Stretch Marks as Testimony and Sacrifice

When motherhood feels more like a thousand little deaths to self than the glossy highlight reel on Instagram, is it really worth it?

In this episode, I’m joined by my friend Abby Halberstadt, better known as M is for Mama, to talk about her new book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls. Abby is a mom of 10, a fitness instructor, and a deeply theologically grounded voice speaking into the chaos of modern motherhood. Together we tackle comparison, cultural backlash, “honest motherhood,” and what it really means to live as a faithful, joyful mom in a world that often treats children like a burden instead of a blessing.

We talk about:

Why our “marks” (stretch marks, scars, sleepless nights, and hidden sacrifices) can be beautiful testimonies of love, not flaws to hide

How to push back against a culture that normalizes complaining, victimhood, and joking about hating motherhood

The difference between rejoicing in all things and enjoying all things

How our words, attitudes, and even facial expressions shape the spiritual atmosphere of our homes

Comparison, social media, and what to do when people accuse you of being “fake,” “toxic positive,” or “doing it for the ’gram”

Training our kids with a long view of legacy parenting—seeing everyday faithfulness as an investment in generations we may never meet

Why obedience to Christ in the hidden, thankless moments is always worth it, even when our feelings lag behind our theology

Abby also shares personal stories of suffering, health struggles, miscarriages, and how God’s kindness and sovereignty sustained her through it all. If you’re a mom who’s tired, discouraged, or tempted to believe the lie that you’re “not enough,” this conversation is for you.

???? Resources mentioned:

Abby’s book: You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls

Abby online: @m.is.for.mama on Instagram and the M is for Mama podcast

If this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with a tired mom friend who needs to be reminded that her quiet, daily faithfulness really does matter—and yes, it’s worth it.

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