5 Devotions for Moms
"But courage, child: we are all between the paws of the true Aslan.” C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle
Recently I received an email that deeply touched me.
It was from a reader who experienced a terrible dark time as she lost herself and her self-esteem. After sharing her struggle with a trusted friend, she started a journey of healing where fought against the darkness and looked for light.
One key part of her journey, besides therapy, was listening to More Than a Mom, which will soon celebrate its second birthday. She listened to the audiobook multiple times, and it helped her to be kinder to herself, turn to God, and realign her values. In time she began going to church again, listening to Christian music, and feeling like herself again. She found her way back to the surface.
It broke my heart to read this sweet mom’s story, yet I’m so thankful she’s in a better place now. I’m honored she took the time to tell me about her trial and how she persevered. Life is hard, and just knowing we aren’t alone can make our pain feel bearable.
In honor of this reader, I’m sharing this 5-day devotional based on More Than a Mom. May it remind you that you matter, and if you’re struggling today, reach out to a trusted friend. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Just as Moses needed help during battle when he grew weak, and he relied on Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands all night so Israel could win the battle (Exodus 17:11–13), sometimes extra support is crucial to our journey. Moses was a powerful leader, yet even he needed trusted friends. He won the battle by humbling himself and admitting that his strength was not enough.
Sometimes our strength isn’t enough too—and it’s okay to admit it. That is what leads to deeper connections and knowing which friendships are real.
I hope these words are helpful, and that you’ll share them with friends and anyone else who might need extra support today.
Love,
Kari
DAY 1: Know Your Worth
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13–14 niv)
As a mother, you can only take your children as far as you have come. Raising healthy kids begins with them seeing a healthy mom and getting yourself in a good place mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
Your wellness matters because you matter. You are human, and like every human, you have legitimate needs. Investing in your wellness strengthens you from the inside out. It makes you a more present, effective parent.
As moms, we often need permission to take better care of ourselves. We long to reach our full potential without vanity, guilt, or obsession. It helps to remember that your greatest life purpose (even greater than motherhood) is to know, love, and serve God. And as you journey toward genuine wellness, you also journey toward Him. You become a light for those who know you and a role model for your children.
It’s easy to base your value on what other people say or what kind of mom or person you’ve been. But the truth is, God doesn’t love you because you are good; He loves you because He is good. He created you for a purpose, and what God creates, God loves, and what God loves, He loves forever. Even on your worst days, He loves you at maximum capacity. He sees beauty, hope, and potential.
Your core identity—the one that runs deeper than any identity—is that you are a child of God. You were born with inherent dignity and made in His image. When you find your identity in Christ, you build your worth on a solid foundation. You have a rock you can count on that won’t change overnight.
Love begins with God because God is love (see 1 John 4:16). He loves you first, and He invites you to respond to that love and then share it with others. Open your heart to receive His transforming grace. Let that grace work inside of you, empowering you to love yourself (and others) in response to what Jesus did on the cross.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Kari Kampakis to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.