Grace-Filled Motherhood: Strength for the Journey with Stacey Shannon -

Motherhood is a journey, a beautiful, challenging, and often humbling path that transforms us in ways we never anticipated. Every season, from the sleepless nights with newborns to the busyness of managing school activities, teaches us something new. And in those moments, when we feel at our most exhausted or overwhelmed, there’s one thing we can always rely on—God’s grace.

In this episode of Praying with Victory, I had the incredible privilege of speaking with Stacey Shannon, the heart and soul behind Families with Grace. Stacey’s passion for encouraging Christian mothers shines through in everything she does. As a mom, writer, and advocate for grace-filled parenting, Stacey shares how prayer has been a lifeline for her, especially in the most challenging seasons of motherhood.

The Power of Prayer in the Everyday Struggles

Stacey’s journey in motherhood began with the raw and honest struggles that many of us face—endless nights with a newborn who refuses to sleep, the demands of caring for a toddler while trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. These early days were full of tiredness and frustration. Yet, Stacey recognized something profound: it was during these moments that she learned to turn to God, not with the polished, “I’ve got it all together” version of herself, but with the real, messy version—the one that needed God’s help more than ever.

“Sometimes, I can try to do it on my own first, and unsurprisingly, that does not work out,” Stacey shared. “And then I learned I can talk to Him with the big stuff and with the everyday needs.”

Through her personal journey, Stacey realized that prayer doesn’t have to be a grand or perfectly scripted event. It’s about turning to God in the everyday moments, in the deep places of our hearts where we feel broken or lost. Stacey describes these raw prayers as some of the most powerful moments of connection with God. In those times of desperation, when she had nothing left to give, God met her right where she was.

Giving Ourselves Grace

One of the most important lessons Stacey shared was the need for grace—grace for ourselves as moms, grace for the messy, and grace for the moments when we feel like we’re failing. Stacey wisely reminded us that spiritual growth and prayer are journeys, not destinations. We don’t have to have it all figured out, and that’s okay.

“Prayer and spiritual growth really are journeys with a learning curve,” Stacey said. “Even if we’ve been at it for decades, we’re still learning, we’re still figuring out, we’re still messing it up.”

As mothers, we can be our own harshest critics. It’s easy to look at the tasks ahead and think we have to be perfect, that we have to handle everything with ease. But, as Stacey pointed out, God does not expect perfection. He simply wants us to come to Him with open hearts and honesty. And when we mess up, He’s not angry. He loves us through it all.

The Importance of Prayer for Families

When I asked Stacey about the role prayer has played in her own spiritual journey, especially with her family, her answer resonated deeply. She shared how, from the very beginning of motherhood, she knew that prayer was essential to raising her family and maintaining her own peace of mind.

“Now even I look back on some of my early days as a mom… I could not have done that with my own strength, and I know that God was there with me,” she said. “Sometimes it’s just through those prayers like, ‘God, I don’t know what I’m doing, and I need your help.’”

I think many of us can relate to that feeling of being utterly depleted—when we’ve given all we have and just don’t know where to turn. But in those moments of complete surrender, when we have no more words to pray except, “Lord, help me,” that’s where God’s grace floods in.

A Call to Prayer for Today’s Moms

Whether you are a new mom just starting the journey or a seasoned mother navigating the challenges of raising older children, prayer can be a powerful tool for connection—not only to God but also to each other. Stacey’s ministry, Families with Grace, is an example of how mothers can come together in community, offering encouragement, wisdom, and prayer.

At the upcoming Praying with Victory Summit, Stacey will share her heart on the importance of praying for our families, and I know that her words will be a source of strength and inspiration to all who attend. Prayer is transformative—it gives us the strength to navigate life’s challenges and the courage to embrace each season with grace.

Final Thoughts: Prayer and Grace for the Journey

As I reflect on Stacey’s message, I’m reminded of how important it is to approach our motherhood with grace—not just for our children but also for ourselves. God’s love is not conditional, and neither should our love and expectations be for ourselves. We’re all on this journey together, and God is with us every step of the way.

A Prayer for Moms Everywhere

Lord,
Thank You for the gift of motherhood. Thank You for the unique journey each of us walks, filled with challenges, joys, and everything in between. I pray for every mom listening today—whether she is in the early stages of motherhood or walking through the teenage years. Lord, may she know the depth of Your love and grace in every season.
Help us to turn to You in our moments of weakness and exhaustion. Teach us to surrender our fears, our frustrations, and our doubts into Your hands. Remind us that we don’t have to do it all alone. You are with us, and You will never leave us.

Give us grace for ourselves as we give grace to our families. Strengthen our prayer lives and help us to trust You more with each passing day. May our homes be filled with Your peace, Your love, and Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As you continue on this motherhood journey, remember: You are not alone. God is with you, and His grace will always be sufficient. Keep praying, keep trusting, and keep loving—He’s got you!