by Elizabeth Johnston on substack
A heart-to-heart reminder for moms who are tired of apologizing for protecting their children and standing on biblical truth.
Strong moms do not need culture’s permission to parent with conviction. From setting boundaries to teaching biblical truth, some things are worth standing for, even when they are unpopular.
There comes a point in motherhood when you realize you cannot parent well and live for everyone’s approval at the same time.
You cannot raise strong, healthy, grounded children while constantly apologizing for every boundary, every conviction, every standard, and every decision that does not make sense to the world around you.
For years, moms have been pressured to soften their instincts, lower their standards, explain themselves endlessly, and apologize for doing what they believe is best for their children. We are told to be more flexible, more open-minded, more accepting, more convenient, and more quiet.
But motherhood is not a popularity contest.
God did not give these children to the culture. He gave them to us. And one day, we will answer to Him for how we raised them, protected them, taught them, disciplined them, and discipled them.
That does not mean we parent perfectly. No mother does. It does not mean we never need wisdom, counsel, humility, or correction. We do. But it does mean we do not have to apologize for having convictions.
There is a difference between being teachable and being easily intimidated. There is a difference between walking in humility and letting every loud opinion in the world dictate how you raise your children. A mother can listen, learn, pray, seek counsel, and still stand firmly on what she knows is right for her family.
So here are eight things I am no longer apologizing for as a mom.