“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
Ephesians 5:31-32
Motherhood requires teamwork. Teamwork in marriage. Partnership with Christ.
It is such an extraordinary work; one that will impact not only your children’s lives, but the lives of many generations, along with every person they come into contact with. We create the culture of family as we mother, and this is why it is so important that we model the importance of teamwork.
I have been married to the love of my life for 16 years. We have birthed five children, fostered 14, hosted 7, and adopted 3 with special needs from a mental institution in Eastern Europe. I hear one question often as people observe our family in its constant expansion: “How do you do what you do?” My first answer: Jesus. He is real, and He is the only way I can do this. My second answer: I have the best teammate in the world. My husband and I do this together!
My husband and I are Hispanic, and culturally, the father has one role, and the mother another. Yes, men and women certainly do have different strengths. However, my husband and I are not cemented to our cultural roles, or really any stereotypical roles for that matter. Our greatest priority is our love for Jesus, and then for each other. We know to raise our family, we have to serve each other, and our children, sacrificially. This looks like my husband cooking primarily every day of the week. He loves it, and he is amazing at it. It also leaves me with the time to invest encouragement and advise our children every day. That is what I love to do. My hubby is also incredible at cleaning our home. We tag team on this all the time, and even have our children consistently involved. They are part of the team too.
John 15:13 says the following: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Soccer was my favorite game growing up! I played at many different levels, from recreational to Division II in college, and it taught me many incredible lessons. I held the position of captain quite often, and as the leader of our squad, I had to be a good servant, on and off the field. If I didn't feel up to par when I came to practice, I still had to lead. If I was injured on the field, I would push through. If there was a squabble amidst the players, I was called to bring unity. As the captain, I had to set the bar high even when I didn't feel like it. I couldn't afford a “me” mentality. To be a good team, we had to function as one. We had to work hard for each other, encourage one another, and champion each other in our strengths and in our weaknesses. I couldn’t quit, because if I quit, it affected the entire team. The team needed everybody to give their best, or the overall team would suffer.
So it goes with parenting. To truly be a team, you must lay down your life for one another: your preferences, your perspectives, and most definitely, your rights. But if we can model this well to our children, it will not only impact their future families, but it will also help guide every relationship they will have in their lives.
In this case, teamwork really does make the dream work. Creating a culture of “team” in your marriage and family will be such a blessing! Partnering with the Holy Spirit every day is the only way we can do what we do. He truly is the best teammate!
Your fellow Able Mom,
Monica
God, I thank You for teaching us Your model for teamwork. You laid down Your rights, and ultimately Your life, so that we could truly live. You hold nothing back from us. I ask that in our marriages and family, we will hold nothing back from You or each other. Holy Spirit, you are the best teammate! Teach us to rely on you! We love you! In Jesus name, Amen
Connect with Monica :
IG: RichardnMonicaSotolongo
FB: Monica Sotolongo
Email: monica@abidetolove.org
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