May 12, 2024
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
“She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” Proverbs 31:24-29 (NLT)
After recently being a co-author in a newly released book entitled “Prayers and Inspiration for MOM-preneurs: 90-Day Guided Journal for Women in Business” I began to think differently about motherhood and business. When approached about being a part of this project, I immediately thought about my mother’s life and how it reflected the life of a MOM-preneur.
The term mom-preneur was actually introduced around 1994. It is a merging of two powerful roles: motherhood and entrepreneurship. So, a mom-preneur is a female business owner who actively balances the roles of a mother and an entrepreneur. It encapsulates the unique journey of women who choose to navigate the dual responsibilities of nurturing a family while pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
Working mothers who choose to start their businesses represent a new and growing type of entrepreneur. They are motivated primarily by the desire to be available for their children, and many were turned away from the corporate world because their former jobs lacked the opportunity for advancement or flexible scheduling.
I believe at the core of being a MOM-preneur lies within the sacred role of motherhood. MOM-preneurs are mothers first, dedicating themselves to their children’s care, upbringing, and well-being. They cherish the tender moments of laughter, the comforting embrace during times of need, and the endless sacrifices made out of love. Motherhood shapes their perspective, instilling in them a sense of compassion, patience, and resilience that permeates every aspect of their lives.
God has great blessings in store for mothers and mom-preneurs. In the intricate tapestry of life, there exists a unique calling that blends the rhythms of motherhood with the demands of entrepreneurship. This is the journey of the MOM-preneur – a trailblazer who navigates the delicate dance of nurturing both a business and a family.
As I began to write about my mother’s life and legacy, the term mom-preneur took on a new meaning in reference to my mother. Growing up the term mom-preneur was not a household name; however, reflecting on my mother’s role and how she performed her role she was actually a mom-preneur. I remember how she managed our home especially when my father was away during work and ministry, and she had nine children and a home to manage. Not only was she a manager, but she was also a counselor, and mentor, and took disciplinary action when needed. She was a mom-preneur in the 1960’s.
My mother’s life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 43; however, she left behind a legacy of faith, humility, resilience, and unwavering determination. I wanted to share her story and how she inspired my life.
Of all the earthly things God gives, one is the precious, priceless gift of a godly mother who is a mom-preneur. To fulfill this role is to embrace a role that defies conventional boundaries, a role that encompasses the tender moments of tucking a child into bed with the relentless drive to pursue one’s dreams. It’s a journey marked by endless cups of coffee, sleepless nights, and the unwavering determination to make a difference, both at home and in the world of business.
What does it mean to be a godly mother and mom-preneur? She is a woman who represents the heart of Christ to her children. She is continually aware of her influence over their lives and futures and makes sacrifices whenever necessary for their welfare. She is a godly woman first. She is not one way at home and another way in public. Even when her children do not have a godly father, she has a great impact on her children’s spiritual future.
Some Characteristics of a Godly Mother and MOM-preneur:
1. She knows God as her personal Lord and Savior. She wants her children to be godly, and she leads the way. She passes on to her children, the godly principles, and values she possesses as she surrenders to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Only then is her soul restored – Psalm 23:3, her life recreated – 2 Corinthians 5:17, and her mind renewed – Romans 12:2.
2. She understands her role in marriage and the family. She does not step out of her role and step in her husband’s role as head of the family – Genesis 3:16. God decreed that husbands and fathers should carry the weight of responsibility for their families – 1 Corinthians 11:3. A godly wife and mom-preneur will gracefully bow to that leadership and model for her children godly submission to authority. Divorced or single mothers can be godly mothers as they teach their children of God’s plan for marriage and demonstrate purity and wisdom in their dating relationships.
3. She does not neglect her own health and well-being. She will take care of herself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She will not act as a slave to her children and will give selflessly to her children and will also carve out time to rejuvenate herself knowing that, if she is not healthy, her children will also suffer.
4. She captures teachable moments to instill biblical truths. She will not be so focused on meeting physical needs that she neglects her real calling, which is to raise future disciples of Christ – Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 22:6. She walks in close harmony with God, she easily directs her children’s attention to His work in their lives.
5. She models service to God and others. She demonstrates and reminds them that they were created for God and that serving Him is their highest calling – Colossians 1:16. She demonstrates this in her own life as she involves her children in serving others. A godly mother leaves evidence of her kindness, and her children are proud of her reputation – Matthew 5:16.
6. She has a healthy self-image. Many women in our culture struggle with low self-worth due to childhood wounds or comparisonsitis. A godly mother and mom-preneur have learned to see herself as God sees her. Because of this, she can demonstrate to her children the way a godly woman should present herself. They see themselves as active participants in God’s work; they don’t try to gain attention or a sense of worth through dress, behavior, or relational status. First Peter 3:3-4 says, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” A godly mother and mom-preneur acts and dresses modestly. She models proper, God-honoring behavior to her children.
Ultimately, being a godly mother and mom-preneur is more than just a title, it’s a legacy of love and leadership. mom-preneurs are not only shaping the future of their families but also leaving an indelible mark on the world through their entrepreneurial endeavors. They serve as role models for future generations, demonstrating that it’s possible to pursue one’s passions while prioritizing family and nurturing relationships. In doing so, they redefine success on their terms, proving that the heartbeat of being a mom-preneur is a powerful force that resonates far beyond the confines of business or motherhood alone.
HEART CHALLENGE: What aspirations or goals do you have for deepening your confident faith in the future? How would you articulate your aspirations for spiritual growth, learning, and service can provide a vision for continuing to nurture and strengthen your faith?
M-anages – the Household – Proverbs 31:27
A. She set the atmosphere and tone of a home. Proverbs 31:28
B. She cares for the family members. Proverbs 31:15
C. She cares for the home. Proverbs 31:18, 19, 21, 24.
O-ptimism – She Remains Hopeful – Romans 15:13
A. She doesn’t give up on her children. 1 Corinthians 13:7.
B. She inspires and lifts them to their highest potential. 1 Corinthians 13:13.
C. Despite adversities and setbacks, she keeps hope. John 16:33.
T-eachers – Her Children – Isaiah 28:9, 10
A. To know the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts16:31.
B. The right way to live according to God’s Word. Proverbs 22:6.
C. By the example of her own life. 1 Timothy 4:12.
H-er – Hands Show Loving Deeds – Proverbs 31:31
A. They are caring hands.
B. They are correcting hands.
C. They are encouraging hands.
E-ndurance – To Keep On Keeping On – Galatians 6:9
A. She trusts the Lord to give her strength. 4-13.
B. She prays for wisdom and guidance. James 1:5.
C. She keeps on when there are mountains to climb, valleys to descend, deserts to cross or rivers to forge. 1 Peter 1:7.
R-ewards – 3 John 4
A. To participate with God in the miracle of birth.
B. Daily joy the child brings to the mother. (hugs, kisses, etc.)
C. “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28a
A woman of strong faith is a blessing to her husband and the children.
The Bible never states that every woman should be a mother. However, it does say that those whom the Lord blesses to be mothers should take the responsibility seriously. Mothers have a unique and crucial role in the lives of their children. Motherhood is not a chore or unpleasant task. Just as a mother bears a child during pregnancy, and just as a mother feeds and cares for a child during infancy, so mothers also play an ongoing role in the lives of their children, whether they are adolescents, teenagers, young adults, or even adults with children of their own. While the role of motherhood must change and develop, the love, care, nurture, and encouragement a mother gives should never cease.
A GODLY
HEART: The Proverbs 31 woman is a picture of a godly mother and mom-preneur. Although she puts her children and husband first, they are not her entire world. She develops her gifts and uses them to benefit her family and her community. She is a credit to her husband and a role model for her children. She lives with integrity at home and in public, and she presents herself honorably. She gives us the result of her years of faithful mothering. After she has poured her life into them, “her children rise up and call her blessed.”
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word that provides us with clear instructions on the role of godly mothers and the example of a mom-preneur in Proverbs chapter 31. Thank You for being our Omniscient Father and Savior, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.