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Although I love sharing what God has been teaching me through motherhood, it is important that we seek the wisdom of mothers with older children. Titus 2 encourages older women to “…teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children” (Titus 2:3-4). I’ve struggled as an introverted mom, but can learn how to look to Jesus by watching the examples set by those who have come before me. I am excited to provide an opportunity for us to learn from an introverted mother to three adult children as she gives a call to courage for those of us with younger children.
A Call to Courage – Guest Post by Margaret Grimm
Merriam Webster Dictionary (11th edition, 2004) defines introversion as “the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one’s own mental life” and defines an introvert as “a shy or reserved person.” This is not very complementary to us introverts. So what about defining extroversion?
Merriam Webster Dictionary defines extroversion as “the act, state, or habit of being predominantly concerned with and obtaining gratification from what is outside the self” and defines an extrovert as “a gregarious and unreserved person.” Yikes! Being an introvert seems likened to having the bubonic plague.
Add becoming a mother to an already introverted personality, and you are then being called to great courage. Courage as defined by Merriam Webster is “the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Being a mother does NOT conflict with being an introvert; Scripture does not separate our beings into introversion or extroversion.
Isaiah 40:11 (NKJV) indicates that the Lord GOD “will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” Mothers are gently and patiently led by the Shepherd. What certain assurance and confidence we now have—introverts and extroverts both.
Remember Your Identity
Remember introversion or extroversion is only a facet of your personality, not your identity. As a Christian, you are first a child of God, a chosen daughter of the King, then made a mother by a gift from the same LORD God that chose you as His daughter. Our LORD God alone will, therefore, give you the courage, strength, and patience.
I personally describe being an introvert as obtaining my energy from those moments alone rather than from people around me. As a young mother, those alone moments are rare. I remember. I struggled. I had then challenged myself to consider:
Where is my heart and focus?
“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth,” (Psalm 127:3, NKJV).
The years waiting for this reward were only six for me. Many wait much longer. Many are blessed through adoption. Others continue to wait.
These young children—my and your heritage and reward—require attention and energy. Escape is not an option.
“The LORD will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail,” (Isaiah 58:11, NKJV).
The LORD promised to gently guide me continually and to satisfy my soul when escape was not feasible.
What is then needed to thrive? Communication. Focused outlook. Grace.
Communication
Communicate with your husband the desires of your heart and the needs of your soul. Assess each and every activity you consider involvement in. What impact does this have on my energy or the family routine or each child? A decision made now can be reassessed when circumstances change.
Focused Outlook
Focus your outlook to do the right thing that is in front of you now, and remember that this season will too pass. What seemed impossible one year may be absolutely necessary the next.
Grace
Extend grace to yourself, your husband, and your children. Take comfort in your identity in Christ. What you choose will ultimately accomplish His glory. This struggle, your personality, this task of mothering are ALL part of the sanctification process and for His glory. Your child was given to you—the best parent for that child.
Being a mother is a clarion call to courage—mental strength to persevere.
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you,” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV).
Lean continually on His strength—recalling that one Scripture verse read—as you run to the crying child. Sing Scripture songs with your children to lift your own soul and to help them memorize Scriptures. Pray for that elusive courage when escape is preferred. Persevere. The seasons change, but being of good courage will always be necessary—regardless of the season.
What Do You Think?
Do you struggle with the call to courage in motherhood or find yourself struggling to persevere? How can you encourage other moms to persevere and thrive in motherhood?
A Call to Courage: Additional Resources for Mothers
If you want to join a community with other Christian, Introverted Mamas, be sure to check out our group on Facebook!
The Hope That Moms Don’t Need: By Maggie Combs on The Gospel Coalition
Mom Enough: The Fearless Mother’s Heart and Hope
About the Author
Margaret Grimm is a mother to three adult children and grandmother to three. After home educating her three children, she continues to support the family businesses developed during those years and now provides freelance copyediting and proofreading services. She can be contacted at margaret2edit@gmail.com.
