Are You a Supermom?


Wow! They’re ALL yours?

That’s amazing!

I could never do that!

And you homeschool?!

You must be some kind of supermom!

After we had our fifth child I began to receive these reactions in public (family & friends were sometimes another matter entirely). Each child after that was the same thing. People are awed, amazed and astonished that a ‘normal’ Canadian woman like me has willingly & cheerfully chosen such a lot in life.  Because I mean honestly, why on earth would anyone choose to have such a big family knowing the stress, mess and cost of such a lifestyle?

Good question. There’s a good story if you would like to hear.  Spoiler alert: I am human. No super serum, spider bites or special powers at all.  There is one thing though that has changed everything from the inside out.  It was the last thing I ever expected.

I didn’t start out admirably. Truth is, I was repelled by the idea of having more than 2-3 children. When I had 3 children under the age of 2 I knew how unprepared for motherhood I was as I juggled the sheer logistics of keeping children alive. How to raise them into capable, well equipped adults with solid character was unknown to me. In desperation, I was just throwing spaghetti at the wall hoping something would stick.

God in His mercy met me in that place of anxiety, self doubt and overwhelm. He gently drew me closer to Him and I began to see that what I believed deep down about children, about myself and fundamentally about God was messed up. “In Your light, we see light” (Psalm 36:9) Bits and pieces of ideas picked up in my own childhood & culture that were different or even direct opposite of what is plainly stated in Scripture about Himself, me and the blessing of children.  A transformation began then, one I hardly dared imagine was possible.

My fear based control relaxed as I trusted Him in a way I thought only crazy or hyper religious people did. Baby after baby came until we outgrew a minivan. I slowly and surely began learning big family life skills to run our home, learn to homeschool and even do home business. Our extended family, friends and even strangers out in public began to make unsolicited remarks – some rude & invasive, others surprisingly kind & encouraging. They saw something remarkable – more than just a family with a bunch of kids.  They saw that we are more than just surviving – we are thriving!

So when people give me the credit for being a supermom I smile.  It’s a nice compliment and I receive it as such. However, the truth is they are seeing the outward evidence of the good work God has done in and through me.  The good, capable, organized, calm, loving mom living this big family life is because of what He has done and keeps doing in me.  “The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (Habbakuk 3:19)

Being ever more rooted in the love of Jesus, having my core beliefs & thoughts renewed by His Word, and daily growing in His grace have given me the foundation to do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Rather than who I am, it’s whose I am. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood or even harshly judged,  I know who to turn to first for comfort, clarity and courage (though sometimes I take the long route getting there!). This is the difference – and it makes all the difference.

__________________

 

If this blog blessed you feel free to join my Big Family Moms community where I have lots more resources and encouragement for moms like you overcoming struggles and growing in grace. Here's the LINK if you like.

 

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