Being a mom is a journey filled with laughter, tears, challenges, and unending love --- AND can be messy and marvelous.
When you add faith into the mix, it has the potential to become a beautiful tapestry woven with grace and resilience. Today, we dive into a conversation with Monica Ellis—a boy mom, wife, and woman of strong faith—who shares her story of navigating motherhood with Jesus at the center.
The Joy of Resilient Motherhood
Monica’s story is nothing short of inspiring. As a mother of three boys, she knows the ups and downs of parenting all too well.
“Creating a safe space for my children to feel their emotions has been crucial. I always tell them, ‘I’m not afraid of your feelings,’ and we work through them together.”
Monica's approach to managing childhood emotions is deeply rooted in her desire to raise resilient men—a quality she works to model for her children daily. This resilience isn't just crucial for her boys but serves as her personal guiding light as she learns to balance her roles as a mother, wife, woman of God, businesswoman and "ALL-THE-THINGS." Monica has learned to give herself permission to mess up, to show her emotions, and to bounce back in front of her children, thus showing them the way.
The Power of the Morning Routine
In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, finding time for oneself can seem impossible. Yet, Monica emphasizes the importance of carving out quiet moments, especially in the morning:
“Getting up before my children helps me so much because with motherhood, the moment I wake up, somebody needs me. If I can get up and just be Monica, it helps me to survive the rest of the day.”
As a young mom with 3 busy boys, Monica shares that her morning routine is VITAL for her ability to be a present mom. She keeps it super simple, enjoying a sip of hot coffee, lighting a candle, reading a little in the Word of God, and spending a few minutes journaling. This early time with God fortifies her to face the day with grace and strength. Even five minutes of solitude can make a world of difference.
Juggling Roles: Mom and Wife
Transitioning from single motherhood to a married life has offered it's unique challenges. Monica openly shares her journey of learning to balance being both a mom and a wife:
“I am still very in the beginning, like a toddler in that. It’s a weird balancing act to give attention to everyone who needs it, but I’m learning.”
Her honesty resonates deeply with many mothers who struggle with this same balancing act. Monica’s focus remains on ensuring that her children never feel neglected or unloved while also nurturing her marriage. It’s a delicate dance, but one that she navigates with prayer and intentionality.
A Mural of Life and Love
Monica is determined to draw from her past experiences, including her childhood, and paint a new narrative filled with hope, love, and faith. She is creating a beautiful mural of God's Goodness.
“I want to parent out of abundance, out of love and safety, not out of fear that I’m going to mess them up or that they’re going to need therapy.”
Her heart for her children and dedication to following Jesus’s teachings shine through every aspect of her journey.
Conclusion
Monica’s testimony is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrating faith into everyday mothering. Her resilience, intentionality, and love for her family are guiding examples for all moms striving to find balance.
If you'd like to hear more about how Monica is learning how to navigate the "alls" of life, the questions she is answering in this season of life, and glean from a few of her MOM HACKS to help you in your journey, check out Mom2Mom Mentoring Podcast.
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