Motherhood and Spirituality?

Nope. Still an atheist.

For me, it was the opposite.

I went in as an open-minded Christian (meaning that I did believe the bible, but I also believed in more metaphysical stuff.) but not going to any church. I'm 4 years "in", and my faith has dwindled to non-Christian agnosticism. I do not believe the bible or the Christian version of God to be true. I still believe that there *could* be a greater being (or beings) out there; but if they do exist, I don't think they are as vested in our lives as religious people like to think.

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with becoming a mother, or just the natural progression of my feelings on the matter.

No. I've always believed in God. Being a mother has just reaffirmed my beliefs.

One example...my middle son had open heart surgery when he was 11 days old. There were complications and he was placed on life-support. His surgeon flat out said he did not know how Jack was still alive. He said there is NO scientific/medical reason he should still be here. He said it was a miracle. He came off life support and survived two more open heart surgeries.

Motherhood specifically? No.

Maturity, natural progression, and life itself - Yes.

Wow! Great question. Thought about this the other day. I've always been a Christian but in trials since motherhood I am now a bible thumper! :) Don't know where I'd be without Him...

Nope. Agnostic (secular humanist if you like) prior to motherhood, still agnostic.

Yes.
Now I'm the Mommy Goddess.
The fixer of boos boos with a bunch of kisses and snuggles.
The filler of hungry tummies and comforter of the sick (even if they are barfing down the front of my nightgown).
The reader of awesome stories (even if they are the same story requested again and again and yet again).

I don't think I know anyone who doesn't see God in a different way after parenthood.

Good introspective question.

I accepted Christ's sacrificial death and my pardon, many years ago. That relationship has always remained constant but my walk in faith has deepened with motherhood. I too, have counted the miracle of birth as an eye opening peek into the nature of God. I grew in faith as I encountered His grace, as well as his chasening hand sometimes. I deepened my walk as I worked to change my behavior that would harm my family or found my last bit of patience with my H or struggled with stages of childhood development.You think you pray now? Just wait till they get in middle school and high school!

There came a time when my prayer life changed significantly. My mother was always my family's prayer warrior. I started to prayer journal a few months before she had a terrible stroke. Those beginning prayers consisted of a sentence of praise (it centers you), a sentence of confession, a sentence of thanksgiving, one of intercession and one for circumstances in my life. Those words and petitions to God exploded with my mothers sickness. I LEARNED to pray when the need was greatest. I continued my prayers through her death and my kid's years in the older grades. I don't neglect it now.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

Find a good Beth Moore study you like and dive right it!

I was raised Catholic, went to a Catholic grade school, a Catholic high school, public university for undergrad and taught math at both Catholic and public high schools before going to a Catholic university for my Master's degree in theology. I used to work for the Catholic Church, before I became a mom. I'm back to teaching math, but this time at a university. Thank God! I was not a good high school teacher. Love my job now :-)

I would have to say that every phase of my life has forced me to reevaluate my faith. Sometimes my faith life is fine and easy go lucky. Other times it is a daily struggle. But, it's my faith life that I depend on when things are tough. I often refer to my first year as a mom as the absolute, without a doubt, most difficult thing I have ever done!!! Ok, I'm crying just thinking about it, and my oldest will be turning 8 this summer.

I love the phrase "Motherhood. It ain't for the faint of heart!"

Last March my SIL and I attended a Hearts at Home Conference (Christian based) in Bloomington, IL. That was amazing! It was huge. There were keynote speakers, a comedian, a band and workshops. I can't tell you the number of times something said by a keynote speaker either brought us to tears or made us laugh so hard we almost peed our pants. But what an amazing way for us to take a break from our lives but also renew our spirit as moms.

I have always been a Christian. There were some times when it was a real struggle to have faith. But I also don't know where I would be without it.

My prayer life tends to really, really focus on me. How can I do this better? How can I be a better mom? How can I see things more clearly or be more patient or my compassionate or more wise. I tend to seek out scripture readings that help me with those things. I strongly believe that prayer changes us, because praying helps us figure out what they heck it is that's really weighing us down or what is really going on. It helps us to focus. Now, I'm not saying that's all it does, but that's a biggy for me.

But, yes, motherhood has altered my faith life is many, many ways.

I've been through different phases about it. I've always believed in God in a non-religious way. Well, actually when I was a little kid I believed in the church way my parents taught me of course. But not once I got older. If anything I acknowledge and respect different religions more now so that I can teach my kids about the various faiths in history and among fellow humans so they aren't ignorant bigots when they grow up. It's also important to me that they know I believe in God and many of my friends don't, so they can formulate their own beliefs when they are older and not feel like either choice should be looked down upon or disrespected.