Only moms can fully understand...

I believe that all people whether young or old, male or female, regardless of status in life at some point sacrifices for a better purpose.

I used to wonder if I would be a good mom to my children. From the time I conceived my first son, my fears started about whether I could nurture and provide for our coming child. Since then, I have started praying that I can raise godly children following biblical principles. This way, I know I can never get it wrong.

My sacrifices as a mother started when I conceived for our firstborn son.

I couldn't eat; there were smells I hated that caused me to throw up. Almost every day, I had morning sickness that lasted for nearly a day. This would cause me to stay only in bed, I couldn't stand to go anywhere, so I crawled from my bed if I needed to move out of it.  Good thing I am not bearing this morning sickness throughout the whole pregnancy. It diminishes as the baby grows. The longest experience is up to 6 months. And as my tummy gets bigger, the more interrupted sleep I had and up until now - that's nearly six years of sleep deprivation.

Choosing to provide my children with the best milk possible requires enduring the challenges of breastfeeding. I do not wish to discourage new moms from breastfeeding their newborns.  I had an inverted nipple, which made it difficult to successfully latch my baby for the first time.  However, with a sincere desire, I overcame these challenges and successfully breastfed all three of my children.

Often, I couldn't leave the house to spend time with friends or attend gatherings, occasions, meetings, or parties because I was preoccupied with the thoughts of my children. I ended up purchasing the things we needed at home or the items my children required instead of the things I had initially planned to buy for myself. I let them enjoy the best part of every meal and ensure everyone has their share before I have mine.

As my children grow to raise godly individuals, I am led to the decision to be a hands-on mom. I want to witness and be part of my children's growth daily. I have sacrificed my career and, more significantly, the chance to achieve my personal dreams to fulfill a larger vision: a vision of seeing my children develop into God-fearing and responsible individuals.

I recognize the significant role and influence a mother has on her children.  I am uncertain how others perceive its value. Given this, I have continuously sought and prioritized my children's needs.  At their age, they are vulnerable and require guidance.  If I don't care for them, then who will?  No one can share the same depth of feelings I have for them, and no one can care for them as I do. How could I possibly entrust them to others?

At times, I am tempted to stop what I have started doing. Many situations arise that cause me to doubt the principles I choose to stand by. I feel and hear people pitying me for my chosen path. They add more burden, and I question if I took the wrong direction. When I am tired and fed up, I feel used and think of what a fool I have been. When the budget gets tight, I consider using my title to get a full-time job to make ends meet. I am not saying that working moms cannot be good moms.

Motherhood is a 24-hour duty; there are no holidays, breaks, or sick leaves. I tell you the truth: I am not a supermom who can perfectly juggle all the responsibilities independently. Being human, I get tired, feel crazy, and am pushed to my limits. Thank God I still regain my sanity when I lose it.

From day to day, I am winning battles outside and within me. What keeps me up is that I know it is what God wants me to be, and I could never go wrong—the strongest conviction I have to keep on. As I strive to become a good mother, I know God is with me as my guide. No matter how great the sacrifice, I know it's worth it for the sake of my children. Only moms can fully understand the sacrifices and struggles.

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