Buckle in for a fantastic and thought-provoking chat with author and speaker Vicki Courtney. Have you ever heard the phrase, “motherhood is your highest calling” ? Did you believe it? And do you agree with it?
I love that Vicki is looking back as a grandmother and assessing this common phrase and belief that impacted her motherhood journey. She wants to help our generation properly grapple with our highest calling. She believes motherhood is a high calling but not THE highest calling. And there is a difference.
This statement isn’t just about semantics. If we believe motherhood is our highest calling, then the way we parent is informed and impacted by that belief. That belief ushers in perfectionism and pressure that’s not manageable. I loved this conversation and mindset shift - not just for myself but for my daughters. Let’s look to scripture and make sure we are all on the same page - that our highest calling is actually not motherhood.
My favorite part is when Vicki talks about the trap of comparison at the end. She helps us dial down the guilt and increase the freedom that is found in Jesus. I am grateful for the encouragement and teaching of Vicki Courtney. Her work has mattered to me at every phase of motherhood.
Enjoy!
Courtney
(00:00) Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past
(04:49) The Journey of Motherhood and Writing
(09:36) Rethinking Motherhood as a Calling
(14:06) The Pressure of Perfectionism in Parenting
(19:02) Finding Balance and Freedom in Motherhood
(23:41) Embracing Identity Beyond Motherhood
Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!
Connect with Pardon The Mess:
ORDER YOUR 2026-2027 PRAYER JOURNAL NOW
Resources from today’s show:
Connect with Vicki
Motherhood is not your highest calling by Vicki Courtney
Subscribe to Christian Parenting’s Friday Favorites
Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org