Unsung Stories

A candid episode with Unsung Stories host, Laura Smith, discussing the future of this podcast, Laura's decision making process and a reading of a liturgy "For those who have not done great things for God" from the book Every Moment Holy. Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. Subscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This week we hear from Anne, a mum of three and recent Grandma. On this episode, we chat through our decision making and setting our priorities; being in community with God's people and being in His word. I appreciated Anne's empathy and acknowledgment of how hard this can be as mothers, and as hurting people. A helpful episode to not just listen to, but realign family priorities with your husband and share with your Bible Study group as you commit to meeting with each other, encouraging each other in this way. Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. View this episodes TranscriptSee this episodes Show NotesSubscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This episode with Lauren, mumma of two, considers how God is refining, moulding and teaching us though trials of many kinds. And, that the trials we face might be bigger life events, or smaller ones. We talk about how as christians, we all will be being moulded in different ways as God is growing to be more like Jesus and himself in holiness. For Lauren, her trial has been around her weight. As you will hear, she has tried hard at loosing weight over the last 20 years, though nothing seems to work. Not only has she tried every diet out there, she has considered her weight as a christian - is she being sinful in some way by leaning into laziness or gluttony. She's tried it all to get it under control. Her landing in this? God is using her weight to have her lean on him, to trust in him. There is purpose to this trial she is enduring, and more and more she sees God's goodness in how he is shaping her character, her priorities and heart in this. Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. View this episodes TranscriptSee this episodes Show NotesSubscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This week we are joined by Terri, mumma of 5 kids (at the moment). She is passionate about foster care and currently is fostering two children at the moment. In this episode, we consider foster care, however the focus of the conversation leans towards our self reliance - how more often than not, we find it safer to trust ourselves and what we know, rather than trusting in God. The challenge we consider is what we do when faced to choose our own way or choose God. Terri encourages us that we can risk more than we think we can - we can choose faithfulness and self sacrifice and God will sustain us and supply all our needs. We consider our need to have an eternal focus and to trust God's promises at every step along the way. Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. View this episodes TranscriptSee this episodes Show NotesSubscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

I wanted to call this episode, "What is a good mum?", as it's where Mel and I land in our conversation. But more appropriately titled out of the heart of our conversation, "We are sinful mums". What a tagline hey. Not really what we want to be known for. But we are. This episode, Mel shares her journey with motherhood. We both consider how motherhood was the catalyst to seeing our total depravity as humans. Mel's aim in life was to be a great mum - it's what she desperately longed for and wanted to be. When faced with her lack of control and the harness that is being a mum, she was grieved by the anger and frustration and lack of ability that she could see so clearly. There is real grief when we cannot be who we thought we could be, or want to be. We then consider how great God is - how loving, how merciful and gracious he is to us to consider our sin no more. It's a really helpful, and honest, conversation about sin and the grief and guilt it bares in our life. I'm so thankful for Mel and her honesty, vulnerability and practical advice in this episode.

Sylvia is a mum of 3, a pastors wife and carer of her father. As we reflect on her story, we chat though how our hearts are idol factories and how we want to been seen as ( Successful? Independent?) by those around us. We consider what is the successful life and land on where we derive our value from. She is vulnerable in her story, sharing how the pain and trauma in her to desire certain things for her life, though through Gods intervention, she had a multitude of choices to make in order to align her heart to him. She now seeks faithfulness at every point,  looking for ways that she can lay down her desires for this world here and now and work hard for eternity to come. Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. View this episodes TranscriptSee this episodes Show NotesSubscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

SNEAK PEAK of Unsung Stories, Season 6. Australia's favourite podcast for Christian mothers who want to know and love Jesus more. Who are following Jesus as King and wrestling with the hard and refining moments of this stage of life. On this show, we chat to regular christian mums in our churches. They are open and honest with their struggles and share how God is with them in motherhood. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastCheck out our website:• Subscribe to our mailing list• View Blog• Listen to previous  episodeswww.unsungstoriespodcast.comSeason 6 is launching Wednesday 19 October, 2022

We couldn't revisit our favourite episodes without another listen to this one. I've yet to hear one women who hasn't been encouraged as a christian mum by this episode. Lesley is a mother of 4 and grandma of 12. She and her husband Jim have lived a life on mission for Jesus, teaching the bible, pastoring in churches and evangelising in Australia and overseas. Lesley has taken the time to step us through a biblical view of motherhood. In a culture that defines your success by what you do and your successful career, motherhood is not highly valued. And it often doesn't feel like a noble task as you pour yourself into your family, see your sin more clearly and wrestle with your own sense of identity. In this 45 minute episode, we have a good look at what God has called us to as mothers and the task we've been entrusted with. Lesley finishes the show with her 9 tips, nine things she wishes every mother today could know and remember.Visit our website to:Read our latest blog postSubscribe to our mailing listShow Notes for this episodeTranscription of this episodeJoin us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

Stacey's episode was helpful in two ways; not only for the mum who is battling chronic or silent illness, but for every mama as we consider what we are actually called to in motherhood.It was so encouraging to hear Stacey's reminder that it's not the things we do with our hands and bodies that are the important work of motherhood. What's important is that we be faithful to Jesus and point our kids to him. To think through how we can rest in Him - he is the ultimate carer, provider and sustainer of our kids. When our ability is stripped away, God will provide. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastDo you want to see this episodes show notes or transcription? You can sign up for our mailing list at www.unsungstoriespodcast.com

This episode has struck a chord with many of our listeners and worth another listen. Alicia's mum passed away shortly into Alicias start to motherhood and she helpfully unpacks the heartache she's been experiencing. Not only does it provide solidarity for others of us who are experiencing this grief, Alicia helpfully reminds us all that this life is not it.When life is going well, it's easy to become distracted by the beauty and good things in this life. We have a beautiful country, beautiful children. It's these times of suffering and when it feels like our world is in a spin that we see where we have been putting our hope in things other than God. When we see this world for what the bible says it is: dead and decaying to sin. We see the desperate need for our saviour and we fall on our knees pleading for his return. If anyone is feeling swallowed up by grief or depression at this moment, there is always someone to help and hear you. Beyond Blue is a great resource for anyone with anxiety, depression or suicidal feelings. 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au. Your local church would be great to connect with and find spiritual support through this time. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastCheck out our website:Subscribe to our mailing listView BlogShow NotesTranscription of this episodewww.unsungstoriespodcast.com

Working mum, Crunchy mum, Helicopter mum... SAH, Breastfeeding, Attachment Based, Kmart, By The Book, Allergy, DIY, Workout, Small Business Slayer, Influencer, Anxious, Charity, Tired, Child Led, Martyr, Perfect, Packet Food, Competitive, Mimosa.... What kind of mum are you???There are so many identifiers for us to associate with!But what about us? What does it actually mean to identify as a Christian mum?  And not just that - what about the different pulls we have that we WANT to identify as. The lures that appeal to us, that validate and give worth to what we value. This week we revisit this episode with Sarah, where we chat through our identity as christian women and the tensions we face.  We consider all the different labels we have as women today and the temptations we face. Sarah provides a helpful framework of thinking as we align our feelings and experiences to be under Christ - how the gospel is the lens that we look at everything through.Are you connected with us on Instagram? @unsungstoriespodcastHave you viewed our website? There's more info and fun things online! Do you want to see the show notes and transcription of this episode? www.unsungstoriespodcast.com

Mum Guilt - it's nearly a right of passage to motherhood isn't it? This episode we relisten to Sarah's experience with mum guilt, the different ways it plays out for her and how she works through it in her own journey.It's so encouraging to listen to a real, mum of four's experience of raising Christian kids - how she seeks to point them to Jesus, struggles with Bible time and what has and hasn't worked for their family. Sarah's reminder is helpful,  "You don't have to be the perfect parent. God hasn't called you to perfection. And he doesn't expect you to be, he knows that you're not. But, we are called to be faithful and obedient with what God has given us to point our families to God. God uses our weaknesses to do that."Visit our website to learn more about Unsung Stories. View this episodes TranscriptSee this episodes Show NotesSubscribe to our newsletterRead our latest blog postsYou can find more motherhood related content on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

Motherhood is hard. Every time Rachel cried out to God for help and relief, she was met with radio silence. Did God hear her? Did God care? Does God even exist?  Have another listen to  Rachel's Unsung Story, where she dealt with unmet expectations in motherhood, being humbled and wrestling with big doubts as to God's existence and care for her in a difficult season of life. Join our mailing list, see episode show notes or view our blog. www.unsunstoriespodcast.comThere's even more cool stuff on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

Marriage and children comes with a whole new set of conflict and arguments. Both are tired, she's nagging, he's not listening and its easy to wonder if you'll ever agree with your spouse again. Kim Parry-Jones is an advocate for marriage and helping couples communicate better. In this episode, she helpfully chats through conflict, communication and navigating the parenting stage of life. She shares her advice and reflections of 42 years of marriage to Scott, mother of 4 and grandma of 7. Join us on Instagram for more motherhood related content @unsungstoriespodcastVisit our website. There you'll be able to:See our latest blog postSubscribe to our sporadic newsletterView this episodes show notesRead a transcription of this episode

This week, we revisit our conversation about Anger. Fiona shares her experience of motherhood and how she wrestled with this new found anger inside her - that she was both confronted and grieved by it. She goes on to share how she's learned to trust God's love and grace in the midst of her emotions.Whether we struggle to control overwhelming anger or other powerful emotions, Fiona's story reminds us that God has given us the tools and truth we need to learn how to process our emotions well and move forward with hope. Visit our website and show notes at www.unsungstoriespodcast.com. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast. Have you joined our mailing list? Emails are few and far between, giving you insight into what's happening behind the scenes. 

This term we are taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of our favourite episodes together. Have you heard this episode with Sarah? When you feel the weight of parenting a child with big emotions and a strong will, what do you do? Sarah helpfully chats through her experience in parenting over the last 12 years and chats through the challenges that come with a child with a big personality and determination to match. She shares how she often finds parenting a thankless job -  that you pour into the lives of these little children and that the fruit of this labour often isn't seen immediately. Have another listen and let me know - what stood out to you this time? Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastHave you signed up to our mailing list? This episodes show notes and transcript can be found at www.unsungstoriespodcast.com/episodes

This week on Unsung Stories we are joined by Nat. Nat and her husband have two primary aged children. The life Nat has lived the last 13 years isn't one she ever would have written for herself, however after years of deep grief and heartache, she has come to the conclusion that the times that seem darkest and messiest is when God has done the mightiest work in her life. From walking through cancer treatment with her own mumma that lead to her mum passing away, followed by an infertility diagnosis weeks later. The harrowing road of infertility treatments, their hearts being changed to pursuing adoption regardless of their infertility outcomes. Then came navigating the messy world of adoption, bringing home two toddlers and facing the reality of her shortcomings as a parent. There were times where she couldn't understand or see God's hand and where she wrestled with considering what it means to be blessed by God. Nat's story will shape how you view adoption and make you marvel at God's goodness and faithfulness to his people. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastVisit our websiteJoin the mailing list

This episode, we chat with Nat. Nat is a mum of 4 boys and she shares how her expectations of herself as a mother weren't quite the reality. Shocked by her inability to control her children or circumstances, shocked by her and her children's sin, shocked by the unmet expectations. It's a helpful conversation as we unpack what our goals as mothers are, and what she has found helpful in adjusting her expectations, working on her sin and raising disciples. One love of Nat's family is scripture memory, and from that @ccbckids_sing was born. You can find their jingles and songs on YouTube or Spotify.JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM @UNSUNGSTORIESPODCAST Visit Unsung Stories Website

Chloe's story has Laura reflecting on how our parenting is shaping our kids, and it's probably not the things we think that are going to stand out or impact them the most. She encourages us to consider ways we might be hurting them, hurting the relationship with them, or how they view authority. She calls us to repent, to seek God and prioritise pursuing Him in this life - because nothing else will matter at the end of our days. Join us on Instagram  @unsungstoriespodcastVisit our websitewww.unsungstoriespodcast.com

In this episode we chat to Chloe. Chloe is a mum of two boys and is navigating parenting with a completely different approach to how she grew up. Chloe was raised in a home that used the bible and God as a weapon against her, and she believed that God was an angry God who she would never be good enough for. Through all this, she still had a deep love for God and his people, and would do anything it took to be at church. She now realises that when God sees her, he sees Jesus. She knows there is nothing she can do to earn her salvation, but accept the gift God offers. She shares how one of her sons has autism and ADHD, and how this is a challenge to her parenting style, but also how she has a deep desire to love him well and foster the gifts God has given her son, challenges and all. Chloe reminds us that though we feel like we need to be perfect, God doesn't require us to be. His grace is sufficient and his mercies are new every morning. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This episode features Lauren - wife of Scott, mumma of Xavier and  their 5 babies in heaven. She shares with us her story of recurrent miscarriages - the grief and pain she felt as she walked those years of loosing her babies. How she wrestled as a christian during that time, doubting God and having to constantly realign her thoughts and feelings, trusting the promises of his word. We learn how important Gods people are during times of suffering, how they would point Lauren and Scott back to Jesus and minister to them in their pain. We are reminded that our suffering isn't wasted. It produces perseverance, character and hope. *TW miscarriage and infertility themes*If you are in the think of suffering and need a hand, Lifeline and Beyond Blue are excellent resources to tap into. Please reach out to your local church for help and support as you walk through this hard time of life. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This episode we are joined by Susanna. Susanna is a mumma of two littlies and lives in North Brisbane. Susanna's story is encouraging as she processes the big hopes, plans and dreams for her life and how she's put them aside to serve God and her family in a setting that she didn't envisage - her home town. She shares her wrestle with the mundane routine that can be felt as we parent little children, but it's how she chooses to serve God wholeheartedly where he's placed her.Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastThank you for leaving a 5* Rating and Review online! 

In this episode we consider the power our stories have. Laura chats through how we want to showcase the parts of our lives that make us look good or are admirable, simultaneously hiding the sinful tendencies we have - from others and ourselves. She explores the idea of sharing the sinful or not so admirable parts of our lives to showcase God's glory and goodness. And that in fact, it's these parts of our lives that powerfully showcase the gospel - that people might think, "If God can forgive her for doing that, than he can forgive me too".Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastThank you for leaving a 5* Rating and Review - it's appreciated! 

This episode we are joined by Sarah. Sarah is married to Luke and together they have three kids. Praying for growth, wisdom and a deeper relationship with God and those around them, they they packed up and moved interstate to go to Bible College. God did answer this prayer, though to their surprise it was nothing how they imagined.Culminating factors lead to tension in their relationship, mental health illness and ultimately, an affair. Sarah shares how they set about working on their marriage, and the pain they experienced both in their home, but also from the reaction of other christians and loss of their community. This is vulnerable story, but one that is so full of God's mercy and a testament to Philippians 1:6; “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast 

This episode features Naomi, a mum of three who battles perfectionism. This has played out in a number of ways over the years, through an eating disorder in her teens and twenties. Now a mother, she sees herself grappling for control and striving to do everything perfectly. Naomi has a great perspective on what we are called to as mothers. She reminds us to remember our identity is in Jesus, and that he is not expecting us to be perfect. She teaches us how she looks out for the lies in her thinking and then analyzes them in light of the gospel - "What's the lie? What's the truth? What needs to change here?". Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastHave you left a review on iTunes? Please do! It really helps the show  succeed and a great encouragement for all. 

This episode explores our fears around failure as Christian women. We think through why we might not be handing the reigns over to God, why we grapple for control and struggle to trust him. Our fear of failure impacts our ability to trust God wholly, so we consider what these fears are and what we can do with them. We're left with the encouragement to seek Jesus and choose to trust and follow him with our lives.A quick, 5 minute show to encourage you as you go about your day. 

Todays guest is Erica. Erica is a mumma of three and she is sharing her story of her youngest son Noah - his open heart surgery at one month old as well as his diagnosis of Downs Syndrome. Noah's diagnosis was a shock to Erica and she shares what came up for her to process - the shock of a medical diagnosis, the pain of her family picture and plan not turning out how she imagined, the guilt and shame she felt when she was faced with sin in her heart and her perception of suffering and disability. This is a beautiful story of one families journey in trusting God more, being comforted by his word and seeing his love and care in the big and small moments of their story. Erica and Matt are part of the 139 collective - a network of Christian parents of children with disabilities, connecting together to support and inspire one another in their faith and parenting. You can learn more about them at www.the139collective.com.auJoin us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

Aren't we prone to seeking the perfect formula for life to be smooth? Don't we work hard for the things around us to please us? There's a beauty to the sacrifice we give as mothers, a woman laying down her life for her family. But is there an undercurrent that we're not quite acknowledging? Is there times that we're actually seeking to serve ourselves, or rather, trust ourselves and our own wisdom, before we are trusting God? This short episode today unpacks that as we think through the choice we face at every moment along the way: trust God, or trust ourselves. Have you left a review? Please share your iTunes or Instagram review with Laura @unsungstoriespodcast for your free gift in the mail. This weeks episode has bible verses mentioned. You can find them here https://www.unsungstoriespodcast.com/free-prints

This week we are joined by Laura. Laura is a mum of two little boys. Through her story of infertility and faced with the possibility of becoming a young widow, Laura encourages us to trust in Gods sovereignty. To trust that his plans and purposes for our lives are greater than we can imagine. We chat about our love of control, and while at times helpful, we need to surrender our own plans to Gods.Have you left an iTunes review? Make sure that you let us know which is yours over on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast so that we can send you a little gift in the mail :)

A second Unsung Stories episode this week?! The mailing list subscribers already knew this, but this season is going to be a trial of smaller episodes each week as well. After realising how much time I spent writing Instagram posts last year, I thought I could invest that time into a smaller, bite size episode each week. 5-10 minutes. It might work, it might not, but my hope is that as I pull back from social media, we are all still encouraged in a quick and time efficient manner each week. This first episode is chatting further about feelings of failure. I chat through how we, and our culture, push perfection and being in control. We don't like feeling weak. But the bible offers hope in 2 Corinthians, when Paul encourages us that when we are weak, Christs power is on display. Have a listen and let me know what you like, what you didn't like. Your feedback is going to be helpful with these episodes and deciding they continue! Check Out www.unsungstoriespodcast.com/free-prints for your free print this week!Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

On this episode, we welcome Lesley Ramsey. Lesley is a mother of 4 and grandma of 12. She and her husband Jim have lived a life on mission for Jesus, teaching the bible, pastoring in churches and evangelising in Australia and overseas. Lesley has taken the time to step us through a biblical view of motherhood. In a culture that defines your success by what you do and your successful career, motherhood is not highly valued. And it often doesn't feel like a noble task as you pour yourself into your family, see your sin more clearly and wrestle with your own sense of identity. In this 45 minute episode, we have a good look at what God has called us to as mothers and the task we've been entrusted with. Lesley finishes the show with her 9 tips, nine things she wishes every mother today could know and remember.Leave an iTunes review and receive a free gift! Join us on instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

What is it about motherhood that makes us question everything we thought we knew? Why does it feel so dang hard? Why does it feel like I'm failing before I even try? What is with the guilt? There is something about motherhood that seems to bring out our fears and failures, and rock the boat of who we thought we are, or could be. Does this sound like you? This week on Unsung Stories, Laura chat's through motherhood and the things she observes in motherhood today. Hitting topics like mum guilt, unmet expectations, bloated standards and fearing failure, Laura shares her honest and real experiences of motherhood - not the filtered version we're used to online. If this episode resonated with you, please encourage your friend by sharing with her. If you haven't already, subscribing and reviewing this show would be helpful. Reach out and share your thoughts @unsungstoriespodcast

Have you ever heard of a growth or fixed mindset? In this episode, we chat to Alison Johns - a mum of 5 and as you'll hear, a brilliant teacher of 30 years.When faced with a challenging class and a keenness to help them learn,  Alison was determined to find a strategy that would help her students come exam time. She began to realise that it wasn't a concern of academic ability or learning style, but rather motivation and self perception. This lead her to discovering the work of American psychologist, Carol Dweck and her work with growth and fixed mindset. Not only was Professor Dweck's groundbreaking theory around motivation and mindset seeing results in Alisons classrooms, she could see her own areas of fixed mindset that she could test the theory out on - seeing growth in areas of her own life that she thought couldn't change. It has been an instrumental tool in her parenting and how she raises and encourages her own children. We are lucky enough to hear her experiences and thoughts on the topic.  A great episode that will help you in your own mindset, parenting and overcoming obstacles in life. Like this podcast? Please subscribe and review this show. Have a think - which of your friends would benefit from this episode? Please share with them today! Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast and join our mailing list at www.unsungstoriespodcast.com

This week in our Summer Series we hear from Bella and what she's learnt about God's character in deep diving the Old Testament. Have you joined us on Instagram? @unsungstoriespodcastCan you help the show by following and leaving a review? "The study of the Bible should always lead us to know God more, to love him more. And that then shapes the way that we live, because God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever."

Our first ever Summer Series, where we hear from different women on a variety of topics. This week is one to one discipleship with Shae. Shae is a mum of two and has been blessed in her christian life, both by being mentored by christian women in various life stages, as well as mentoring younger women in her life.Not only does she helpfully unpack WHY we should be discipling, but also gives some real and practical advise along the way. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast, and sign up for our sporadic mailing list www.unsungstoriespodcast.comNEXT week on the show, we are joined by Bella who shows how amazing Gods character and look at the Old Testament to do so. 

To celebrate the end of 2021 and wrap up Season 3, Laura's husband is interviewing Laura in an Ask Anything episode. Followers on Instagram had the opportunity to ask...anything!*There will be an extended break between season 3 and 4. A Summer series is planned to release in  January with episodes being more topical opposed to conversations with women. Sign up to the email list to hear more about  the show's return and Summer Series*Chatting about Christian Motherhood on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastQuestions in this episode include:How did you and your husband meet? How do you two prioritise your marriage in a season of little kids? How do keep the romance alive in your marriage?Question for Leon: What's something you think Christian wives can do for their husbands that would be helpful or loving? There's been a theme around identity this season, other than a christian, what kind of mum/woman are you? What are your family Christmas traditions?Do you celebrate Christmas with Santa? How has your faith been impacted since becoming a parent? What's been the hardest thing about being a parent so far? How do you handle discipline? How do you get regular bible reading in as a young mum? How do you find the time to do a podcast and parent four young kids? How do you handle differences with love and grace with other mums/ ie breast/bottle, sleep train/attachment? How do you grow in godly contentment?

This episode features Bindi - mum of four, including twins. Three are now grown up and she shares her reflection of a motherhood journey full of suffering. Her motherhood journey started with loosing babies and includes post natal depression, death of her brother, marriage heartache, car accidents, loss of community and the heartbreak of kids wrestling with mental health. Throughout the last 21 years and longing for heaven, Bindi has been comforted by God's promise that he is completing His good work in her. That we might not understand the details or why - but we can see his comfort, peace and provision in a life of suffering. "I remember sitting in the car park at church before going in and thinking. "Why am I doing this? Why am I bothering?"""I knew that suffering was part of this life. God was working through all of this suffering to bring about good in me and shaping me to be more like Jesus.""I thought, because I wasn't physically able to give to my family, to my church, family, to my friends, that somehow took away my purpose and my meaning for life.""We don't know what's going to happen, but we do know that we can only rely on God and we can only trust in him""The only reason that I can survive all of this is God is his strength, his comfort, his security and peace. It really does transcend all understanding""God is the one that's completing the good work in me. He began it. He's completing it. And I'm just clinging on"

In this episode, Taylor bravely shares how she is finding the adjustment to motherhood. She is vulnerable with her story and how the journey to motherhood wasn't as she had planned. Tricky to fall pregnant and experiencing miscarriage caused Taylor to cry out to God, and cement her faith in Him. She was desperate to be a mother, and when it wasn't happening as she planned, she had to choose whether she could follow Jesus and align her plans and hopes to his. . Now a mum, she sees clearly her need for Jesus and the sin thats in her heart. She shares how she is seeking to point her family to Jesus. Sign up for our sporadic newsletter at unsungstoriespodcast.com"Becoming a mum has really opened my eyes to how much sin there is in my heart and in my life and how much I really need Jesus in my life.""My miscarriage meant I was also on the outer of this club that I so desperately wanted to be a part of""And all of a sudden I was face to face with something that I just couldn't control.""I'd never really had to put my trusting God in something that was so important to me, I'm pretty much straight after that."

Kareena is a beautiful mum and grandma, and today we chat through the guilt and pain she worked through when the picture she envisaged for her family didn't unfold how she imagined. Pain as her insecurities ran riot and the pain of wondering if she wasn't good enough or being punished. Guilt, when God had blessed her with a home and children, though different from her plans. She was left feeling confused and humbled as she wrestled with wanting to be seen as supermum and her identity caught up in who she wanted to be, rather than the circumstances God had called her to. Join us as she encourages us with the wrestle of seeking first God and his kingdom, submitting to his plans and trusting him with all of our life. "I always knew I could trust him, but he slowly showed me that through my pain and confusion that his ways are not my ways and his thoughts and my thoughts. And he is a far greater and beyond our understanding""I started to read the bible more and could see that Bible was about him, his love, his power, his sovereignty""This life is not the main event. It's a time to work hard towards his purposes and not mine.""Being a mum and wife isn't the only work he has for me to do, even in my weakness, he can use me however he wants""He has your whole life planned out and has already prepared. Good works for you to do. For the moment that might be the fall at his feet and ask him to help you trust him and love him more to cry out to him.""He knows you groaning and crying. Isn't grumbling it's okay. And he wants us to come to him in prayer."Know that in your pain, he's working in you to make you more like Jesus - teaching, growing and refining. He'll give you more than you can handle in this life because it's then often we learn to depend on him and his plans more, which are by far better than us, depending on ourselves and our plans." "In this life, we will have troubles, hardships, and difficulties. We shouldn't be shocked and we shouldn't expect paradise here and now. It will take perseverance and endurance.""There will be a time when Jesus comes back and there will be none of the struggle or tears for those who trust in him. Make sure you and your family are amongst and active in the community of God's people."

Nat felt like she could do it all - parent, serve, maintain her sense of self. What were these other mums talking about?! And then she had her second baby. Conflicting nap times and stretched capacity saw her inner rage monster rear its ugly head. Nat was grappling for control and seeing sin come out - she was not the mother she wanted to be. On this weeks episode we chat through Nats experience of assessing her priorities and strategically putting practices in place to cultivate a life that reflected her biggest love, Jesus. Have you left a review?  Please let us know what you think of the show!"The rage monster. It reared in me. I'd go from experiencing these beautiful moments with my kids. And then a few minutes later, raging that they weren't behaving how I wanted them to a door shut too loudly when I'd just gotten the baby to sleep was enough to set me off"."If I was telling my kids that knowing Jesus is the best thing in life, I wanted them to see that I was truly living that. So I knew I needed to orientate my days to show that he is my first love"."I could come to him in this sorry, state, that he loved me enough to take me as I was. But he also loves me enough that he doesn't want to leave me in that place. And it's the same for anyone with any sort of sin in their life. And so I reconcile to pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly.""I'll read it to tick that box off on my to-do list, but it won't sink into my heart and change me.""Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.""There's no need to run away in shame from your maker and there's no need to remain stuck where you are."

Working mum, Crunchy mum, Helicopter mum... SAH, Breastfeeding, Attachment Based, Kmart, By The Book, Allergy, DIY, Workout, Small Business Slayer, Influencer, Anxious, Charity, Tired, Child Led, Martyr, Perfect, Packet Food, Competitive, Mimosa.... What kind of mum are you???There are so many identifiers for us to associate with!But what about us? What does it actually mean to identify as a Christian mum?  And more than that, what about the different pulls we have that we WANT to identify as. The lures that appeal to us, that validate and give worth to what we value. Today Sarah and I chat through our identity as christian women and the tension we have as we consider all the different labels we have as women today. We chat through the temptations we face. Sarah provides a helpful framework of thinking as we align our feelings and experiences to be under christ - how the gospel is the lens that we look at everything through.DO YOU WANT TO SUPPORT UNSUNG STORIES? This can be through your prayers, finances, gifts and skillsets - or simply by rating and reviewing the show! Thank you for partnering with Unsung Stories in these ways. Please reach out through our website if you can offer something specific to this show. "We have that inheritance. We are those children. We are the betrothed. We are the elected and adopted all of those words. That mean we, we are in Christ. Now. We are part of his kingdom. We are part of his purposes part of his church family. There's no waiting for those things. But other things that we chase after in our identity, may never come to fruition.""Family and ministry and work and all of those things - they're  juggling balls. Some of those are made of glass that you can't drop. And some of them are made of rubber. You have to like bounce and let them go for a little while.""There is enormous purpose in this life. When it is weaved for God and that his purposes are grand and beautiful and that he wants us to be part of those is just amazing.""this life matters and the decisions that we make matter in this life - but they're also pale in comparison to what's comes next. And what eternity is and the peacefulness of, thinking about marriage and work and those things that are important, but they not everything."

We all have built up a picture, or standard, of what the ideal Christian mother looks like. But how much of what we strive for is actually what God asks of us in his Word? Helen and I chat through her story and how she was challenged with this ideal when her hands became full with little people, and the guilt creep in that she wasn't doing "enough" - enough by our own imposed standard. Helens reminder to be in Gods word and seeking to be faithful to him above all is a helpful reminder for us all as we wrestle with the root of our motivations and what we're actually striving for. Thank you for leaving a rating and review. It is encouraging and helps this podcast succeed. "He isn't pleased by me choosing the tasks that look impressive or achieves more. He wants my heart and for me to place him above anything else". "I am firstly God's child, his beloved daughter. And it's an amazing privilege to be a parent now and experience some of that relationship for yourself in a whole new way. He loves me more deeply than I can imagine"."Even in all of your weakness and brokenness, he just wants you to come to him"."Do away with your standard and start completely afresh. Go  back to the Bible and understand what God's standard for your life is. Focus on that - pray that God would reveal more and more of himself to you".

Stacey and Shane have 2 little boys who both have special needs. Her days are spent in different therapies, advocating for her kids and managing their different health concerns. As a teacher and lover of kids herself, Stacey's idea of motherhood and her experience are very different and she wrestles with navigating this new world she didn't anticipate for her family. She helpfully reminds us all of the main priorities in our parenting (special needs or not) and that is salvation, for both us and our children. I love her reminder to cast all our cares and anxieties onto God, we can trust Him with our troubles, He cares for us. Dear Listener, Would you consider partnering with this show? Primarily, by prayer, that we would be faithfully serving the listeners and loving them well. Secondly, through subscribing and reviewing the show, or engaging with online content such as the blog or on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast. Thirdly, do you have skills or finances to help further the reach we have? Please email or DM to chat about how we can work together. Much love, Laura x"But there just came a point where I went, you know, what, how much am I focusing on my boys' salvation? Because at the end of the day, that's all that matters.""When I guess the world sees hopelessness, the beauty as a Christian mom is that I can see God's power on display.""I think we often hear at church that, you know, you need to trust God in the storm. At least personally speaking, that is one of the easiest times to trust God, because all else has failed and falling around you."

Kylie and James have three beautiful children, Byron, Indiana and Cove. After the birth of Byron, Kylie unexpectedly got post natal depression and anxiety. Through this experience, she learnt great things about putting her pride aside and coming to Jesus, as well as how he is truly the only one who understands us and can offer peace. Early in Indi's pregnancy, Kylie and James discovered she had Turners Syndrome, coupled with the statistic that a mere 1% of these daughters are born alive. For 13 weeks, Kylie carried Indiana, entrusting her life to Gods hands, and knowing he had already planned out all her days. Sadly, at 25 weeks, Kylie birthed Indi who had already gone to be with our Lord. The last few years, though joyous with the arrival of Cove, have been full of heartache, grief, big questions and being moulded and shaped by God. Kylie is generous and vulnerable with sharing her story. It is beautiful and encouraging to see a woman, utterly dependant on God and finding comfort and peace in him in her darkest time. *TW this episode covers topics like Post Natal Depression and Anxiety, as well as Infant Loss. There is always help. PANDA Australia, Beyond Blue and Lifeline are great resources to seek out*"My tears aren't wasted and that the pain isn't for no reason"."I cant keep them safe from everything and that I need to trust that the days God has ordained for each of my children is his perfect plan. Because whether they are in your womb or in your arms, their lives are completely in his hands." "It's okay to struggle, it's okay to ask for help and its okay to be vulnerable. I am sinful and I mess up, I fail my kids, I get anxious and angry, I fight with my husband, I need help from others, I cant do it alone nor was I designed to." "God ordains everything for a purpose, every season of suffering, every trial, every heartache, every struggle means that it isn't all for nothing.""Every struggle has ultimately drawn me to God, whether that be falling on my knees and admitting I need his help or just collapsing at his feet and allowing him to hold me in my brokenness and speak truths into my heart. He showed me that he is truly the only one who can make sense of the sorrow and give me peace when I'm trusting in his plans.""His compassion never falls short, and I clung to the fact that he gives us everything we need for each day – which is so comforting when you go to bed and think, I cant do it again tomorrow – theres nothing left, but God says that he will provide anew every thing you need the next morning."

Renee and her husband Tom have three beautiful children, Olivia, Levi and Julian. Their story has been a difficult one. Tragically, Levi had passed away a few weeks after their 20 weeks scan. God kindly blessed them with another little boy, Julian. At 33 weeks, Renee went into the hospital as something didn't feel right, and was met with an emergency c-section, 9 weeks in between hospitals with a preemie baby, a toddler missing her mummy and a diagnosis of down syndrome. As Renee shares her story, it is beautiful to witness her unwavering hope she has in Jesus and how the power of prayer has carried her through the suffering they were enduring. As you listen to the events of the last few years, you can't help but see the peace and comfort God provides them and know that he is with them through it all. *TW This episode discusses Renee's experience with Infant Loss and preemie babies. If triggering for you, please skip this episode. PANDA Australia, Beyond Blue and Lifeline are great resources if you are needing professional assistance with processing these concerns*"I hang on to knowing that there's a future, with no more death or separation or pain. The greatest thing that we could hope for our children is their eternal inheritance and that they would know God. Levi is with God. He has eternal life! That is all I could want for all of my children. We will be reunited in heaven one day.  Even if I live a very long life, it still won't be enough time with my family. Isn't that a testimony to this life? It isn't meant to be enough. There is an eternity where we won't have to say goodbye.""I don't know all the answers, but I know God does."" I just wanted God to put his hope in me and to know that in that hope I would not be put to shame.""I struggled to pray and if I did, it was mostly prayers of help, please help. It was all I could manage."

Skye and her husband were pastoring a rural church, in the thick of four young kids and were feeling the need for some deep friendships. So, they committed to praying for one. God was kind and generous in bringing a christian family to their area, and that friendship was a blessing to both women as they walked through a hard season of life together. Skye shares her experience with anxiety and depression, and how God just kept showing up in the unseen details of walking that road. In a world that emphasises "finding your tribe", Skye acknowledges the difficulty of doing that, and strategies she uses to deepen friendships as christian sisters encouraging each other. Your rating and reviews are encouraging. Thank you for supporting the show in this way. Please continue to support this show by engaging with us online and sharing episodes with your friends. Follow us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast for more christian motherhood content and encouragement. "Sometimes we need help in holding firmly to our faith. The body of Christ can help us hold on". "I thought I had to do more - read the bible more, pray more, talk with people more, be more brave in sharing the gospel. It was always "do this, do that". But in the debilitation of becoming anxious and depressed to a significant level, all that ability was stripped away. I had to depend on God, and my christian friends, to get me through".

Our last episode for season 2! This episode, we chat to Mumma Roz, a mum of two biological children and a foster mum as well. Putting aside her fear of judgement, sharing openly and honestly, we hear how Roz has worked through her heart issues that arose through motherhood, specifically being a foster mum. *TW* This episode has sensitive topics like child neglect, child abuse and the pain that comes with broken legal and government systems. Our hope that chatting through this will offer solidarity from one mum to another struggling with these things, however, there can be wisdom in protecting yourself and not listening if you think it might be too much.Please join us on instagram @unsungstoriespodcast

This week on Unsung Stories, we're chatting about finding God in the little things. Mandy, a mum to three boys - including twin toddlers - shares how her unexpected journey of motherhood taught her to see God in everything, big and small. From a surprise twin pregnancy to a mid-pandemic move, join us as we dive into the delights and blessings of Christ-centred community, and the importance of trusting God to take control of our lives."When we place our need for control within His hands, we become the reflections of His glory and steadfast love""Our relationship with God is a relationship of the heart.""It's good to make our plans, but also to know that God's will be done. He's going ahead of us, and He does have control, and He's watching over us."Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast. Thank you for sharing this show with a friend. 

This week's episode is about anger. Fiona chats to us about her experience of anger in motherhood and how she's learned to trust God's love and grace in the midst of her emotions. Whether we struggle to control overwhelming anger or other powerful emotions, Fiona's story reminds us that God has given us the tools and truth we need to learn how to process our emotions well and move forward with hope. Join us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcastSee a full transcription of the show over at www.unsungstoriespodcast.com/fiona. 

This weeks episode is weighty. Whether walking a similar road and facing infant loss, or feeling overwhelmed about all the grief that's happening in the world at the moment, Beths perspective is so helpful; God is in charge, he knows what he's doing, God has us. *TW* Infant Loss. Before listening, can I encourage you to assess whether your heart can handle this topic? It's good and healthy to have boundaries to protect your emotional wellbeing, so if you need to skip a week in order not to heap emotional grief on yourself in an already emotional time in history, I'd encourage that. Join us at @unsungstoriespodcast on Instagram. Show notes and transcription on website www.unsungstoriespodcast.com

This week Adri is generous in sharing her grief and dependance on God that came with loosing her father, the importance of the church and church family, self care in motherhood - all the while reminding us that we do not need to clean ourselves up to come to God. He loves us as we are. We are not called to perfection. *TW Death* Are you struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one? There is help available. Your local church, counsellors or psychologists, GP and Beyond Blue are all great places to seek help from.Can you help this show? Subscribe, leave a review, share with your bible study, share our Instagram content. Help encourage other mums by helping them find Unsung Stories. Check out our website www.unsungstoriespodcast.com. Follow us on Instagram @unsungstoriespodcast.  "We forget that he will use us in our weakness. He will accept us as we are, not showered with grubby floors. He still loves us"."Any self care that we do now is just to keep us going until Christ returns and truly restores all things"."Stop trying to be the solution. It's Jesus"."Be praying that the Spirit will help you choose God's way, that he would mould your heart, wants and needs to match his".