When We Proudly Proclaim Our Calling

Sometimes it's easier to blend in the crowd. Sometimes, I'd rather be hidden away with a book than to  be out there facing something that's hard. I am not a confrontational person and I don't do well being in the spotlight. I never want the center of attention to be on me.

Yet, I am the woman who enters the grocery store with six children ages ten and under. Two of them sit in a double stroller which my older ones take turns pushing as I grab what I necessarily need to get us until I can do most of my shopping alone. I admit that I get stressed sometimes by the wide range of comments I know I will receive from others when I go somewhere with all six.

It's not that I am not proud of my crew because I truly am. It's not that I don't think children are a blessing because I really do think it. It's not because I don't want to show the world what a joy a large family can be. My heart is so full and I am happy to be the bearer of many children.

But here's the truth. In all honesty, it's because I feel like I am in a spotlight. I get questioned by nearly every passerbyer and as I've mentioned above, I'd rather be unnoticed.

However, what if God doesn't want me to hide away His purpose for me? What if God wants me to make it known that this is His plan and His desire to share the beauty of family in a not-so-family-oriented society? What if He wants me to radiate His plan for family and love where it's needed most? What if instead of trying to hide in a shell I walk out boldly and say, "Yes, what great gifts these are and God created this desire in my heart to bring each one into the world!"

I was designed to be a mother of many little ones. God has leaned the hearts of my husband and I to welcome many children into this world. We face many naysayers. The line of criticism often feels long. We hear those who think it's too many or that it's selfish. What many don't know is that our hearts are full and the love we have for one another is strong.

Each of us has been given gifts from God in different ways. We can't hide those gifts out of fear of what others might say to our decisions. We can live out our calling so we can proudly proclaim, "Look at how amazing God is with all that He can do!" Let's stop hiding and let's start living out our callings so that through it, we can lead others to Christ.