Becoming a mother changed me. But becoming a mother to a daughter changed everything.
When my firstborn son arrived, my husband and I looked at his tiny frame and saw a responsibility from the Lord. We felt the weight of training this child in a godly home (Proverbs 22:6).
Lessons I Learned When I First Became a Mother
Some parts of motherhood came naturally to me. Other parts, not so much. I found motherhood highlighted so much selfishness still in me. I wanted to do what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it with no interruption until I wanted to be done.
Having a completely dependent infant challenged that selfish spirit, and I’d like to think I’ve grown in that area (but admittedly, not yet mastered).
Yes, my son has taught me selflessness, patience, joy, and a greater appreciation for God’s creative design.
But my daughter…
She changes everything.
The Differences in Responsibility When Raising a Son or Daughter
See, when my son was born, I embraced the job of teaching him about the Lord and raising him to be a gentleman and good man, in my husband’s footsteps.
But this little girl is walking behind me. She’ll be watching how I conduct myself as a woman, and shaping her actions from that.
From me, she’ll learn if a woman ought to praise her husband or put him down.
She’ll learn if submission and modesty really matter.
She’ll quietly observe what I do. Whether I’m involved in church functions or removed. If I treat fellow Christians like treasured family or like distant relatives. Whether I go to church always, or skip services when family is in town or we’re on vacation.
By watching what I do, her worldview of how a Christian woman conducts herself begins.
Of course, she’ll grow up to be her own person. She’ll choose for herself whether she wants to be faithful to the Lord. And I hope she never feels pressure from me to be just like me.
But I’d be wrong if I thought my choices won’t impact her choices.
We can’t expect our children to be more faithful than the example we’re willing to put forth. So mamas, for the sake of your daughters (and your sons), pray for the wisdom to be the most faithful Christian woman you can possibly be.
For more encouraging words for Christian mothers who want to be rooted in the Lord, consider subscribing to my free email newsletter by clicking here. Then, enjoy another article: Four Tips to Help Christian Moms with Consistent Bible Reading.
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