This is an older post that I did back in 2015, but still relevant today. It was originally titled What Are You Designed To Do? I’ve updated it a bit, but not much. ;)
I’m writing this post weeks in advance because I just have something on my heart that I feel like you might need to hear today.
Before becoming a writer, I thought of myself as “just a mom.”
Have you ever thought that about yourself?
When someone asks you what you do, do you respond, “I’m just a mom” or maybe “I’m just a wife” or “I’m just a ______(whatever you might say)”?
But we are not JUST anything. 
We are children of the Most High King.
We are warriors in the kingdom.
We are women of God.
God designed us to be and do so much more.
And Satan wants to keep us from achieving God’s purpose for us.
I have two children that Satan is trying to silence in whatever way he can. Maybe you don’t believe he is active, but I do.
One of my children, a son, has the call of pastor on his life. He has run into some bumps in the road and, unfortunately, didn’t understand them and has walked away from that call.
For the moment.
I believe he will return.
He has been in any number of car accidents since he started driving, most of them because he was reacting to another’s poor driving.
In one particular accident, he hydroplaned on a puddle on the interstate doing 65 mph(or more) and did a 360° spin, stopping next to the concrete barrier. The truck was drivable, though in need of some repairs, and he didn’t hit anyone else, nor did anyone else hit him.
My beautiful daughters.
Another child, a daughter, has a different call on her life. She’s called to speak in front of hundreds or thousands. She is young yet–hasn’t even gotten her driver’s license–but has been in two major car accidents. The one mentioned above, and one at the end of August. (She’s now getting ready to graduate Bible college, and God has blessed her more than we ever imagined. I can’t wait to see what’s coming up for her future.)
I truly believe that God’s ministering angels protected her (and my son) in the above accident, and her and the other occupants of the car in the most recent one.
They could have both been fatal with one or two minor changes in the circumstances. But God…
I just love that phrase.
Ephesians 2:1-5: “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)” (NLT, emphasis mine)
The bloggers on InspyRomance are all writers. Most of us, if not all, will say we have been called to write. We don’t mind being alone with our thoughts. We all have vivid imaginations. And if the others are like me, those imaginations can be used for good and bad. I’ve woken many a night unable to go back to sleep and imagine all sorts of fire or other equally distressing scenarios.
But I wasn’t designed to imagine the worst. I was designed to 1) raise my children and 2) write books. I don’t know what else I will be called to do, but I know now that I’m not just a mom or just a writer. I am a daughter of the Most High King, and He has GREAT things in mind for me.
What are you called to do?
Blessings,
PS. If you made it this far, thank you. Comment to enter a drawing to win your choice of any of my solo-release books (e-copy). You can see those here or here. Two winners will be chosen.
Edit: Giveaway ends Friday, 3/6 at midnight.
Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre. Even when she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, reading or writing are not far from her mind. She is president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.
I used to respond with I’m just a … bit over time I have adjusted that response. Thank you kindly.
Lovely post, Ginger…it’s hard to break that ‘just a’ phrase! I appreciate the reminder, and two of my favorite words are “But God”!
I enjoyed your post. Many years ago I told someone I was just a teacher and they got after me for the word just. I have never said that again. I am proud of what I do.
This was so good. Glad I found this site. :)
Thank you so much for this post. I really needed the reminder that God is able to do ANYTHING!!!
Great reminder! Thank you for these beautiful words!
Such truth! I tell my kids they’re the son/daughter of the one true God, but so often I don’t remind myself of that.
Mothers are missionaries and it’s hands down the hardest job that never ends. There is always a worry!
Great post.
I used to answer that question with, “I’m just a housewife,” and then, “I’m just a homeschool mom.” When someone tries to say that homeschooling means I’m a teacher, I have to correct them, though. I’m a supervisor. They have a curriculum where they teach themselves pretty much. I just answer a few questions and grade tests. It’s not the same thing. But even though I am called to write, I always think of my calling as a mom first, because the Lord may have me step off the path of writing someday. But I will always be a mom.
God bless you. Thank you for letting The Lord use you to remind us that when He tells us in His word that He has plans for us and that they are greater than what we could imagine, it’s The Truth. I am a daughter of The most High King and He sent me to earth with a purpose and I believe the number one purpose is to let others know of His great love and what His Son did on the cross. Everything else will fall into place.
It does take time to stop thinking of ourselves that way. Have a great day.
It is a bad habit that is hard to break. I think a lot of that is because others label us that way, and we accept it.
But God … :D
Me, too. I’m proud of being a mom and a writer and a wife. I’m not JUST anything. I am a lot of things. :)
I’m glad you liked it, Kaci. Have a great day.
You are welcome, Megan.
You’re welcome, Susanne. Have a great day.
We are almost always our own worst enemies. :)
Thanks, Dalyn. Have a great day.
I always say that homeschooling is my full-time job; writing is what I do when I’m not doing everything else. I am called to do both, but the family comes first. :)
Thanks, Angela. I always pray that my words here and in my books will bless others and lead them into a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
What an awesome reminder. There is nothing that is God’s that is “just” anything. Most especially His children and the Spirit-empowered work He has given them to do. Let the old bully, Satan, turn tail and run from the God who calls us His children!
I really enjoyed this article. I think I have thought of myself as “just a mom” and I have used this as a cop-out to not really challenge myself to reach for more. Thanks for the article.
Thank you for sharing and the great reminder of who we are in Christ.
Amen, Lincoln. :)
We’ve all been there, Suzannah. It’s the ability to move on from the “justs” into what God has called us that determines our future.
You’re welcome. Have a great day.
I love the But God!!! I don’t think I’ve ever referred to myself as “just a…”. At least, I don’t remember doing that. I may have thought of myself that way, but I don’t think I’ve ever said it. Thoughts are just as bad, if not worse, than words, though! Great blog! By the way, are you writing again?? Or, is that a question I shouldn’t ask?
There are different seasons in life. I love the phrase, but God. God has saved, healed, delivered and made me whole so many times in life. My children, husband and grandchildren are a blessing and I’m thankful I can help with daycare for them.
Lord bless your children with the plans He has for them.
Thank you for sharing this Post I often use the phrase I am just a But Praise the Lord I am a child of God!
I would probably have said “I just …stay home” – but for the last 21 years, I have also been a caregiver for my husband, who has been disabled since the age of 38. Thank you for the blog post.
I am one who has suffered from low self esteem a lot of my life. partly from being badly bullied at school. (Not just the spats everyone has but the true day in day out bullying). Then from a mother who was very controlling in many ways but until she passed away I didn’t realise how much. I often had a negative sound track saying I was useless, or a time waster, lazy etc. It was what I could feel mum was thinking (not sure she was I think she did think I wasted time and was lazy). I would then think of things I was doing to try and counteract it but it never really worked.
I still don’t really know what I am called to do but I know I enjoy being able to do admin work at the church and online. I also enjoy being able to volunteer for the Hospital Auxiliary where we raise money for the local hospital partly because I have been accepted. I think one thing I have been called to be is a listener or sounding board. I know I talk to much (comes from living alone and I was always in trouble for talking) But I do listen and while I may do a lot of talking I still listen and have learnt you don’t tell someone what to do you offer suggestions or what helped yourself or you just say I wish you didn’t have to do this. But you don’t say you should do this or that. Or its your own fault. An example is a friend who is struggling with depression/overeating. One is related to the other. From talking we have worked out a lot of issues come from parent issues. I have been able to share how I was able to forgive mum after she had died and it helped me move forward. Its something she is now struggling with but by my going through it I can share what works for me without saying get out and exercise, or (the classic) Just stop feeling sorry for yourself. Fastest way to lose a friend! It can be frustrating at times but remembering everyone is at a different stage and just being a friend can be more helpful than anything.
I used to do the just a mom thing but I honestly believe that is one of the most important jobs our Lord has given us to do. It is not to be taken lightly and when I hear someone saying just a mom I let them know how I am so impressed by this calling they have decided to follow.
Others condition us to believe that we are ‘just’ if we live a quiet, small life. I believed it for a time, but this just-a-mom has raised her own 3 children, helped to raise at least 6 neice so and nephews, shepherded 8th graders in their faith, nurtured girl scouts and boy scouts… Not to mention all those day to day moments when someone es spirit needed lifting,. Done without fanfare. Others may look at me and think I wasted my talents, since I don’t have a fancy or lucrative career, but I have learned that I am just fine the way I am!
Me too. I always say why god? I know your not supposed to question him but sometimes it is hard not too.
Hi. I loved your post. I have had many “jobs” over the years, most of them dealing with people. We live in a fast paced & over stressed world. Being a daughter of the King allows me a different perspective, one in which I can imagine beyond today. These days when I head off to work, I simply concentrate on sharing the love and joy of my Lord to our customers. May He Himself find a His way into their hearts.
It’s not only me using the “just a,” so many times, society thinks we’re nothing more. I only have one of my three left at home.
I hope to be published again–I’m a writer.
I was called to be a special education teacher and mother (of 2 kids and 2 cats)!
Yes, thoughts are worse because there’s no one to contradict us.
And no. Sadly. But I’m taking steps to work back into writing. More on that next month.
You’re welcome, Sarah, and yes, you are.
Then you don’t just stay home, Judy. You fulfill a vital need in your husband’s life that no one else can do better than you. Blessings.
It sounds as though you have found your calling–the willingness to listen to others WHEN they need it. :)
Exactly, Pam. A lot goes into being a mom.
Well said, Beth.
That’s an awesome perspective, Penelope. Keep up the good work.
Yes, society says those things, but society likes labels, so they can keep up under control. When we realize who we are in Christ and the power He gives us, we can be unstoppable in whatever He calls us to do.
And I’m certain you are wonderful at those jobs. Have a great day.
Baby steps are good!!
Other than the phrase ” I am just so tired, I could fall asleep standing up”, the words never entered my mind. I am 78 now, an avid reader, a mom, mamaw, to my grand and greatgrand children. I am happy that I can still drive. Most of all, I am very happy that I can “still run my mouth” whether I know the person or not. LOL I also enjoy all the newsletters I get from all of you wonderful authors.
I believe I was called to help Breast Cancer Survivor
Thank you for the the post. I say that I’m just the housekepper alot at work. Cause sometimes I feel like I’m not really important cause some of the doctors and nurses make me feel.
That’s wonderful, Mary. Have a great day.
Even if you are the housekeeper, you are still not JUST anything. Without you, those doctors and nurses wouldn’t be able to do their jobs. Even the smallest jobs are important, and sometimes more important.
The smallest bone in the body is in the ear. I’m not a doctor, but I bet without it, our hearing would be affected.
So ignore how those doc and nurses make you feel and remember that you work for the King. He made you and loves you just like you are. :)
I need to do grocery shopping so my reply will be short. 😊
I am now a retired 64 year old living with my husband of 43 1/2 years. We raised 3 children have 4 grandchildren and 1 due at the end of the month.
Have been known as preacher’s daughter, preacher’s sister, preacher’s wife, mom, band mom, then titles from secular jobs.
I’m living my dream from the age of 8, being a nurse. Nowadays, I help my friends and family by listening with a soft ear and offering practical advice specific to their issues and health problems. I see the good and sidestep the not-so-good.
Excellent post! Thanks so much for the reminder! 🙂💕