Mamas, Stronger Together – Guest Series: Christian mothers have such a strength when we let down our guard and get real with each other, stop comparing ourselves to other mothers, when we stop making motherhood a competition, and instead build each other up as fellow mothers! Over the next weeks, we will hear from various Christian mamas who are each brave, beautiful, and strong in sharing the messages God has placed on their hearts. Enjoy the below message of encouragement from Sharon Whitmarsh.

Hangeth thou in there, ye mothers of preschoolers! Ye weary wardens of teenagers! Ye washers of PE kits! Groweth not weary in well doing! The harvest cometh! The days seem to pass slowly, but the years fly like the wind.

Beth Moore

That dream. The one where you’ve an important meeting, and you get to work to find you’ve not only forgotten to wear shoes, but you’ve somehow put on your Cat-woman fancy dress outfit! The tight one? From twenty years ago that doesn’t actually fit properly anymore. (Just me then?)

I quite literally did this to my seven-year-old a little while back. I sent him to school in his uniform on a dress down day! I know. . . not quite as bad. But still, #Fail!

I was so embarrassed for my son and for myself. I felt like a terrible mum, compared to all the other mums who’d managed to read the school email and the class group text the night before!

But, do you know what happened? A few of the mums approached me and shared their failures with me: forgotten PE kits, lunches left in cars, and smart hair on crazy hair days. Suddenly, I didn’t feel quite so bad.

My, how hard it is to take the pits and miss the peaks in our daily lives! It’s taken this long to appreciate the relief of a shared load. I’m not in this on my own. I have God. I have family and I have school mum friends. How blessed am I?

I find motherhood challenging because I’m holding down a full-time job (and a few side hustles), and I’m trying to be the perfect mother, wife, sister, and friend.

I sometimes feel like I’m sailing alone because I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to reach out to my fellow Christian mums to nurture supportive bonds.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfil the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].” (This verse is so much clearer in the Amplified version)

By being vulnerable, by sharing life’s peaks and pits, we grow closer in our faith and in our relationships. We can strengthen each other and provide comfort and encouragement when we are struggling. We can also learn from each other and grow in wisdom as we share our experiences and advice.

It takes a village to raise a child.

African proverb

In the Bible, the church is often referred to as a family. Hubby and I would go in on a Sunday and baby H would be whisked away for cuddles and cooing, leaving me with a moment’s peace with God. I’ve had supportive friends offer an evening meal, encouragement, and wisdom, helping us to grow and thrive.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Sharon Whitmarsh is a Christian wife and mum. Her blended family includes her seven year old boy, two step kids in their twenties and their dog called Otto. She’s also a creative maker with multiple side hustles which include making chilli sauce, nappy cakes and brooch bouquets. Her favourite thing, however, is bible study and journaling, which she currently shares in a bible journaling and art group on Facebook. Follow along on Instagram: @sharonwhitmarsh and @prettyflowerbs