The Mission of Motherhood

I just finished reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I must say that this book could not have come at a better time for me. Clarkson is both challenging and encouraging in this book about the responsibility and privilege it is to be a full-time Mom. The loudest voices in our culture downplay the importance of motherhood, and usually, women who choose to stay at home with their children are ridiculed, assumed to be incapable of another career choice, and marginalized from the sphere of influence in our society. Clarkson wants to elevate the vocation of motherhood as created by God and show that a mother is the most influential voice in any person's life (along with father). She is not saying that all women must stay home, but she asks: Why can't full-time motherhood be a part of the discussion? Why can't it be a career choice with the same validity as anything else?

Even though I have a terrific mom, it wasn't until the summer I spent in Fort Collins, Colorado with Athletes in Action that I was struck by the awesome power of a mother in the life of her children. At the end of each week of camp, the athletes had an opportunity to share in front of the group. I heard some incredible stories of brokenness, redemption, confession, and hope. But each and every person, for some reason, told about his or her mother and how she had influenced them for good or for bad. They didn't have to share anything, and they certainly weren't told to get up and talk about their moms. But that is how important the role of Mother is - when the deepest parts of your heart are touched, that formative relationship is recalled. That is where I saw for the first time how deeply the role of Mother can shape a person.

Clarkson describes motherhood to show how God designed the role of Mother - moms are His idea. She suggests that He means for it to carry all of the responsibility of, not just making sure children are dressed, fed and not a public nuisance, but of also caring for the eternal souls that He entrusts to us so that they are directed toward Him. She believes that women will be held accountable for stewarding those souls when we are before God. I am so encouraged reading about the noble calling that motherhood is.

I found her challenging things like my belief that I have a "right" to have a grumpy attitude. Clarkson describes how Mom's attitude sets the tone for the children and can make them feel guilty and insecure, or loved and safe. Hmmmm... I wonder which way the scale tips in my house....

At the same time, Clarkson is clear that a mom who is not connected to the Lord will struggle. We depend on His power, grace, mercy, and wisdom every day. If we are not pursuing Him ourselves, how can we teach our children to pursue Him? And, that, after all, is the central goal of motherhood anyway - pointing our children to Jesus.

The problem with books like this that give people advice about raising a family or keeping a house, or just about anything, is that, no matter what the author says, he or she is going to come across as having all the answers and none of the problems. This is true in this book, too. Even though Clarkson says she has made her share of mistakes, that she is not perfect, and that her kids aren't perfect, I still feel like her family has it all together. Some of her points seem heavy handed at times, and perhaps hyper-spiritualized. But I know it has taken her years to learn the lessons she is sharing, and I would say I have much to learn from her wisdom.

I will probably be revisiting this book often (I already have, in fact) to refresh myself with the truth of the privilege and responsibility of motherhood. This job is not for the faint at heart. Most days I feel entirely ill-equipped and ill-suited for this job. But, Clarkson reminds me that God chose me for this job when He gave me children. He chose me for my children and my children for me. He asks a lot from Moms, but He gives us all we need to fulfill this calling. May I move forward in this job by faith for the glory of God.