))
Motherhood Journeys: Finding Your Village
Manage episode 480157999 series 3356369
Content provided by Yanni Thomas. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Yanni Thomas or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
The journey of motherhood doesn't come with an instruction manual, but it does come with guides along the way. In this heartwarming conversation, host Yanni welcomes her great-aunt Mari Spivey Willis to share wisdom gleaned from raising two daughters and now cherishing five grandchildren.
Mari opens her heart about becoming a mother at 35, when she brought home her first daughter and thought, "Now what?" With disarming honesty, she reveals how she navigated the uncertainties of parenthood without a roadmap, relying instead on prayer, community support, and the examples set by her own parents. Her journey from business professional to educator—ultimately finding her calling teaching pregnant and parenting teens—prepared her uniquely to understand the challenges mothers face across different circumstances.
What shines throughout Mari's story is her unwavering belief in the power of the "village." In an age when parents often feel isolated, she reminds us how crucial extended family, teachers, church members, and neighbors are in raising children. "If they did it, you saw it, you disciplined it," she explains, describing a community where everyone took responsibility for guiding children without fear of parental backlash—a stark contrast to today's individualistic approach to child-rearing.
Her perspective on transitioning from motherhood to grandmotherhood offers particular delight. While she admits her concern for her adult daughters never diminishes, she's embraced the joy of being "Grammy"—the one who offers every flavor of Oreos, fruit snacks, and boundless love. For those beginning their motherhood journey, Mari offers gentle advice: be patient, protect your children fiercely, and cherish each fleeting season. And for those still waiting or unable to become biological mothers, she provides heartfelt encouragement to mother those who need additional love and guidance.
Listen in as Mari shares how faith deepened her mothering, how closed doors led to better opportunities, and why finding something to smile about every day matters—even during life's most challenging seasons. Whether you're a new mother, a seasoned grandmother, or simply someone who values the wisdom of those who've walked before you, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired to stand in your own truth.
Standing In Your Truth Podcast with Yanni Thomas
Chapters
1. Introducing the Loving on Moms Series (00:00:00)
2. Meet Mara: From Business to Teaching (00:01:35)
3. Motivation & Mental Health Practices (00:03:39)
4. Self-Care & Life-Shaping Advice (00:09:09)
5. The Journey of Motherhood (00:15:06)
6. The Importance of a Strong Village (00:25:27)
7. From Mother to Grandmother (00:33:38)
8. Closing Encouragement & Final Thoughts (00:43:18)
51 episodes
Share
