I have a secret to share. I’ve kept it from others and most importantly from myself for quite sometime.
I've ‘known’ what it was but locked it away rather than letting it shine … but not any more!
You see, I recently started a new ladies bible study in person!!! We meet on Tuesday mornings at a church just up the street from home & Vivian’s school. I was jazzed to meet new gals and learn alongside them.
As with all new meetings, we went around the table of our small group introducing ourselves.
Here’s where this revelation happened …
Each and every gal spoke with such confidence and happiness. Several of them were so proud when they shared that they were mothers that chose to leave the workforce, raise their children and manage their homes.
What?!!
Me too!!!
Why have I never just said that??
I didn’t look at them as less than but with a smile saying in my mind ‘yes gal isn’t it wonderful?!!’
Sigh, since becoming a mother nearly 4 years ago rather than eagerness to share my ‘elevator speech’ I’ve avoided it. I’ve been introducing myself first by listing my prior career title & involvements. ALWAYS letting everyone know about my ‘before’ life affirming that I had a successful career like motherhood wasn’t prestigious enough on its own.
Sure I could blame our society and the pressures to measure and compare ourselves but the reality is, it’s me. I expected to be a 'career mom'. The fact is, I have been embracing the amazing purpose and plan God has for me. I truly love fulfilling it. But I’ve hindered myself, afraid to share it with others for fear I’d be looked down upon.
I’m going to profess this no longer secret love right here and now:
I’m a Mother that is out of office and proud of it!
I LOVE my choice. I’m proud of my choice!
And I will not hide it from myself or others anymore.
It is a blessing that I’m eternally grateful for!
When asked, I'll share about my career, and when prompted I’ll even share that I miss it. But not as a definition of myself.
My education and resume haven’t disappeared. I earned every line! Now, I’m adding new experiences that also make great impacts.
I’m not less than, I’m right where God needs me.
Where ever you are in life, what ever your season looks like, be proud of it!
God uses all of us for His glory whether you’re working, in school, single, married, mother, grandmother etc ….
The funny thing is, these 4 years I’ve been the happiest of my life!
God used me in the office for many years and for now in my home where I love my family, love my friends and love others that cross my path.
Here’s my new elevator speech:
“Hi my name is Sarah-Louise! I live in the Southpark neighborhood of Charlotte (born & raised), I’m married to Ryan for 11 years and mother to a darling girl Vivian who’s 3 1/2. I’m the creator of a fashion blog, Sunday school teacher for middle & high school age young ladies and I love to exercise and be outside.”
Your turn:
- Who lives in your home?
- Where is God using you?
- What are your hobbies?
A special thank you to the ladies in my bible study for your encouragement!
Dress Beautifully in Your Purpose
XOXO Sarah-Louise
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