Cradled by Grace—Introduction

1. Introduction

I became a first-time mom at 31. My husband Ivan and I had been married for a few years. We had established careers and leadership roles in church. We had faith, love and peace in our home. We thought we were ready.

While I was pregnant, I read several books about pregnancy and birth so that I could understand what was happening to my body and prepare for labour and delivery. I even gave Ivan a humorous book about the husband’s role.

The first month of motherhood I cried a lot. The things I was told to do–set up the crib, install the car seat, buy the baby clothes–didn't actually prepare me for what it was like to become a mom. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and didn’t think I was a good enough mom for my baby. 

In my anguish, I wondered: Does God see me and understand what I’m going through? I knew I couldn’t be the only first-time mom who wrestled with this question. I wanted to find comfort and refuge in Scripture, but I didn’t know where to look. My online search came up empty–I couldn't find any Christian resources specifically for first-time moms. 

I didn’t grow up going to church. I became an atheist in high school. As a new believer at 25, I spent more time serving than I did reading Scripture. Becoming a mom made me realize how much I needed God and how little I knew His Word.

A few years later, when my children were no longer babies, God called me to write the book I had desperately wanted to read back then. What started as scribbles in a notebook eventually became the resource you have in your hands.

Cradled by Grace is a collection of honest and relatable stories from my first year as a mom–from a miscarriage to the birth of my second child. My hope is that we will find common ground, even if your experiences look different than mine. Every story is followed by a deep dive into Scripture, exploring the connection between first-time motherhood and the stories of mothers in Scripture and the life of Jesus. Chapters close with reflection questions and a prayer of encouragement.

When scripture is quoted, I am using the New International Version. As you read, I encourage you to open your bible and follow along to see the stories in context. 

I don’t talk too much about my husband in this book. Ivan is a man of deep faith, a wonderful husband and devoted father. I love him so much, but I can't pretend to understand what it was like for Ivan to become a first-time dad. We often joke that he should write a book about it. Maybe he will now. 

As a first-time mom, I know you’ve got plenty of books and people in your life willing and able to share how-to’s and guidance for motherhood. Cradled by Grace will not be joining that chorus.

As you read this book, my prayer is that God’s Word will speak to your first-time mom’s heart in deep and profound ways. May every chapter bring you closer and closer to the truth of God's love.

I’m glad we’re on this motherhood journey together.