The Ministry of Motherhood
Motherhood is Kingdom work.
It’s beautiful.
It’s brutal.
It’s holy.
It’s hard.
It’s sacred groud disguised in very ordinary moments.
But if we’re honest, some days don’t feel sacred at all. They feel like survival. They feel like cereal on the floor, tears at bedtime (sometimes ours), and never-ending loads of laundry. They feel like failure, fatigue, and forgetting who we were before we became “mum.”
The truth is, motherhood is so many things, but at its core, Motherhood is ministry.
It’s not always glamorous or easy. There are highs and lows, ordinary days and overwhelming ones. But through it all, you have been entrusted with something incredibly sacred: the shaping of a life.
And you know what? Science actually confirms what we already know deep down, that what you do matters. The early years of a child’s life are foundational. In fact, up to 90% of a child’s brain development happens before they turn five. Those simple, everyday moments — the bedtime stories, the gentle correction, the snuggles when they’re upset, they’re actually forming the building blocks of how your child sees themselves and the world.
So if you ever find yourself wondering if what you’re doing makes a difference, let me gently remind you, it absolutely does. This is holy work and heart work. You’re not just raising a child, you’re building a heart. You’re creating a safe place where love grows deep and strong.
Mama, you’re doing better than you think. Keep going, it’s not a pause on your purpose. It is purpose - right here, right now.
Holy Ground in the Ordinary
When we think about encountering God, our minds often go to mountaintop moments worship nights, retreats, Bible studies with pastel highlighters and no interruptions. You know, the “quiet time” with actual quiet.
But then real life happens.
You’ve got a little one on your hip, dishes in the sink, and laundry piles giving you side-eye. You’re running on coffee and dry shampoo, and someone needs you again. And in the middle of it all, it’s easy to feel like what you’re doing is small or insignificant.
But it’s not. It’s sacred.
Moses met God through a burning bush. It was dramatic, yes, but also unexpected. Just an ordinary day in the wilderness… until it wasn’t.
“Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” — Exodus 3:5
Mum, the truth is, you’re on holy ground too. Not because the floors are clean (they may not be ha), but because God is present in the middle of your ordinary.
That middle-of-the-night cuddle? Holy ground.
That moment you choose grace instead of snapping? Holy ground.
The school lunch you pack without thanks, the prayer you whisper over a fevered forehead, the decision to get up and try again — it’s not just routine. It’s worship.
You’re not “just getting through the day.” You’re building a safe place. You’re shaping hearts. You’re showing your children what love looks like with skin on.
2. The Ministry of Presence
Psychologists call it secure attachment — it simply means a child feels safe, loved, and deeply seen. And when that happens, research shows they’re more likely to thrive not just emotionally, but socially, relationally, and academically. Children with secure attachment tend to have better self-esteem, stronger emotional regulation, and healthier relationships later in life.
And here’s the beautiful part: secure attachment doesn’t come from doing it all perfectly.
It comes from being present.
From being available.
From being consistent.
From choosing gentleness when you feel anything but gentle.
From staying in the room, heart open, even when you want to hide in the pantry with the good snacks and a moment of peace. This is the ministry of presence. And friend, it is powerful.
Neuroscience backs this up too: by age three, a child’s brain has formed over one million neural connections every second — and these are shaped by their early experiences, especially the quality of their connection with you. Presence isn’t just comforting — it’s wiring their brain for life.
That kind of consistent love? It builds resilience. It strengthens identity. And it creates a safe haven where little hearts grow strong.
So no, you don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need the perfect routine or the spotless house. You just need to be present. And in doing so, you are reflecting the very heart of God.
3. It’s Hard Work and Heart Work
Motherhood will stretch you in ways you never expected. It’s physically demanding, mentally exhausting, and emotionally intense. Some days you feel like you’re pouring from an empty cup, running on little sleep and lots of grace. From early morning wakeups to late-night conversations, it’s a constant rhythm of showing up, giving out, and doing it all over again.
But even in the exhaustion, something holy is happening. God is doing a refining work in the hidden places. In the middle of the mess and the mundane, He’s shaping your character—building strength, resilience, and compassion. You may not feel strong, but you’re becoming strong. You may not see the fruit yet, but the seeds you’re planting matter more than you know.
“She gets up while it is still night… She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:15, 25 (NIV)
That’s you, choosing to love, lead, and serve in ways that may never be noticed by the world, but are fully seen by Heaven.
Some of the most powerful sermons aren’t preached on platforms but lived out in kitchens, car rides, and quiet bedtime prayers.
So if today feels messy. If you feel unseen, underappreciated, or unsure whether what you’re doing matters. Let me gently remind you. You’re doing sacred work. Heaven sees it—and one day, so will they.
Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal Christian faith and worldview. It is shared to encourage reflection and is not intended to impose beliefs, or serve as professional psychological advice. I respect that each reader may hold different beliefs and invite you to engage with the content in a way that honours your own values.