“Raising Others, Growing Yourself”

Introduction

“Mothers and mother figures of every age and stage—God uniquely chose you to provide life, love, encouragement, and special moments. Even in your imperfections and admissions that you are growing and learning in your role of motherhood, you are developing your relationship with the Lord. Where you are in your walk with Him may shape how your relationship with your children looks, feels, and is received over time—but that’s okay, because God ultimately holds it all in His hands. Praise the Lord!” —Janice Watley

Main Idea: The greatest asset for motherhood is trusting in the Lord.

Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV) “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Personal reflections on my mother’s selfless love:

• She prioritized her children over personal desires.
• She sacrificed her time, energy, and resources for her family.
• She was present in my big moments.

Your sacrifices, mom’s, God sees it. God honors it. And you are better because of it.

In today’s world, self-care is important, but we must not lose sight of God’s Perspective:

• Proverbs 11:25 – Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
• Philippians 2:3-4 – Consider others more important than yourself.
• Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Truth: The greater blessing is in the giving, not in receiving.

The Self-Care Blessing and Challenge

• Self-care is good and healthy.
• However, many mothers feel they lost themselves in raising their children.
• Reminder: Motherhood was not a loss—it was an investment in something eternal.
• Reminder: God wastes nothing. Your sacrifices prepared you for what’s next.

Jesus as the Ultimate Example

• Jesus came to serve, not to be served.
• Philippians 2:17 – Paul saw his sacrifices as an offering to God, something to rejoice in, not regret.
• Truth for Moms: Your sacrifices are not losses but investments.
• God doesn’t “take” without leaving a blessing, sending a blessing or reserving a blessing for the giver.

Mom’s Legacy

• My final conversation with my mother: “I only wish I could go back and do it all over again.”
• No regrets—only love and faith.
• God never forgets a mother’s service, love, prayers, and sacrifices.

Encouragement:

Love is never wasted. Even if it isn’t reciprocated, sincere faith makes the giver better!

Also, the value of your motherhood isn’t measured by how a child turns out. You have tremendous influence but not ultimate control over the future decisions of your children.

Final Exhortation to Moms:

• Your work matters. Your love matters. Your sacrifices matter.
• You don’t have to be a perfect mom to be an excellent one.
• Encouragement: God has made you perfect for your child

Closing Thought: Let your sincere faith bless you with confidence in your motherhood choices—past, present, and future.