The Joy of Motherhood: Lessons & Reflections from the Moms of Save the Storks 

At Save the Storks, every day we work to give women the support and care they need to confidently choose life. Behind the emails, meetings, and mobile medical clinics are real moms on our staff who know the joy, beauty, and challenges of motherhood deeply.

We asked some of the moms at Save the Storks to share what motherhood has taught them, what brings them the most joy, and what they would say to women who may feel afraid of becoming mothers.

Here are their answers.

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

How important forgiveness is, and making sure you tell your children you are sorry when you have made a mistake. They, in turn, will learn it’s okay to make a mistake and to apologize when they do. Forgiveness is essential for a healthy maternal-child relationship as your children get older. It helps them feel seen and respected because they realize their parents are not trying to pretend that they are “perfect.” It also makes you, as a parent, set your pride aside for a moment. Which I think is so important.

What would you say to a woman who is scared about becoming a mother?

God chose you to be this baby’s mama out of all the souls in the world, and that’s pretty special. Also, there is never a “right” or a “perfect” time to have children. But you will surprise yourself with how resilient and capable you are when faced with loving your child.

What brings you the most joy in motherhood?

My kids’ laughter and seeing them flourish in something they’ve put time into. For example, my son loves to draw. Watching him practice his drawing and art and being proud of himself for his work is one of my greatest joys. I also love how kids remind you of how important the little things are. It’s so good for the soul to have a child!

One word to describe motherhood?

Worthwhile

Favorite age/stage so far?

1-3 years old is really special.

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

I love that the bible frames motherhood as a calling and a ministry.

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Support is so important. Especially in the newborn days. Having a group of people there (even just virtually) is HUGE! Seeing my husband be a dad and providing things only dads can give has been so sweet. His help has been incredible!

What’s one thing you wish every new mom knew?

You’re not alone! There’s always someone willing to help. Babies are the biggest conversation starters and bring smiles to everyone!

What brings you the most joy in motherhood?

My daughter’s smile and her excitement when she sees me.

One word to describe motherhood?

Transformative

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

-Lamentations 3:22-23

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Love… It’s so much more and so much bigger than what I thought it was. And that it can grow and change into something so much bigger. Growing up, I knew my parents loved me. I loved my friends. I love my husband. But the love I have for my children is so much different than any love I’ve ever known. I find that I’m constantly finding new ways that I love them and new things about them that I love. Every time I think, “I could not possibly love them more than this”, the Lord shows me something else about them to love. And then I’ve just been overwhelmed because I know that if I can love them this big, how much more does He love them? How much more does He love me? Motherhood has taught me what true love really is, and it goes so much deeper than what we can ever imagine.

What’s one thing you wish every new mom knew?

That there is so much that doesn’t matter as much as we think it does. Do their clothes match? Probably not, but they dressed themselves and loved what they were wearing, so it’s fine. Did they eat a full 5 servings of veggies and fruits and X number of grains, blah, blah, blah…? Likely not today, but they did eat nutritious food and are going to bed with a happy, full belly. Are they going to be a mess getting in the car after playing in the dirt at that soccer game? They sure will! But their clothes can be washed. The car can be cleaned. They LOVE taking baths. They used their imagination and played in dirt and had so much fun, so the mess doesn’t matter. Right now, what matters is their memories, their growth, exploring, imagining, and knowing that sometimes it’s ok to do things a little differently.

Also, let them make mistakes. Let them learn because that’s how they’re going to grow. You’re raising them to be well-rounded adults, and adults make mistakes, too.

What’s one way people can better support moms?

Just show up. Women need people to support them and show up for them. We get overlooked in motherhood so often because being a mom is “what we’re made to do,” but like… It’s so hard. When a mom runs the household and is constantly doing the cleaning, cooking, staying home with babies, etc., it’s normal. We’re exhausted, but we’re told that we chose this, so we can’t complain or be tired, etc. We have the mental load and all the physical load most of the time. So having people show up to take on some of those burdens or just having people recognize all that we do, it helps.

One word to describe motherhood?

Rewarding

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

Honestly, probably my life verse because it applies to all things. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him who have been called according to His purpose.”

I love this one so much more as a mom who had an unplanned pregnancy because I know that her life was not a surprise and that she truly is called to something so much bigger and so much more.

Anonymous Save the Storks Team Member

Mom of 4

One mother on our team chose to remain anonymous, but her reflections on motherhood beautifully captured both the challenges and joys that come with raising children through every stage of life.

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

To be flexible, you can’t dictate what personality God will give your child. Love each child as a person created in God’s image with unique strengths and challenges. Ask God (and trusted others) for help and wisdom when you need encouragement or guidance along the path. Find a community of moms to strengthen your journey and spiritual walk. There will be trying and joyful times, and having this support is key.

What’s one thing you wish every new mom knew?

The hours are long, but the payoff is incredible.

What would you say to a woman who is scared about becoming a mother?

This journey doesn’t mean you are alone. You have a community of moms who will support you in your journey-those who have been there as well as those whose children will grow alongside yours. Support is here for you in this chapter!

What brings you the most joy in motherhood?

Seeing my children develop the compassion and heart to care for others-it doesn’t always come naturally! This year, one child unexpectedly joined her school’s Friends Club, which pairs students as buddies to children with special needs. Another has served at a VBS on a rescue mission.

What’s one way people can better support moms?

Take them out for coffee or a hike. Girl time is harder to come by and greatly appreciated!

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

Proverbs 3:5-6

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Unconditional Love

What would you say to a woman who is scared about becoming a mother?

It’s ok to be scared. Trust your instincts.

What brings you the most joy in motherhood?

Knowing that I raised two incredible girls and watching them build their own lives.

One word to describe motherhood?

Journey

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

Jeremiah 29:11

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Time is truly our most valuable asset, and it goes by so quickly. Throughout all the stages of motherhood and raising my three sons, life was busy. I’d have to remind myself that these are the most important moments in my life. All my sons ever wanted was my time, to play, to listen, and to share experiences.

What would you say to a woman who is scared about becoming a mother?

Motherhood is the hardest job in the world, but the one that you will love the most. It’s truly a blessing, and children are a precious gift from God.

What brings you the most joy in motherhood?

Celebrating my children’s achievements as I have watched them learn and grow into young adults.

One word to describe motherhood?

Joyful

What Bible verse or truth has encouraged you most as a mom?

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her – Proverbs 31:25,28

What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has taught me patience, perspective, and the importance of looking beyond the moment. I’ve learned to pause before reacting, because a moment of anger, frustration, exhaustion, or overwhelm can sometimes crush a child’s spirit in ways that last far beyond that single moment.

I’ve also learned to celebrate the mess, because often what looks like chaos in the moment is actually creativity, innocence, imagination, and growth unfolding right in front of us.

When my daughter was 5, she decided to draw all over the walls in her room. At first glance, it looked like a huge mess. But instead of focusing only on the wall, I tried to see the heart behind it, her boldness, creativity, and imagination. A fresh coat of paint can always fix a wall, but encouraging a child’s creativity and spirit can impact them for a lifetime.

That room eventually became a place her friends loved coming to for playdates, where they could freely create their own artistic masterpieces. The laughter, joy, and core memories made there became priceless.

Motherhood has taught me that sometimes the greatest growth happens when we choose connection over perfection.

What’s one thing you wish every new mom knew?

I wish every new mom knew that not every mess needs to be controlled, corrected, or cleaned up immediately. Sometimes the mess is where the magic is happening. When children are loved through the mess instead of constantly corrected in it, they grow into confident, courageous people who are not afraid to create, explore, dream, and fully be themselves.

What would you say to a woman who is scared about becoming a mother?

I would say that the future is always uncertain, and uncertainty can feel scary. So many moments in life make us fear what’s ahead, yet somehow, things often work out better than we imagined.

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding journeys you will ever experience. From pregnancy to raising a child into adulthood, you get a front-row seat to witness God’s miracles, love, and power at work.

At the same time, motherhood transforms you too, growing you in faith, strength, love, and grace along the way. You do not have to have everything figured out to be a good mother. Love and faith will carry you further than perfection ever could.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” — Proverbs 31:25

What’s one way people can better support moms?

One of the best ways people can support moms is by leading with compassion instead of judgment. If you hear a baby crying on an airplane, remember, the mom is probably far more stressed and overwhelmed than you are. A little kindness and understanding go a long way.

We also need to become more innovative and adaptable in creating pathways for moms to thrive in education, careers, community, and fellowship. When moms are supported well, families and future generations thrive too.

One word to describe motherhood?

BECOMING!

Every Mother Deserves Support

We are so grateful for the moms who serve at Save the Storks, women who are living out their calling both at home and through our mission every day.

They are raising the next generation while also fighting to protect life and support women facing unexpected pregnancies.

Though each story is different, one theme shines through every answer: motherhood is transformative, rewarding, challenging, and full of joy.

Help Moms Celebrate the Joy of Motherhood

This Mother’s Day month, you can help empower women with the support, care, and encouragement they need to choose life and motherhood with confidence.

Through our Save the Storks Mobile Medical Clinics, National Partner Program, and always-on resources, Save the Storks is helping women experience the joy of motherhood with hope instead of fear.

Join us in celebrating and supporting mothers today.