What Makes a Momma
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” — Psalm 127:3 (KJV)
I’ve been sittin’ with that verse today—just lettin’ it settle in my soul. Psalm 127:3 reminds us plain and true: children are a blessing straight from the Lord. A reward. A heritage.
But you and I both know, motherhood is a whole lot bigger than just what biology does.
It’s found in the hush of a bedtime prayer whispered over a restless child. It’s in the gentle hum of a lullaby while rocking a baby—or even someone else’s baby—to sleep. It’s in the bandaging of knees, the folding of laundry no one thanks you for, and the look that says, “You’re safe here.”
Sometimes that love comes from the woman who carried the child for nine months. Sometimes it comes from a woman who simply carried them in her heart.
I’ve known women who never gave birth, but I swear they mothered half the neighborhood. They knew just when to bring over a casserole, or sit with a child on the porch swing and listen like they were the most important person in the world. I’ve known birth moms who raised their kids through every twist and turn life threw at them, and I’ve known others—brave and heartbroken—who made the gut-deep decision to place their child for adoption. Not because they didn’t love that child—but because they did, more than their own comfort, more than what others thought. No partner. No family support. No money. Just a broken heart that still kept beating with love.
And then there are the quiet mommas. The ones who don’t carry a title. They didn’t sign adoption papers or change diapers, but they showed up—with love, wisdom, a warm lap, and a prayer. They mothered with open arms and steady hearts. Theirs is the kind of nurturing that sneaks in like a soft breeze and stays with you long after you’ve left their presence.
God’s design of motherhood—it’s wide and wild and full of grace. It’s not limited to biology or paperwork. It’s written on hearts that love fiercely, care deeply, and pour themselves out without expecting anything in return.
So as Mother’s Day rolls around, let’s honor all the mommas.
The ones who gave birth.
The ones who adopted.
The ones who fostered.
The ones who raised someone else’s child as their own.
The ones who never had a child, but loved like they did.
The ones who loved and lost.
The ones who chose to let go in order to give more.
Every one of them is a reflection of God’s deep and unexplainable love for His children.
Because what makes a momma isn’t just the fruit of the womb.
It’s the flood of love that won’t let go.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmie
Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” — Psalm 127:3 (KJV)
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