For the Longing-to-Work Mama
June 2017
To the mom who longs to work outside the home, the time you invested in your children was not in vain.
For the past few years, I’ve been looking for work that fills my soul and advances the gospel—a true vocation. And every time I pursue something that excites me, the door swiftly closes in my face. It’s hard not to feel fundamentally insufficient when rejection knocks you down over and over. Though I don’t regret my years at home, I also know that my résumé is a little sad in a job market this competitive. Am I worth anything to an employer out there?
I know I’m not the only mom who feels this way. When everyone else seemed to be learning social media marketing and SEO techniques (def had to google what that meant), we spent our time tending to scraped knees and perfecting the art of the grilled cheese sandwich.
Our résumés are filled with stuff like:
Makes it to car line on time(ish)
Able to find any key, shoe, or toy that goes missing in my home
Gives the best bedtime snuggles
Scrapes Bluey stickers off the floor with a positive attitude (because I'm laughing to Amy Poehler's podcast at the same time. That's right: I'm a multitasker!)
LinkedIn doesn’t have a place for that stuff. Indeed isn’t looking for a really good hugger. (That’s probably illegal.)
But our years of quiet investment—our offerings of clean laundry, a kitchen dance party, or a genuinely cozy, compassionate hug—were seen and valued by God. Your invisible work matters just as much as the work of those with full résumés. Your season as a stay-at-home mom wasn’t a detour from “real” employment; it was God-ordained. And though some companies may not value the daily acts of service you offered your family, our King does. In God’s economy, faithfulness matters.
Now, judge me if you must, but I typed our little predicament into ChatGPT and asked for some biblical encouragement. Let me tell you, homegirl delivered! So here are three passed-down thoughts from my creepily wise AI buddy:
1. Rejection is Not a Reflection of Your Worth
Isaiah 41:9-10 — “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Human rejection does not equal God’s rejection. Every “no” is under His sovereign hand, steering you toward a “yes” that aligns with His good plans.
2. Your “Lack” is God’s Canvas
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”
The gaps on your résumé are not weaknesses to God—they’re openings where His grace and power can shine.
3. God Delights in Your Desire to Work Well
Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Your heart’s desire to work in a way that brings joy and purpose matters to God. As you commit this journey to Him, He will guide and establish your steps—even if the path feels slow right now.
(Wasn’t that just *chef’s kiss*? Props, ChatGPT.)
With all my heart, I pray you find a vocation that provides quality income for your family. Your practical, budgetary needs are so valid, especially in our current economy. But no matter what, I’m fighting with you to believe that our Shepherd is good; that He sees us and is with us. If we believe that 1) God is not cruel or withholding, and 2) He has yet to open a vocational door for us, then 3) He has something still to teach us here, right where we are. The goal is deeper dependence on Him, right? Not finding the perfect job at the perfect time. So there must be purpose to this season of waiting (oof, I’m speaking these truths to my own soul).
Courage, dear heart. Your hopes, your dreams, and your daily faithfulness matter immensely to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No man can add to or take away from your worth, because it is perfectly and unshakably tied to Christ’s work on the cross. Jobs and seasons at home will come and go. But if we have our Shepherd by our side, we really do have everything we need. So keep chugging along faithfully, knowing that you are seen, pursued, and cherished by your Good Father.
He’s with you,
He loves you,
and He has good plans for you,
just as you are.
