, it’s a reflection of God’s faithfulness at work in your life. But as we grow, it can be easy to lose sight of the posture God calls us to keep—humility. When blessings start to overflow or when we begin stepping into the places we once prayed for, pride can quietly creep in, whispering that we’ve done this on our own. But Micah 6:8 reminds us that God’s desire is simple: that we walk humbly with Him. Growth without humility loses its foundation.

 

Staying grounded starts with remembering who the growth comes from. Every open door, every answered prayer, every skill or opportunity—it’s all a gift from the Lord. When we choose gratitude over self-glory, our hearts stay aligned with His. We can celebrate the wins without letting them define our worth. The truth is, humility doesn’t mean minimizing your growth or hiding your success; it means giving God the credit for the story He’s writing through you.

 

Motherhood has a way of keeping us humble, doesn’t it? Just when we think we’ve got things figured out, something shifts—the schedule, the mood, the needs. And in those moments, we’re reminded that our strength isn’t enough on its own. It’s a gift, really, because humility draws us back to dependence on God. The same God who lifts us up in due season is the One who teaches us to stay low in spirit—to serve, to listen, to give, and to keep our eyes fixed on Him.

 

As you grow—whether in faith, business, or influence—remember that humility keeps you usable. A humble heart is one God can trust with more, because it’s not about chasing recognition but about reflecting His glory. Let your growth point others to the One who made it possible. Let your story be a testimony that every good thing flows from His hand.

 

So as you walk through this season, keep your heart soft before God. Celebrate what He’s doing in your life, but never forget Who brought you here. The more you grow, the more you’ll see that humility isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s the very strength that keeps you rooted in Him.

Motherhood was never meant to be a solo journey. Yet so many of us walk through it feeling isolated—like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all together.

 

Between managing schedules, caring for little hearts, and trying to keep our own hearts steady, it’s easy to withdraw and convince ourselves that no one else could possibly understand. But God didn’t design us to carry it all alone. He created us for connection, for community, and for the kind of friendships that remind us we’re not walking this road by ourselves.

 

There’s something powerful about being surrounded by women who love Jesus and understand the highs and lows of motherhood. It’s in those honest, unfiltered conversations over coffee or in the middle of a messy living room that healing begins. When we drop the pressure to appear perfect and choose vulnerability instead, community becomes a safe space—a place where faith deepens, burdens lighten, and laughter reminds us of God’s goodness. Those are the moments that echo Hebrews 10:24–25, where we “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

 

Finding your tribe doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes it starts with a small step—joining a Bible study, showing up at church even when it feels awkward, or sending that first text to invite another mom for coffee. It’s about intentionally seeking out the women who will pray for you, speak truth when you’re weary, and remind you of who you are in Christ when life feels overwhelming. Real community isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality—about walking alongside those who encourage your faith, not drain it.

 

And just as important as finding your tribe is being that kind of friend. The one who listens without judgment, who shows up when it’s inconvenient, who prays without needing to be asked. When we love others with the kind of grace God has shown us, we create spaces where women can breathe, be real, and grow together in faith. That’s what being the Body of Christ looks like lived out in motherhood—shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart, spurring one another on.

 

If you’ve been praying for your people, keep showing up. Keep asking God to bring the right women into your life—and trust that He will. The right community won’t just help you survive motherhood; it will help you thrive in it. Because when women of faith link arms, they don’t just build friendships—they build legacies of love, encouragement, and strength rooted in Christ.

 

So this week, take a step toward community. Reach out, open your door, send the message, join the group. Somewhere, another mom is praying for the same kind of connection you’re longing for—and your yes might just be the answer to her prayer.

 

Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally in motherhood. Between the noise, the messes, and the endless demands, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong instead of what’s going right. But Scripture reminds us, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

 

Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard—it’s about recognizing God’s goodness in the hard. It’s a daily posture of the heart that says, “Even when life feels overwhelming, God is still faithful.”

 

Practicing gratitude shifts our perspective. It helps us slow down, see the beauty in the chaos, and remember that every season of motherhood—every mess, milestone, and meltdown—is an opportunity to see God at work.

 

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Gratitude can be as simple as whispering a thank You to God when your coffee is still hot, smiling at your child’s laughter, or pausing to notice the sunset after a long day. It’s not about the size of the moment—it’s about the awareness of His presence within it.

 

One powerful way to cultivate gratitude is through journaling. Writing down even a few things you’re thankful for each day trains your heart to notice God’s hand in ordinary life. Some days it might be big—like an answered prayer or breakthrough. Other days, it’s small—like a quiet moment, a warm meal, or a child’s hug. Over time, those small notes of gratitude become a record of God’s faithfulness.

 

You can also build gratitude into your family rhythms. Ask your kids at dinner, “What’s one thing you’re thankful for today?” Keep a gratitude jar and add notes throughout the week to read together later. Say a quick prayer of thanks before bed, not just for the blessings, but for the lessons too. These small habits teach your children to look for God’s goodness in their own lives.

 

Gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges—it transforms how we walk through them. It softens our hearts, strengthens our faith, and invites joy into even the busiest days.

 

You don’t need perfect circumstances to practice gratitude. You just need a willing heart that chooses to see God’s grace woven through every part of motherhood. When you live from that place, joy begins to overflow—not because everything is easy, but because your eyes are fixed on the Giver of every good thing.

 

The world tells us to “love yourself” in ways that often focus on appearance, achievement, or self-indulgence. But Biblical self-love looks very different—it’s rooted not in pride, but in the truth that you are God’s creation, intentionally designed and deeply loved. 

 

So, how do we reject the counterfeit self-love of the world and embrace the kind of self-love that builds confidence through Christ? 

 

The world’s version of self-love often centers around:

•Comparing ourselves to others

•Chasing perfection through beauty, success, or possessions

•Seeking validation from people instead of God

 

This type of self-love leaves us emptier because it relies on shifting standards and human approval. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, we are not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds in God’s truth.

 

Biblical self-love recognizes:

•You are God’s masterpiece. (Ephesians 2:10)

•You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. (Colossians 3:12)

•You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

 

This isn’t about arrogance—it’s about gratitude. When you see yourself the way God sees you, you learn to honor your body, mind, and spirit as His temple. That perspective frees you from comparison and empowers you to live with joy and purpose.

 

True confidence doesn’t come from makeup, success, or approval—it comes from knowing your identity in Christ. 

  Confidence is built by:

•Meditating on Scripture about who you are in Him

•Practicing daily gratitude for how God created you

•Taking small steps of faith even when fear tries to hold you back

Confidence is a byproduct of trust in God. The more you lean into His promises, the more secure you feel in who you are.

 

You can even speak Biblical affirmations over yourself daily:

•I am loved with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)

•I am God’s workmanship, created for good works. (Ephesians 2:10)

•I am never alone, for God is with me. (Joshua 1:9)

•I am a daughter of the King. (Galatians 4:7)

•I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

 

When you repeat these truths out loud, you retrain your mind to align with God’s Word rather than the lies of the world.

 

As moms, it’s easy to pour so much into others that we forget our worth. But when you embrace self-love through God’s eyes, you set an example for your children—you teach them what it looks like to live secure in Christ.

 

Loving yourself biblically isn’t vanity—it’s stewardship. It’s recognizing that God created you with intention and treating yourself with the same care and respect you extend to others.

 

One of the most powerful gifts we can give ourselves and our children is consistency in prayer and Scripture. But let’s be honest—life as a mom is anything but quiet and orderly. There are interruptions, tantrums, endless to-do lists, and sometimes exhaustion makes opening the Bible feel impossible. Still, it’s in the middle of the chaos that God invites us to anchor ourselves in His Word.

 

It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Whether it’s a 15-minute early morning rhythm with your Bible and coffee, listening to Scripture while folding laundry, or studying one verse a day with your kids—it’s consistency, not perfection, that builds roots of faith.

 

Prayer isn’t reserved for quiet moments on your knees—it’s a lifestyle. Whisper prayers while driving carpool, speak gratitude as you cook dinner, or pause for 30 seconds of deep breath and surrender in the bathroom when it’s the only alone time you have. God hears it all, and He values every moment of connection.

 

Our children learn more from what we model than what we say. When they see us praying over decisions, opening our Bibles daily, or writing Scripture on sticky notes around the house, it shows them faith is real and worth living out. Your quiet consistency plants seeds that will grow for generations.

 

Building habits of prayer and Scripture isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about creating the foundation that sustains you in everything else. When you make God the first place you turn, you gain wisdom, peace, and strength to pour into your family and calling.

 

You don’t need perfect conditions to meet with God. You just need a willing heart. Show up in the small moments, and let Him multiply them into a life rooted deeply in His Word and His presence.

When we think about goal setting, it’s easy to slip into hustle culture. The world tells us success looks like bigger, faster—more.

 

But God calls us to something deeper—living in alignment with His purpose for our lives. In Jeremiah 29:11 He tells us ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ True success isn’t found in achievements; it’s found in obedience.

 

So how do we set goals that actually honor Him and bring peace to our homes and hearts?

 

Before you write a single goal, ask: Does this align with the woman God is shaping me to be? Does it serve my family, honor my faith, and reflect my values? 

When our goals are rooted in His Word, they carry eternal impact—not just short-term wins.

 

The world might measure success by titles, income, or recognition. But Jesus measured success by faithfulness. 

Remember: raising godly children, creating a peaceful home, and stewarding your health are Kingdom-sized goals—even if no one else sees them.

 

God doesn’t call us to chaos; He’s a God of order. Writing down your goals, breaking them into small steps, and using tools like habit trackers or the Big 3 method can help you stay consistent. But don’t just track progress—track God’s faithfulness along the way. Journal prayers, answered petitions, and ways He’s guided your steps.

 

It’s not about chasing every good idea—it’s about pursuing *God ideas.* The goals that last are the ones birthed in prayer and surrendered in faith. When we let Him lead, He takes our small, faithful steps and turns them into testimonies of His goodness.

 

Your goals don’t need to look like anyone else’s. Lay them before the Lord, ask Him to refine your desires, and then take the next right step. With God at the center, your goals won’t just change your year—they’ll transform your life and ripple into future generations making Kingdom impact.

 

As moms, our days are filled to the brim—meals to make, kids to shepherd, homes to manage, maybe even businesses to run. The list never seems to end, and if we’re not careful, we start living in constant hurry mode, where exhaustion and burnout creep in. But God didn’t design us to carry life that way. He created rhythms of work *and* rest, and He reminds us that there’s a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

 

So how do we practically manage our time without burning out?

 

Instead of multitasking everything all at once, try time blocking. Set aside focused blocks of time for specific tasks—whether that’s homeschooling, laundry, meal prep, or quiet time with God. This allows your mind to rest, because you know each thing has its place in the day.

 

Each day, identify the three most important things that must be done. Not everything will get done and that’s okay. But when you focus on the Big 3, you end the day with peace, not pressure.

 

Every season looks different. Sometimes family needs more of you, sometimes work does. What matters is that you keep seeking God’s wisdom on what’s truly important right now, not what the world says you “should” be doing.

 

Rest is not wasted time—it’s obedience. God Himself rested on the seventh day. When we plan margin into our schedules, we are declaring, “Lord, I trust You with what I *didn’t* get done.” Rest renews us to keep serving with joy.

 

Productivity without peace is not true success. The goal isn’t to cram more into your day—it’s to create a life where you can be present, purposeful, and aligned with God’s calling. When you learn to manage your time God’s way, you stop striving and start stewarding.

 

Girl, your worth isn’t measured by how much you check off your list. You are a daughter of the King, called to walk in wisdom, not weariness. Time is a gift, and when surrendered to Him, it becomes a tool to build a life of peace, balance, and joy.

 

Habits shape our lives more than we realize. The small, often unnoticed choices we make each day become the framework for the woman we’re becoming, the mother our children see, and the legacy we leave behind.

 

So many of us think transformation comes in the big, sweeping changes—but really, it’s the daily faithfulness in the little things that bring lasting growth.

 

It starts with time in God’s Word and prayer. Not as another “to-do” on your list, but as the anchor of your day. Even five minutes of quiet with the Lord can shift your entire perspective. When you lean into Him first, the chaos feels less heavy and your heart more steady.

 

Taking care of your body is part of honoring the temple God gave you. Drinking enough water, moving your body, getting rest, fueling yourself with nourishing foods—these aren’t selfish acts; they are stewardship. You cannot pour into your family from an empty vessel. So be mindful of your physical habits and how they affect your health. 

 

Our thoughts shape our lives. Practicing gratitude, pausing to breathe before reacting, or reframing negative self-talk with God’s truth helps us walk in peace. This is where emotional awareness ties in—we learn to feel, process, and respond in a Spirit-led way instead of being ruled by stress or frustration.

 

You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start with one small step: 10 minutes with God, a glass of water before coffee, writing down three things you’re grateful for. Over time, these small acts compound, building a life rooted in God’s promises and aligned with His wisdom.

My goal as a coach is to remind you that consistency matters more than intensity. It’s not about doing everything perfectly, but about choosing faithfulness in the little things. The daily choices you make are forming the woman God created you to be—so lean into His strength, not your own.

 

Proverbs 3:5–6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Friend, you don’t need a new you—you need daily surrender to the One who is already making all things new. Transformation happens when we trust Him with our steps, one habit at a time.

 

Motherhood is full of emotions—joy, frustration, pride, exhaustion, love, worry—all packed into the same day (sometimes the same hour!). If we don’t pause to recognize and process these emotions, we can easily let them control how we show up for our children and our families.

 

But Scripture reminds us that the Spirit produces fruit in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23) These are not feelings we have to force or fake; they are the natural overflow of a life connected to Christ.

 

Emotional awareness begins with slowing down and naming what you feel. Are you angry, tired, anxious, or overwhelmed? God never asks us to ignore our feelings—He calls us to bring them to Him. When we recognize and invite Him into those emotions, He meets us with peace and guidance.

 

Our children are watching how we handle big feelings. When we admit, “Mommy feels frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath and pray,” we give them a model of what it looks like to walk in the Spirit. We teach them that emotions are not scary or shameful—they are signals, and we get to respond to them with wisdom.

 

As moms, we won’t always respond perfectly. But when we stay rooted in God’s Word and presence, His Spirit cultivates patience in the chaos, peace in the unknown, and love in the mess. It’s not about never feeling angry or sad—it’s about letting the Spirit lead those emotions toward a response that builds rather than breaks.

 

In my coaching, I encourage moms to practice emotional awareness daily. That means pausing long enough to notice what you feel, asking God to help you process it, and then responding from a place of Spirit-filled strength. This is how we raise children who are emotionally healthy and spiritually strong—by first allowing God to shape us.

 

Friend, your emotions don’t disqualify you. They remind you that you need Jesus. And in Him, you have everything you need to lead your home with love, wisdom, and grace. 

 

Stress has a way of sneaking into every corner of our lives as moms. The unfinished laundry, the child who refuses to sleep, the financial concerns, the never-ending to-do list—before we know it, we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.

 

But here’s the hope we hold on to: Philippians 4:6–7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

 

God never asked us to carry it all. He asks us to bring it all to Him. 

 

Stress management starts with prayer. From a coaching perspective, stress is often a signal—it’s our mind and body waving a red flag that we’re trying to carry too much. Practical tools like time blocking, habit stacking, or deep breathing can help calm the nervous system, but Philippians 4 reminds us that the first step is prayer. Before we reach for another strategy, we pause, breathe, and hand it to God.

“Lord, I can’t carry this alone. I give it back to You.”

That simple prayer can reset our hearts in the middle of chaos.

 

By praying this prayer, we are actively letting go of control. Stress is fueled by the illusion that if we just try harder, we can manage everything. But surrender is where peace is born. True peace isn’t found in crossing off every task—it’s found in loosening our grip and trusting that God is in control, even when we are not.

 

This doesn’t mean we stop showing up or being responsible. It means we trade striving for trust and we rest in the peace that surpasses all understanding—that peace can only be found in One place. 

 

So, anchor yourself in God’s promises. When stress rises, it’s tempting to anchor ourselves in productivity, people’s opinions, or sheer willpower. But those anchors break under pressure. God’s promises never do.

 

•He promises to supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19).

•He promises His grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).

•He promises His peace will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7).

 

When stress whispers, “You can’t handle this,” God’s Word answers, “You don’t have to. I am with you.”

 

Stress doesn’t have to steal your joy or your peace. When you feel overwhelmed, pause and pray. Release control. Speak God’s promises over your heart. He doesn’t just want you to manage stress—He wants you to experience His peace that goes beyond understanding.

Motherhood is one of the greatest callings on earth. It stretches us, humbles us, and shapes us in ways we never imagined. But if we’re honest, it can also swallow us whole. Between diapers, dishes, school runs, and endless “Mom!” calls, it’s easy to lose sight of who we are outside of being someone’s mom.

 

Here’s the truth we need to come back to again and again: Your identity is not limited to motherhood. Your true identity is in Christ.

 

1. Your worth is not in your role.

Being a mom is a gift, but it is not the sum total of your worth. Before you ever held your children, you were already fully loved, chosen, and redeemed by God. Your value is not measured by how perfect your parenting is or how much you accomplish in a day—it’s rooted in who Jesus says you are: His beloved child.

 

2. You have a high calling and purpose beyond motherhood.

Motherhood is a holy assignment, but it’s not your only one. God created you with unique gifts, passions, and a calling that extends beyond the season of raising little ones. Whether it’s serving in ministry, using your skills in the workplace, or encouraging others with your story, your purpose flows from Christ—not just your family role or your checklist.

 

3. Build your identity on God’s truth.

The world (and even our own inner critic) tries to define us by performance, mistakes, or titles. But God’s Word tells a different story. It says you are:

•A new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

•Chosen (1 Peter 2:9)

•Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)

•His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10)

 

When we root our identity in these truths, we stop striving to prove ourselves and start living from the freedom of who we are in Christ.

 

Motherhood is part of your story, but it’s not your whole story. You are more than the tasks you complete, the meals you cook, or the lessons you teach. You are a daughter of the King, a new creation in Christ, with eternal worth and a God-given purpose.

I know firsthand how heavy unforgiveness feels. For years, I carried wounds from my past—pain that wasn’t my fault—but I let bitterness and anger build walls around my heart. But Jesus met me in that brokenness. He taught me that forgiveness wasn’t about excusing what was done, but about setting me free by letting go of my right to be angry.

 

In motherhood, that lesson becomes even more important. When we hold on to guilt, resentment, or shame, it spills over into how we show up for our children and our spouse. Forgiveness is how we break cycles, heal generational wounds, and create homes filled with grace instead of bitterness.

 

Let's be honest—motherhood can stretch our patience thin. We lose our cool with our kids, get frustrated with our husband, or beat ourselves up for not being the mom we thought we’d be. That’s why forgiveness isn’t optional in motherhood—it’s essential.

 

When Paul wrote to the Ephesians, he reminded them that forgiveness flows out of the forgiveness we’ve already received in Christ. As moms, forgiveness has the power to heal our hearts, restore our marriages, and shape our children’s understanding of God’s love.

 

This healing begins with us. Trauma often leaves us believing lies like “I’m broken. I’m unworthy. I’ll never be enough.” But self-forgiveness is agreeing with God’s truth instead of those lies. Letting go of guilt is not selfish—it’s an act of worship. When you forgive yourself, you step into the freedom Christ already purchased for you, and your kids inherit a mom who’s living healed, not haunted. 

 

Next we have to begin extending forgiveness in our marriage. Motherhood magnifies both the beauty and the flaws in marriage. Old wounds can resurface, unmet expectations can create resentment. But forgiveness breaks the cycle of keeping score. Choosing forgiveness doesn’t mean ignoring hurt or submitting to the point of being a doormat—it means setting boundaries with love and refusing to let bitterness dictate your marriage. This models resilience, grace, and godly partnership for your children.

 

Our children are watching. When they see us process emotions, name our hurt, release it to God, and extend grace—they learn forgiveness as a lifestyle. Apologizing to our kids teaches them humility and that accepting their faults doesn't make them a failure. Extending forgiveness shows them strength. By modeling this, we get to raise a generation that knows how to walk in freedom rather than chains.

 

Forgiveness doesn’t erase the wound, but it changes how you carry it. Instead of bitterness weighing you down, forgiveness places that burden into God’s hands. Every time you forgive, you’re actively rewriting the story for your family. You’re teaching your children that cycles of shame, silence, or resentment don’t have to continue. Forgiveness is less about what was done to you and more about who you’re becoming in Christ. It’s about moving from victimhood to victory, from surviving to thriving.

Conquering Mom Guilt

Every mom I know wrestles with mom guilt. That nagging voice that says you’re not doing enough, not present enough, not patient enough, not spiritual enough… the list goes on.

 

But here’s the truth: mom guilt is not from God. Romans 8:1 says there’s no condemnation for those in Christ. Guilt may point us to where we need grace, but shame and condemnation keep us stuck. Today, I want to help you learn where guilt really comes from, how to replace it with grace, and practical strategies to release shame for good.

 

Sometimes guilt is false guilt—expectations we or others put on us that God never did. Sometimes guilt is conviction from the Holy Spirit—inviting us to realign with God’s best. No matter what kind you're facing, the enemy loves to twist both and turn them into shame. But guilt that leads to shame is never from God.

 

Grace is from God and grace says: “you’re not perfect, but you’re covered.” Jesus took every failure to the cross—past, present, and future. So, instead of replaying mistakes, rehearse God’s promises. Romans 8:1 is a powerful verse to declare out loud when guilt comes knocking and the enemy tries to shame you into shrinking. 

 

If you need help working through shame, try naming it then reframe it. Write down your guilty thought, then ask, “Is this from God or from shame?” if it's from shame, replace it with truth from Scripture. If it's from God, repent and confess quickly and move on. Celebrate wins, not perfection. End each day by naming 3 things you did well, no matter how small. Lastly, surround yourself with women who speak life, not comparison. Don’t live under a weight Jesus already carried. 

How to Prioritize Personal Growth While Raising Kids

Motherhood is a full-time calling, but it doesn’t mean your growth has to pause until your kids are grown. In fact, when you lean into personal growth, you’re modeling for your children what it looks like to walk with God, steward your gifts, and live with purpose.

 

For a long time, I believed that prioritizing myself was selfish—that being a “good mom” meant pouring everything into my kids and leaving nothing for me. But I learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Growth isn’t self-indulgence; (like self-care) it’s stewardship. Romans 12:2 reminds us that transformation happens through renewal of the mind, and that’s a process that takes intentional time, even in the busyness of motherhood.

 

I never wanted to take away from my presence in mothering so learning to incorporate a few tricks helped allow me to work on personal growth while still being active with my children. Habit stacking, scheduling “me time”, setting growth goals, and even involving my family to name a few. 

 

Set your goals, write down specific areas where you want to grow—spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally. Keep them realistic. Maybe it’s reading one book this month, or memorizing one scripture passage, or exercising twice a week. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. 

 

Adding growth practices onto routines you already have with habit stacking can be a game changer all on its own. Listen to a podcast while folding laundry. Pray scripture while doing school drop-off or doing the dishes. Journal for 5 minutes after your morning coffee. 

 

Growth doesn’t even have to be separate from motherhood. Read a devotional together at breakfast. Share what you’re learning with your kids, when you're able to explain to someone else what you're learning, it solidifies it even more for you. Let them see you worship, exercise, or pursue new skills. When you invite them into the process, you’re teaching them that growth is a lifelong journey and showing them good stewardship of your own mind and body.

 

You wouldn’t miss your child’s appointment, so don’t miss your own. Block out 15–30 minutes in your planner or calendar (use an alarm if you need to) for reading, prayer, or learning. Plan for it and protect it like you would anything else on your calendar. 

Small shifts add up over time. 

Healing From Trauma as a Mom

Motherhood can be a beautiful calling, but for moms carrying deep wounds, it can also stir old pain. Trauma doesn’t disappear just because we become mothers—it often resurfaces in the pressure, loneliness, or triggers of raising children. But here’s the hope: God doesn’t avoid our broken places. He draws near to them.

 

Psalm 34:18 says The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

 

I know this promise to be true because I’ve lived it. Becoming a mom out of trauma felt like stepping into a role I wasn’t ready for, carrying pain I didn’t know how to process. For years, I wrestled with anger, loneliness, and the heavy weight of unanswered questions. Yet over time, I discovered that healing is not about pretending the past didn’t happen—it’s about inviting God into the cracks of your story and letting Him make beauty out of the brokenness.

 

Healing begins with honesty. God isn’t asking us to hide the scars or cover them with a smile. He invites us to bring them into His light. Admitting “I am broken, and I can’t fix this alone” isn't a weakness—it’s surrender, and it opens the door to His presence—His peace.

 

Trauma leaves emotional imprints—fear, anger, shame, grief. Your emotions are not too much for God so instead of stuffing those feelings down, bring them to Him in prayer, journaling, or even tears on the floor. David cried out to God with raw honesty, and God called him a man after His own heart. 

 

Trauma thrives in isolation, but healing grows in safe, godly community. Surround yourself with women who can pray with you, speak truth and life into you, and remind you that you’re not walking alone. I spent years thinking I had to do it all by myself, but breakthrough came when I began to open up and share my story and allow trusted sisters in Christ to hold me up.

 

You can begin healing too by spending time with God daily, allowing self-care to become part of your routine not out of selfishness but stewardship of the life and body He's given you. Set boundaries to protect yourself but begin the work to find sisters in Christ that you can trust and start to let them in to hold you up and walk with you through the pain you're processing.

Why Self-Care Is Not Selfish

For so many of us women—especially moms—it feels wrong to slow down, to rest, or to take care of ourselves in the slightest. We equate self-care with selfishness. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that caring for ourselves is selfish. We pour out for our families, our homes, and our communities—often leaving ourselves empty. 

 

But Scripture reframes this thinking and paints a different picture. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us that our bodies are not our own, they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Caring for our body, mind, and spirit isn’t about indulging ourselves—it’s about honoring God (but that doesn't give you a license to go overboard either, there is a balance to everything and even good things can become bad when there is too much). 

 

That means how we care for ourselves is directly connected to how we honor God. Self-care is not indulgence; it’s stewardship. It’s not about putting “me first,” but about putting God at the center—even in the way we eat, rest, move, and nurture our hearts and minds.

 

When we begin to see self-care as an act of worship, it shifts everything. Rest is no longer laziness—it’s obedience. Nourishment is no longer vanity—it’s stewardship. Renewal is no longer selfish—it’s equipping. Even Jesus modeled this for us, withdrawing to pray and refresh His spirit (Luke 5:16).

 

Self-care is stewardship.

God entrusted you with your body, your mind, your emotions, and your spirit to care for. Stewardship means managing them well so you can keep serving, loving, and glorifying Him for the long haul. Stewardship means tending to yourself too so you can remain strong and useful for His glory. 

 

Self-care can be worship.

When you rest, nourish your body, renew your mind, or draw near to God and sit in His presence, you’re not being selfish—you’re offering yourself back to Him (Romans 12:1) and trusting Him with that time of rest and renewal—what He will do with it and how He will provide in your absence. Every act of care can become an act of praise. When we slow down we’re offering ourselves back to Him as a living sacrifice.

 

Self-care equips you for service.

A burnt-out, empty version of you cannot pour into your family, your calling, or your community. Jesus Himself withdrew to places that He could be alone to pray and be refreshed (Luke 5:16). If He needed that, how much more do we? We cannot pour from an empty cup. When we are filled—physically, mentally, spiritually—we are better able to pour into our families, our communities, and our callings.