As a working mom, there’s a lot on my plate. Between juggling my career, caring for my son, managing a household, and still trying to take care of myself, there’s not always a lot of time to think deeply about things. But one thing that has remained a constant source of reflection for me is my son’s name. When my husband and I were choosing his name, we wanted something meaningful, something that would carry weight throughout his life. That’s when we decided on a biblical name. Biblical baby names carry such rich histories and powerful meanings that have been passed down for generations. They connect us to something greater, offering inspiration, guidance, and a sense of purpose. So, in this article, I’d like to share some beautiful biblical baby names with deep meanings and stories that have resonated with me as a working mom.
But beyond just the names, I’ll also touch on some real-life lessons I’ve learned as I balance the challenges of motherhood, work, and everything else in between. If you’re like me, trying to navigate the overwhelming pressure of modern life while being a loving and present parent, I hope my story can offer you some encouragement and practical advice.
1. Choosing the Right Name: Meaning Matters
When we were picking out a name for my son, we knew we wanted something that had meaning. After all, names are not just labels; they’re reflections of who we are and what we hope for in life. And the beauty of biblical names is that they come with stories — stories of faith, perseverance, love, and strength.
One of the names we considered was Ethan, which means “strong” or “firm” in Hebrew. The name reminded me of the strength I need every day to be both a mother and a professional. Another name we considered was Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.” It felt like a perfect reminder that no matter how challenging things may get, I’m never truly alone.
2. The Power of Stories: Connecting Our Children to Their Heritage
When my son grows up, I want him to know the story behind his name. It’s one of the many ways we, as parents, can help our children understand their roots and the values we hold dear. Biblical names are more than just beautiful words; they’re steeped in stories of courage, faith, and redemption. For example:
- Abigail – Meaning “my father’s joy,” Abigail is known in the Bible as a wise and resourceful woman. She was married to a man who was foolish and wicked, but she was known for her wisdom and quick thinking. I love how this name reminds me of the importance of wisdom and grace, especially when life throws curveballs.
- Isaiah – Meaning “salvation of the Lord,” Isaiah was a prophet who delivered messages of hope and salvation to the people of Israel. His name reminds me of the importance of hope in dark times, and how faith can carry us through even the toughest moments.
- Levi – Meaning “joined” or “attached,” Levi was one of the sons of Jacob, and his descendants became the Levites, a tribe known for their role in temple service. This name resonates with me because it speaks to the importance of community and being connected to those who share our values and beliefs.
Each of these names carries deep meaning, and they remind me of the strength and resilience I want to instill in my son as he grows. They also remind me of the power of stories and how, as mothers, we can pass on not just our love, but also a deep sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves.
3. The Struggle of Balancing Work and Family Life
Being a working mom is no easy task, and there are days when it feels like I’m barely keeping my head above water. From managing work deadlines to making sure my son is fed, dressed, and ready for school, there are days when I feel stretched thin. But one thing I’ve learned over time is that it’s okay to not be perfect. We can’t do it all, and that’s okay.
I think about the names we chose for our son, like Gabriel, which reminds me that I don’t have to do everything on my own. Just as Gabriel was supported by divine strength, I too can lean on others when I need help — whether it’s my husband, a family member, or a friend. Asking for help doesn’t make me weak; it makes me wise.
4. Time Management: The Key to Sanity
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a working mom is the importance of time management. Between work meetings, family dinners, grocery shopping, and making sure my son finishes his homework, time often feels like a luxury. I’ve had to become very intentional about how I use my time.
Here are a few practical time-management tips that have helped me maintain some sense of order:
- Set realistic goals: I used to have a habit of overloading my to-do list, which only made me feel overwhelmed. Now, I try to set small, achievable goals each day. Whether it’s spending an hour working on a project or reading a book with my son, I focus on what I can accomplish in the time I have.
- Prioritize self-care: This may sound counterintuitive, but taking care of myself is one of the most important things I can do for my family. Whether it’s taking a walk, reading a book, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes, I’ve learned that I’m more effective as a mom and a professional when I take care of my mental and physical health.
- Delegate when possible: I don’t have to do everything myself. Whether it’s having my husband pick up dinner on his way home or asking my son to help set the table, delegating tasks helps lighten my load and frees me up to focus on what matters most.
5. Overcoming Mom Guilt
Ah, mom guilt. It’s something every mom can relate to, especially working moms. I often feel torn between my responsibilities at work and my desire to be present for my son. There are days when I feel like I’m not doing enough for him, and that guilt weighs heavily on me.
But I’ve learned to challenge that guilt. I remind myself that being a working mom isn’t a choice between my career and my family — it’s about balancing both. I also try to focus on quality over quantity. It’s not about how many hours I spend with my son, but how fully present I am when I am with him. And sometimes, that means I have to give myself permission to be imperfect.
6. Self-Care: Taking Care of Yourself is Not Selfish
I’ll admit, I used to feel guilty about taking time for myself. But over time, I’ve learned that self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary. When I’m well-rested and mentally refreshed, I’m better able to care for my family and do my job effectively.
Here are some self-care strategies that work for me:
- Create quiet moments: Whether it’s waking up a few minutes earlier than everyone else or taking a break during lunch, I carve out small moments of peace throughout my day.
- Stay active: Exercise doesn’t have to be a big production. A quick walk or some yoga can help clear my mind and reduce stress.
- Connect with other moms: Being a mom can be isolating at times, but connecting with other working moms has been incredibly helpful. I’ve found that sharing experiences and advice helps me feel supported and less alone.
7. Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
For me, the key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance is learning to set boundaries. There was a time when I’d check work emails late into the night or skip family dinners to finish a project. But I’ve learned that nothing is more important than being present for my family.
Here’s what works for me:
- Set clear work hours: I’ve started setting boundaries on my workday, whether it’s leaving the office at a certain time or not checking emails after hours. This allows me to focus on my family without feeling like work is constantly hovering over me.
- Create family rituals: Whether it’s a weekly movie night or a Sunday morning breakfast, these rituals create a sense of consistency and help me stay connected to my son.
- Be kind to yourself: It’s easy to feel like you’re failing when things don’t go as planned. But I remind myself that I’m doing the best I can, and that’s enough.
Conclusion: You Are Doing Your Best
As working moms, we wear a lot of hats, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. I take strength from the names we’ve chosen for our son and the stories behind them — stories of strength, wisdom, and faith. These names are a reminder that we are part of something bigger, and that even on our hardest days, we’re not alone.
So, if you’re reading this and feeling like you’re struggling to keep up, take a deep breath. You are doing your best, and that’s enough. You are strong, you are capable, and you are making a difference in the lives of your children. Keep going, mama. You’ve got this.
I’m Zara Michell
