There are a lot of words that could be used to describe motherhood. I’m not sure if courageous would have been one of the first I came up with until I sat down and thought about what it meant to be a mom.
God tells us:
Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9 (NRSV)
Mom, you are courageous and here is why.
Facing Fears Head-On
Courageous moms are those who confront their fears daily. From the moment of conception, mothers face a barrage of worries: Will my child be healthy? Am I making the right decisions? How will I balance work and family? A courageous mom acknowledges these fears but doesn’t let them paralyze her. Instead, she takes a deep breath and moves forward, knowing that her love and determination will guide her, and that God is with her every step of the way.
When you were pregnant or getting ready to adopt your child, it took an immense amount of courage to trust yourself—to believe that you could bring this life into the world and lead a little one. Think about the first day of school drop-off. You put on a smile, led your child to school, and then sat in the car crying—because even though you needed a little bit of a break, you knew you would miss them every minute until you picked them back up. You courageously sent them off, knowing they would do great because, mom, you laid an amazing foundation for them to build on.
Making Tough Decisions
Parenting is a constant series of choices, and many of them aren’t easy. A courageous mom is willing to make difficult decisions for the well-being of her child, even when those decisions are unpopular or go against the grain. This might mean choosing an alternative education path, making lifestyle changes, or standing up to family members or friends who don’t respect your parenting choices.
Admitting Mistakes and Learning from Them
No mother is perfect, and a courageous mom understands this. She has the strength to admit when she’s made a mistake, apologize to her children when necessary, and use these moments as opportunities for growth and learning. This vulnerability and honesty fosters trust and respect in the parent-child relationship.
Advocating Fiercely
Whether it’s in the doctor’s office, at school, or in society at large, courageous moms are tireless advocates for their children. We speak up when something isn’t right, push for the resources our children need, and fight against injustices that affect our families. This advocacy often extends beyond their own children to the broader community, as many courageous moms become voices for positive change.
Embracing the Unknown
Motherhood is unpredictable, and each stage brings new challenges. A courageous mom faces these unknowns with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. She understands that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting and is brave enough to forge her own path when needed.
Practicing Self-Care Without Guilt
In a world that often glorifies maternal sacrifice, it takes courage to prioritize self-care. A courageous mom recognizes that taking care of herself is not selfish but necessary. She understands that by nurturing her own physical, mental, and emotional well-being, she’s better equipped to care for her family.
Letting Go
Perhaps one of the most courageous acts of motherhood is letting go. This starts small—letting a toddler take their first steps alone, or allowing a child to solve problems independently. It culminates in the bittersweet courage of watching our children grow into adults, trusting that you’ve given them the tools they need to navigate the world.
Being a courageous mom doesn’t mean being fearless or perfect. It means facing each day with determination, love, and the willingness to grow alongside one’s children. It means standing strong in the face of challenges and soft in moments of tenderness. To all the moms out there embodying courage in big and small ways every day—your strength does not go unnoticed. We see you. Your courage is shaping the next generation and changing the world, one brave act at a time.
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