Likewise, becoming a mother is not without challenges. A woman who becomes a mother is no longer responsible for herself alone but for another life or lives. As a farmer waters and tends to his crop to prevent premature death by ensuring growth, development, and fruitfulness, so does a mother to her child/children. To achieve physical and spiritual growth and maturity for her children, she assumes other roles in addition to the role of a mother; such as a prayer warrior (1 Samuel 1: 27), a promise keeper (1 Samuel 1: 11 and 28), a disciplinarian (Proverbs 29: 17), a comforter (Isaiah 66:13), and most importantly, a teacher/law maker (Proverbs 1: 8; 22 – 6; 29:15). The obedience of the mother to the words of God enables her to produce fruits (Godly children) with which and by which she is beautified (Proverbs 31: 28).

Raising my two children has been enjoyable but challenging. The most challenging period was their formative years. I knew if I didn’t get it right at the time, it would be even more challenging to make amendments when they are older (Proverb 22:6). It took a lot of teachings, talks, grounding, tears, and prayers from the formative years to adulthood. Several times I went to God in prayer and told Him I had done my best and it was time for Him to take over as I thought that I couldn’t do anymore. At each of those occasions, I experienced God’s grace and reassurance that He was in control. Although difficult to see at the time, my faith in God and His word kept me steadfast, believing in His word. Now, in their adulthood, our relationship has blossomed and also their relationship with God. Their fruitfulness has become my delight and beauty.

As the saying goes ‘life is full of challenges’, life as a professional is not free of challenges. However, having a foundation that is planted on the solid rock, which is Christ Jesus, makes whatever challenges that arise bearable and resolvable. My journey to becoming a health professional is a testimony of God’s faithfulness. I was a nursing student with two children aged four and six, and with a full-time job which funded my nurse training. I was called crazy by my college peers. I nearly believed that I was crazy during some extremely challenging occasions but for my faith in God. Proverbs 3: 5-6 and Philippian 4: 13 were my mantra from the first year through to my graduation.

As a professional, obedience to God’s word has seen me through many hurdles from my role as a staff nurse to a senior manager in the health service. I carry myself as a representative of God and as a result, my presentation, dress sense, speech, attitude reflect the inner and outward beauty that God has bestowed on me through my journey. The watchword is love. Loving even those that made themselves enemies of God and His children, paying good for evil, refraining from judging others but trusting God to judge and reward the wicked, obeying the law of the land according to God’s word. The more we walk with God and allow His word to transform our lives, the more we will impact the people and the world around us.

Looking back now, the challenging periods through my journey as a wife, mother and professional, I recognise as periods of growth, refinement, and beauty (Job 23:10).

Mrs. Juliet Popoola.

Aunty Juliet is a Clinical Nurse Manager, wife, mother and leader. Her glowing beauty is antithetical to ageing and stress that comes with her multiple roles. She's a slay Mummy. However, much more than her physical beauty, her life’s stories are great encouragements to all professionals, especially Christian women in marriages in the western world. The foundation being God cannot be overemphasized. He is the sure fortress.

As inconsequential as makeover is, ladies know how crucial foundation is to makeover. Do you want to continue to glow in your 50s, 60s and above? Build a foundation, deeper enough to be able to carry whatever heights of glory that the Creator wants to use your life to showcase. When God is the content or flavour of your tea bags, you can only propel towards destiny, the challenges notwithstanding. When God is the foundation of your marriage, your trials (they will come) will build you two up for greater exploits as God's beauty radiates around and shines through you. Who/what do you carry? Who/what is your foundation?

Selah!

© SELAH SERIES 2022