Motherhood is life-changing, but it doesn’t mean you have to put all your dreams on hold. Today we’re highlighting a mom who is doing the hard work of both using her gifts and rocking motherhood. As our Strong Mothers series continues, we’re sharing how Kirsten Watson, a mom of seven, is making a difference.
Sharing Her Story
In 2018, while her husband, Benjamin Watson, was on the road in the middle of his NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens, Kirsten suffered a miscarriage. Four months later, she would again walk through the pain of pregnancy loss.
She shared with Medium, “I just kept asking the same question over and over again. Why me, God?” She shared the hardest thing was the guilt she felt for her grief. “I think that’s the hardest thing about experiencing a tragedy,” Kirsten says. “The isolation. We look at the people around us — the people online and the people on TV — and everyone else seems so happy that it makes us feel ashamed for being so sad.”
As she sat waiting at her doctor’s office for a follow-up appointment, she felt compelled to break her silence. She shared her experience, not knowing the wave of responses that would follow.
As I sit in a crowded room of pregnant women, I wait to see the doctor 2.5 weeks after my second miscarriage in 4 months.
I rest on 2 Corinthians 12:9. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
I know that I’m not alone in this room. The sadness of losing a baby has been felt by many women who live on without uttering a word about it. They suffer in silence. Today, right now, I rejoice with women who are carrying life within their bellies, and I cry with those who long for it.
Her transparency was met with hundreds of responses, many from women who had also walked through the pain of pregnancy loss, and suffered silently for years.
Kirsten shared with the Christian Post, “Those two miscarriages marked a very lonely time for both me and Benjamin,” she said. “Yet I knew that God is good, even through my miscarriages, and that was something I held onto during those days.”
A Voice of Encouragement
Today, Kirsten continues to use her platform to empower and encourage others. In her Facebook profile she writes, While the world is trying to convince us that we don’t have what it takes, God is whispering to us “You are essential and I made you beautiful.” He is telling us that true beauty comes from the inner part of us – our hearts.
She finds hope in her faith, and freely shares this hope with others. She is a testament to the fact that even while managing the care and education of their children, mothers have a meaningful impact that extends beyond their household.
Making a Difference
Kirsten and her husband founded the One More Foundation, an organization “devoted to spreading the love and hope to one more soul.’” She also recently served as executive producer of the film, “Divided Hearts of America.”
As a way to support local non-profit organizations, the Watsons also started the social media initiative #FreedomFridays.
On Monday, October 19, the Watsons launched their new podcast, Why or Why Not with the Watsons where they’re giving a behind-the-scenes look at their 15 years of marriage. They share a few laughs, insight to their parenting journey, and talk about what really matters in life.
If you look to Kirsten on social media, you can see she’s using her platform to encourage others. She’s shared her story with brave transparency. She tells what’s on her heart with authentic honesty: think before you post, love those you disagree with, and remember we can only get so far on our own.
Strong Mothers Need Each Other
We agree with Kirsten’s advice – there’s only so far we can get on our own. We all need a community of support. Contact us today to find out about our Connect Mentorship program and classes. You’ll be a part of an encouraging community that will help you grow and achieve your goals.
No matter what your situation is, you are not alone. We are here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Call and make a free appointment today.
Kacey Minor
Kacey is the Communications Assistant at The Pregnancy Network.