Finding Your Identity as a Woman Beyond Homeschooling and Motherhood

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Hey there, friends! Welcome back to Avelyn Lane: All Roads Lead Home, where we talk about faith, family, home, health, and homeschooling—basically, all the things that make our lives beautiful and, let’s be honest, a little bit chaotic. I’m Jessica, your host, fellow mom, coffee enthusiast, and the person who occasionally hides in the pantry for some peace and quiet. (You do that too, right?)

Today, we’re diving into a topic that I know so many of us wrestle with: Who am I beyond homeschooling and motherhood? If you've ever looked in the mirror and thought, "Wait… am I just the snack distributor, curriculum planner, and finder of lost socks?"—then, sister, this episode is for you.

So grab your Bible, your coffee (maybe reheat it for the third time?), and let’s get into it!

Segment 1: Who Does God Say You Are?

Before we get into anything else, let’s establish this foundational truth: Your identity is not tied to what you do. Your worth isn’t measured by how well-behaved your kids are in co-op (thank goodness) or how perfectly organized your homeschool planner is (because mine looks like a war zone).

Genesis 1:27 tells us, 'So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.' That means before you were mom, teacher, or chauffeur to a million extracurriculars, you were His.

Ephesians 2:10 says, 'For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' That’s right—God prepared good works for you, and I promise you, they include more than just making sure your kids remember to use soap in the shower.

Segment 2: Acknowledge the Beauty of Your Roles

Now, don’t get me wrong—being a homeschool mom and a stay-at-home mom are beautiful callings. Hard, yes, but beautiful. Proverbs 31:27 says, 'She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.' Let’s be real—none of us are eating that bread of idleness. If anything, we’re lucky if we eat anything that isn’t someone’s leftover chicken nugget.

But sometimes, we get so caught up in our roles that we forget we’re more than just the sum of our responsibilities. Have you ever introduced yourself and realized you talked only about your kids?

"Hi, I’m Jessica. I homeschool my 13-year-old, and—oh, she loves science! And we’re studying Ancient Egypt, and—"
Nope. We’re stopping that right now.

You are a woman with thoughts, dreams, and God-given talents. And it’s okay to acknowledge that your world should not only revolve around whether your child has memorized all 50 states and capitals.

Segment 3: Rediscovering Your Unique Identity

Let’s talk about you—yes, you. Not what you do for everyone else, but what God has uniquely placed in you.

Romans 12:6 reminds us, 'We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.' So, what lights you up? What did you love before life got so busy?

Maybe you love to write, paint, bake, sing, or—dare I say—sit in silence for five whole minutes. Those passions aren’t accidental; they are gifts from God. So, dust off that journal, grab that paintbrush, or sign up for that dance class you’ve been eyeing. (And if anyone questions it, just say it’s "for the good of the family." Happy mama, happy home!)

Even Jesus took time to rest (Mark 6:31). If the Son of God needed breaks, then I know we do, too.

Segment 4: Practical Steps to Balance Roles and Identity

1. Set Aside Time for Personal Growth
   Start small—15-30 minutes a day. Read something that isn’t about homeschooling, journal, or learn a new skill. Psalm 90:12 says, 'Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' Translation: use your time wisely… and maybe set down the laundry for a minute.

2. Seek Community
   Find women outside of your homeschooling bubble. I love my homeschool mom friends, but it’s also refreshing to have conversations that don’t involve curriculum debates. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to encourage one another. So get out there and have coffee with a friend—or at least text one and laugh about the chaos of life.

3. Reaffirm Your Identity in Christ
   Make it a habit to remind yourself who you are in Christ. Colossians 3:3 says, 'For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.' Your true identity is secure in Him, not in how much laundry you conquer today.

Segment 5: The Power of Saying 'Yes' and 'No'

Sometimes, rediscovering yourself means knowing what to say yes to—and just as importantly, what to say no to.

We often feel pressure to say yes to every opportunity, every request, every event. But not every good thing is a God thing for you in this season.

Matthew 5:37 says, 'Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.' Saying yes to something outside of your responsibilities—whether it’s joining a book club, leading a women’s Bible study, or just taking a long walk—can be life-giving. But saying no to things that drain you is equally important.

Give yourself permission to decline things that don’t align with your season of life right now. Protect your time, energy, and sanity. Trust me—boundaries are biblical!

Segment 6: Encouragement and Closing Thoughts

If you hear nothing else today, hear this: You are more than the roles you fill. You are loved, chosen, and created for a purpose that goes beyond your daily tasks.

Isaiah 43:1 says, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.' Yes, YOU. You are His, and that is enough.

So, mama, take a deep breath. Invest in yourself. Chase after the things that bring you joy. And remember—when you live in the fullness of who God created you to be, you become an even greater blessing to those around you.

Now, before we wrap up, let me pray for you.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of motherhood and the calling to steward our homes. But, Lord, help us to see ourselves beyond these roles. Remind us that we are first and foremost Your daughters, loved, chosen, and called for a greater purpose. Help us to walk boldly in our God-given identity and embrace the passions You’ve placed within us. Bless every woman listening today. Give them peace, clarity, and confidence in who You’ve made them to be. Amen.

Closing Segment:
Thank you for joining me today! If this episode spoke to your heart, please share it with a friend, leave a review, or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember: you are loved, you are called, and you are His.

Now go refill that coffee and maybe even drink it while it’s still hot!