Dear C-Section Mom, I know they’ve said it before—that you took the “easy way out.” But they weren’t there. They didn’t see it. They don’t know. They didn’t see you lying there under those bright, sterile lights, with your arms strapped down and your heart racing faster than the monitors could keep up. They didn’t feel the cold of the room or the weight of the fear pressing down on your chest as tears streamed quietly into your ears—tears you tried to hide, because you didn’t want anyone to know how scared you really were. They weren’t there in that moment, the one no one talks about when you were wheeled into that operating room alone. No loved ones. No hand to hold. No comforting voice. Just you, a team of strangers in scrubs, and a kind of silence that only fear can create. You were alone in the room where your child would take their first breath… until the last possible minute, when they finally let your partner join you. They didn’t hear the whispers of the medical team, or the silent prayers you whispered between clenched teeth—begging God to keep you and your baby safe. To bring you both through this alive. They didn’t feel the deep tugging as your body was opened, through seven layers. They didn’t feel your soul leave your body when your baby was lifted from your womb, but your arms couldn’t hold them. Not yet. They didn’t see you glance through the clear curtain, desperate for one glimpse of that tiny face, longing for skin-to-skin, aching for connection while your body was being stitched back together. They weren’t in recovery, where you waited to feel your legs again… waited to hold your baby… waited to feel whole. They didn’t hear the cries in the dark—not just your baby’s, but yours too—as the anesthesia wore off and the reality set in: you were in pain, exhausted, and still… you had a child to care for. They didn’t see the blood. They didn’t see you wince with every breath, every shift, every step. They didn’t see you try to nurse through the burning fire of an incision that screamed every time you leaned forward. They didn’t see the nurse pressing your abdomen so hard you could hardly breathe—trying to get your uterus to shrink while you held back screams. They didn’t see you get up for the first time, gripping the side of the bed, shaking as you stood, a catheter dangling behind you—because that’s what they don’t tell you: you don’t walk out of a C-section, you crawl your way back to life. And just when your body cried for rest, you were handed the most beautiful, fragile, utterly dependent little person and told: now, be a mother. You see, they think there are two kinds of moms: The “natural” ones… and the “other” ones. As if the way your baby came into the world could ever define your worth. As if you somehow didn’t earn your stripes the way they did. But I’m here to tell you: You are not “other.” You are not less. You are not broken. You are not weak. You are a mother who gave everything. You laid down your body, your plans, your comfort, your pride, so that your child could live. There is nothing easy about that. So let the world talk. Let them compare. But let me remind you of this truth: You are no less of a mother. You are no less of a warrior. In fact, you might be more. Because while they call it a scar, you know what it really is: It’s a love letter written in flesh. It’s a reminder that you went to the ends of the earth, into an operating room and you came back with life in your arms. That’s not weakness. That’s not failure. That’s holy. So to every C-section mama reading this: I see you. I honor you. And I will never let anyone forget how brave you are. You didn’t take the easy way out. You took the only way through. And you did it with more strength than most will ever understand. You are absolutely, breathtakingly powerful. #csectiondelivery #csectionawarenessmonth #csectionmom #csectionrecovery #csection #csectionmom #postpartum #postpartumjourney #ppd #birth #laboranddelivery #MomsofTikTok #momsover30
We set the table to remember the night Jesus sat with His disciples—when He broke the bread, lifted the cup, and gave us a new commandment: to love one another. This has become one of my favorite Holy Week traditions. A candlelit table. Middle Eastern-inspired foods. Bible stories read aloud as we sit together as a family. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be about Him.You can do this any night of Holy Week. Just gather, slow down, and remember. If you’d like to host your own “Night in Jerusalem,” I put together a free printable guide with simple decor ideas, foods they might’ve eaten, and verses to read as a family! ✨Go to my Instagram and comment the word HOLY on this reel and I’ll DM you the Last supper Guide!✨ #lastsupper #anightinjerusalem #lastsupperdinner #holyweek #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #holythursday #momof4kids #biblestories #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #sahmlife #momlife #mom #faithbased #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #easterdinner #easterweekend #maundythursday #easteractivities
This Mother’s Day, give more than just flowers — give a piece of your heart. I created this DIY bouquet wrap that doubles as a love letter to your mom (or any special mom you know!). It’s simple, affordable, and something she’ll treasure forever. Here’s how to get it: 1. Go to my Instagram and it’s linked in my bio - @jen_rydelek 2. Choose the version you need — ledger size (print at any office supply store) or two taped letter-sized sheets for easy home printing. 3. Wrap your bouquet with it and watch her heart melt! Because the best gifts aren’t just given — they’re felt. 🫶🏼 #mothersdayspecial #mothersdaygift #diybouquet #HeartfeltGifts #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaygiftideas #mothersdaybouquet #diymom #momof4kids #rawmotherhood #bridesmaidgift #bridesmaidgifts #momgift #giftsforher #flowersforher #sentimentalgift #fauxflowers #postpartum #giftidea #motherhood #canva #mothersday2025 #giftformom #bridalparty
Resurrection Snack Mix – Telling the Story of Jesus 1. Chocolate Kisses or Chocolate Chips The Betrayal “Judas came… and kissed Jesus.” — Matthew 26:47–49 2. Pretzel Sticks The Cross “Carrying his own cross, he went out… where they crucified him.” — John 19:17–18 3. Craisins or Raisins The Blood of Jesus “The blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7 4. Popcorn or Mini Marshmallows Our Sins Are Washed Away “He is faithful and just to forgive us… and purify us.” — 1 John 1:9 5. Marshmallows White as Snow “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18 6. Choco Chimps, Round Cookies, or Crackers The Empty Tomb “But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” — Mark 16:4 7. Goldfish or Sea Salt Crackers Fishers of Men “Come, follow me… and I will send you out to fish for people.” — Matthew 4:19 8. M&Ms or a Sweet Treat Taste and See “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8 Comment SNACKS for the templates #easter #snackmix #snackmixrecipe #movienight #holyweek #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #momof4kids #biblestories #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #sahmlife #momlife #mom #faithbased #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #easterweekend #easteractivities #christianmoms #christiantok #easterstory #storyofjesus
These films and shows have truly touched my heart and deepened my faith. Each one offers a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, bringing His story to life in powerful ways. While all are impactful, @The Chosen holds a special place in my heart and will forever be my number one. Its portrayal of Jesus and His disciples is both intimate and inspiring, making the Gospel feel more real and personal than ever before. Where to Watch: • The Chosen — Angel Studios app, Peacock (earlier seasons), and now streaming new seasons exclusively on Prime Video • House of David — Prime Video • The Passion of the Christ — Netflix • Risen — Hulu • Paul, Apostle of Christ — Netflix, Pluto TV • The Case for Christ — Pure Flix • An Interview with God — Great American Pure Flix on Prime Video I highly recommend watching these with your family or during your personal devotional time. They’ve been a source of inspiration and reflection for me, and I hope they bless you as much as they’ve blessed me. #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #christianmovies #momof4kids #biblestories #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #christianyoutubers #sahmlife #momlife #mom #faithbased #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #thechosen #houseofdavid #passionofthechrist #christiantiktok #christiangirl #christianmovies
If you’re looking for faith-based shows and music your little ones will love (without worrying about questionable content), here are some of our favorites! These shows and music channels are not only fun but also help with vocabulary development, sign language, and biblical learning! ➡️ Listener Kids (YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Yippee) – Their worship music is a favorite in our home! It’s upbeat, engaging, and helps little ones learn about Jesus through song. ➡️ Holy Sprouts (YouTube, Yippee) – If you love Ms Rachel, you’ll love Ms. Amy! A Christ-centered learning channel that incorporates Bible stories, songs, and engaging lessons to help little ones grow in both their faith and early development. ➡️ Chosen Kids (YouTube, Yippee) – A great way to help kids engage with scripture and grow in their faith through fun, interactive videos designed just for them! ➡️ Little Lions (YouTube) – A wonderful resource for little ones to learn scripture and godly values through engaging stories and songs. ➡️ Jingle Jacqui (YouTube) – If you love Ms. Rachel, you’ll love this! Focused on language development and early learning, but with Christian values woven throughout. ➡️ Superbook (YouTube, PureFlix, Prime Video, Yippee) – An amazing animated series that brings Bible stories to life in a way kids can relate to. ➡️ Life Kids (YouTube) – From the creators of YouVersion, this is a great way to introduce biblical truths through fun, engaging videos. ➡️ Minno Kids (YouTube, Minno Streaming App) – Think of this as the “Christian Netflix” for kids, packed with wholesome, faith-filled shows. As parents, we know how hard it is to find shows and music that align with our values. I hope this helps make your search a little easier! Let me know if you have any other faith-based favorites! #faithbasedparenting #familyofgod #kidsbible #momof4kids #biblestoriesforkids #christianfamily #homeschoolmom #familyofgod #christiansofinstagram #christiancontent #christiancontentcreator #childofgod #rawmotherhood #christianyoutubers #sahmlife #momlife #mom #biblestories #christianmom #christianmomsofinstagram #christiankids #christianmomlife #toddlershows #christiangirly #faithbased