“I’m just a…”

“What do you do for a living? ”
“Oh, I’m just a stay at home mom. ”

For years, I dreaded getting asked: “what do you do? ” You see, I was raised believing success was measured by my degree, the money I earned, the house I lived in, etc. I spent most of my twenties trying to live up to that standard, to becoming successful. Then I became a mom and realized success was so much more than materials. I found a new sense of freedom and contentment in being a mom. Yet, when people asked me what I did for a living, I would belittle my role. “I’m just a stay at home mom. ” Because I didn’t meet the worldly standards of success, I automatically disqualified myself from all the amazing things I was doing in the lives of my children.

Jesse disqualified David as the potential king because he didn’t meet the worldly standards; he was the youngest, he was just a shepard. Jesse allowed David’s circumstances dictate his capability as king.

God had other plans. God anointed David king regardless of his circumstances. People disqualified David, but God qualified him.

Our qualification comes through God’s grace and forgiveness. I am more than just a mom because Jesus died on the cross for me. Once my identity and success solely rested on who God is and what He has done for me, I gave myself the opportunity to be qualified for greatness: I stopped listening to those outside voices telling me I wasn’t good enough, I didn’t allow my circumstances to define my character, and I stopped waiting to be recognized by this world and started focusing on God.

When we have our eyes focused on God and what he has done for us, our mindset changes. When we allow God to use us for His kingdom, there isn’t a giant who can stop us.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. ” Colossians 3:23

Let’s stop focusing on who we are, and start living by whose we are.

Sue Backlund