Motherhood in Full Surrender: Radical Love in a Chaotic World
Written by Samantha J. Elbertson, Catholic wife, mother, and media manager
for Good Counsel "Homes + Hope for Babies and Mothers"

Could the Creator of the Universe bring all human lives into existence on His own? Certainly. But in His infinite wisdom, He chose to involve us, His creation, in this profound mystery. We don't just procreate; we participate in God's creative work, ushering new souls into the world. Each soul, with its unique purpose and dignity, is called to return to the Father, to live eternally in divine communion. This sacred privilege—granted not to the nine choirs of angels, but to humanity alone—is a truth that should fill us with awe.

As I reflect this October, a month dedicated to both pro-life issues and Our Lady of the Rosary, I’m reminded of the incredible legacy of two great female Doctors of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) and St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897). Their lives serve as powerful reminders of the Church’s unwavering support for the feminine vocation. Motherhood, whether spiritual or biological, is not just a job or career—it is a sacred calling from the Creator. Today, however, the divine role of motherhood is often misunderstood or undervalued. In a world that emphasizes personal ambition and false liberation, motherhood is seen as an obstacle to fulfillment. Yet, as history and faith have shown us, true progress and liberation come only when we root our lives in God's providence.

When women fought for the right to vote and participate in governance in the early 20th century—culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in the U.S. in 1920—they were often belittled and told to return to their domestic duties, as if raising new life and managing a household weren’t among the most vital and challenging responsibilities in existence. St. Teresa of Avila, who navigated the culture-steeped Church to reform the Carmelite Order in the 16th century, faced her own struggles against societal limitations. Yet, it was her deep interior life and communion with God that allowed her to transform herself and renew the Church. She serves as a reminder that when women embrace their God-given roles, they wield immense spiritual authority.

As society shifted, many women sought fulfillment in work outside the home which presented new challenges. Balancing family, work, and personal growth is a real struggle for many women today, and it’s important to recognize that each woman’s journey is unique. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who lived a “small” and hidden life in the convent at the end of the 19th century, teaches us that true greatness lies not in public achievements, but in living out one’s own vocation with love and devotion. Whether in the home or the work place, what truly matters is that we surrender our lives to Christ, allowing His will to shape our choices.

Both of these saints, though living in different contexts, understood that a woman’s strength is not found in external validation, but in fully embracing her divinely appointed mission. Today, women are told they must “have it all”—juggling careers, families, and societal expectations. But as St. Teresa and St. Thérèse show us, the call is not to “have it all,” but to surrender it all to God’s loving plan.

In this age of expanded roles and opportunities, society often sets unrealistic expectations for women, telling them they must excel in every area—professionally, domestically, and personally—without faltering. This can create a heavy burden and foster a sense of failure when they fall short. But this isn’t the truth of motherhood. God has never called us to be perfect in the world's eyes, but rather to be faithful in following His will, in whatever form that takes for each of us.

Since the beginning, humanity has struggled with the temptation to seek fulfillment outside of God’s design. Today, as society continues to redefine womanhood, we must have the courage to reject the lies and embrace the truth of who we are in God’s eyes. This includes valuing the sacred gift of motherhood—whether biological, adoptive, or spiritual—and recognizing that this calling is one of the most profound ways we participate in God’s creative love.

The pressures and expectations placed upon women today can be overwhelming, but there is hope. The greatest rebellion in our modern age is to love our families radically—to focus on our spouses, children, and communities with unwavering commitment. This is how we resist the lies of the culture—by reclaiming the dignity and purpose God has given us.

No matter how far society drifts from God’s truth, His grace is always within reach. Every soul brought into this world carries the potential for healing and renewal—not just for themselves, but for future generations. When we choose love, sacrifice, and truth, we plant seeds of hope for a future where families thrive and God’s glory is restored on earth.

In our current world, and all of it's chaos and confusion, let us live radically, preparing our children to be the strong wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, and religious leaders of tomorrow. By teaching them to live fully in the promises of God, we equip them to bring life and love into the world, raising up future generations in truth and grace.

As women of faith, we are called to live with humility, obedience, and a spirit of service, seeking always to glorify God through our choices. By immersing ourselves fully in the nurturing and life-giving role of motherhood, we embrace the profound responsibility of shaping the future. In reclaiming motherhood as a sacred calling and fostering a culture that truly honors and supports mothers, we become co-creators in God’s plan to restore the earth—one family at a time. Let every act of love and sacrifice be an offering of praise to Him, through whom all life is made new.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.