Are You A Typical African Mother?

Let's find out!

Hey!

How’s life this fine Friday? 

TGIF, right? You can finally kick your feet up, stay up late to watch a movie, go out with your friends, and ease off the week's stress. Or maybe, like me, you’ve been at home all week, and so the weekend doesn’t make a difference. Either way here’s to a time of fun and relaxation over the next couple of days!

There’s something I have noticed in my journey of being a believer. Sometimes, the everydayness of my quiet time makes it monotonous. I start to drag my feet, miss a day or two, or struggle with prayer. So I like to switch things up now and then – change my Bible version, adjust the timing, try new resources, or take up a challenge, among others

In light of this, my devotion has taken a slightly different approach in the last two weeks. I started a new Bible study plan, and the experience has been insightful, exciting, and inspiring. It’s a study on the Armour of God by Priscilla Shirer. I recommend that you purchase a copy if you can because it will transform your approach to life. I got mine from a Bible Wonderland outlet.

Back to the way my Bible Study is changing my life. If you’re a Nigerian, you’re probably familiar with African mothers. There’s just something about them that deserves a separate classification from all other mothers. From the way they communicate with just a twitch of their eyes, their superhuman ability to fling discarded slippers at the nape of your neck, the way they say one thing but mean the opposite…you know what I’m talking about. But there’s also a noteworthy characteristic of them – how they pray.

African mothers consistently labour over their children in the place of prayer. Every morning, you can catch my mum on her knees at the edge of her bed, praying fervently for my sisters and me and our families (well, future family for me). She has done this for decades, and I’m sure that it’s probably the same for you too. And if you can’t relate, don’t worry; your life won’t be truncated because your mum has not been praying for you. God is too deliberate about you to hinge the outcome of your life solely on your mother's prayers.

I’m almost in my mid-twenties, and these days, I’m reminded that my dream of becoming a wife and mother isn’t light years away. But sometimes, I wonder if I can be that kind of mother for my children. Will my kids be able to say of me thirty years from now that I laboured over them in the place of prayer consistently? Would motherhood baptise me with the spirit of zeal and sacrifice in the place of prayer?

Taking this Bible study has opened my eyes. It is essential to my growth and faith that I have a relationship with God. If I don’t read my Bible and pray every day, I won’t have an intimate relationship with God. But more than the personal benefits that a relationship with God offers me, it has a generational impact. The way I build and live out my faith now can shape my children’s lives.

Being a woman puts me in a unique position. I am a gatekeeper for my future home. I’m responsible for my family and all the people God will bless me with. It’s to their advantage that I build a strong prayer life. It strengthens them when I show up daily to spend time with God. It positively affects their lives when I am consistent with my spiritual disciplines. It is for their benefit when I know who I am in Christ and all that is available to me in Him.

I know that you may not have plans of becoming a wife and mother anytime soon, but I want you to be aware that generations depend on your faithfulness to God. Nations will be affected by your ardour and devotion to God. So, you cannot afford to be lacklustre or despondent. The choices you’re making concerning your spiritual growth now are shaping the future of unborn generations.

So, whenever you feel lethargic or tired of doing your spiritual disciplines, remember the weight on your shoulders. Please don’t feel pressured or burdened because you’re not doing it alone. God is your help.

"Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." Philippians 2:12‭-‬13 NLT

Become a future African mother today.

P.S – my podcast, Big Sister Conversations, is now LIVE! The trailer is up, and you can expect the first episode next Friday. I’m so excited to share my thoughts with you and be your Big Sister (even though I may not be older than you by much) on this road of life. As much as I can, I will pray for you, offer godly counsel, share my personal experiences with you, and help you make solid choices. 

You can find the show on any platform that podcasts are shared, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. Please subscribe and share with your friends.

I love you, and I’m invested in you!

Eniola.