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Queen in Gold
It's official: we survived our first year (and a bit) as a family of three. It's been one of the toughest years of my life. I want to start by saying that because there’s no point in writing this post if we're going to sugarcoat reality.
Especially as a new mom, I’ve often come across a very negative view of children: "It’s a trap! Children take up all your time and energy. They’re a financial burden. They will ruin your marriage and steal your freedom and happiness.”
So what’s the Biblical view on having children:
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” – Psalm 127:3-5 Scripture describes children as a blessing; the world often describes them as a burden. As believers (in the Word of God), are we adding to the narrative of negativity, or are we living and speaking Biblical truth? Biblical truth Let’s go back to Psalm 127. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.” – Psalm 127:4 (NIV) This imagery suggests power and responsibility. Children aren’t flowers in the hands of a fair maiden - they're arrows in the hands of a warrior. Arrows, like any other weapon in war, are an advantage when handled responsibly. Going to war requires skill and a whole lot of bravery. It's no easy task, and neither is parenting. We miss this (or I did, at least). God doesn’t promise us easy and comfortable. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 Blessing We often relate the word “blessing” with luxury and comfort. We call ourselves “blessed” when things work out how we hoped or planned. Jesus challenges this: “Blessed are the poor in spirit... “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven...” – Matthew 5:12 True blessing is eternal. So children bring suffering and hardship - just hang in there; your reward is in heaven! – Uh no, that’s not quite what I’m trying to say. Our sweet baby girl brings joy into our home. She teaches us to laugh and get excited about small things. She steals hearts with her spontaneous smile and gives the best hugs and kisses. But being responsible for her isn’t always easy. It exposes selfishness and triggers all the wounds I didn’t know I had. It helps me grow and become holy – one untimely diaper at a time. A manicure or holiness?
During that time I had a morning to fill my cup and run a few errands while my mom took care of Hanani. Still adapting to motherhood; I was rocking the mom-bun and mascara = wearing make-up look. I saw a woman leisurely strolling through a clothing store. It was a Wednesday morning. She had perfect hair and was wearing something luxurious you wouldn't sit on the grass with. I didn't see her up close but assumed she'd have a manicure and smell really good. I assumed she was married to a man with a big income and browsing clothing stores was her usual pass-time on a Wednesday morning.
The mother of Jesus When the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, he addresses her saying: “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” He goes on to say: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.” Mary was highly favoured. She was blessed; hand-picked to mother the Messiah - to know and experience Him in a way no one else did. But this was no simple task. The hardship and suffering she would need to endure would be like a sword piercing her soul (Luke 2:35). But Gabriel didn’t just call Mary “highly favoured,” he also said: “...The Lord is with you.” – Luke 1:28 He is with you This reminds me of the beautiful promise in Isaiah that many of my mom-friends seem to hold on to: “He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” – Isaiah 40:11 God doesn’t promise life to be easy and convenient, He promises to be with us. “...He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...” – Psalm 23:3-4 Psalm 23 starts with David writing about God; until he has to go through the valley. Then something happens and we see the rest of the psalm addressing God directly. When we face valleys - in parenthood or any other area of life – they teach us our dependence on God. There’s no fruit to our works if we try and do it in our own strength (John 15:5). When motherhood IS hard We started this post by not denying that being a mom is challenging. I don't think Scripture does either, but it does call it a blessing. You see, having the opportunity to rely on God’s strength when things get tough, is a blessing. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
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About the blog
Queen in Gold is a blog for the feminine heart. I hope to inspire other women to stand up in their God-given identity.
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My name is Riani.
I love flowers, board games, arty markets, food, music and spring....
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