Motherhood, Ministry & Legacy

Natasha Bennett
Dec 31, 2024
6 min read

Hello, Prayer Closet Warriors!

I know, I know—it’s been way too long since my last blog post! Some of you might have been wondering, “When’s the next one coming?” (lol).

Life has been a whirlwind, and while I’ve missed a few months of writing, I couldn’t let this year end without pausing to share a word of encouragement and reflect on what God has been doing in my life on this journey.

This year has been full of lessons, unexpected blessings, and even challenges that stretched my faith in ways I didn’t see coming.

As I reflect on how these last few months have been, I want to wrap it up with this:

On December 15, I had the honor of preaching alongside my two incredible sisters, Annette Hall and Nakema Arrington, at our church home, Wellspring Global Fellowship. When I was asked, I immediately felt an overwhelming sense of, “OK, this is happening!”

Now, you might be thinking, “Girl, by now those nerves should be gone!” But let me tell you—they aren’t, and honestly, I’m glad they’re not. Why? Because every time God calls me to pray, speak, or minister, it humbles me and reminds me of the weight of the assignment. It’s a task I can’t possibly accomplish in my own strength—I absolutely need Him right beside me, guiding every word and every step. I don’t take any opportunity to stand before His people lightly.

During service, I was literally shaking like a leaf. I was both cold (which is normal for me) but I was also extremely nervous.

I kept closing my eyes, taking deep breaths, and asking Abba to be present, to speak through me, and to calm me down. I was definitely feeling the weight of the assignment pressing down on me. As the time for my turn to speak drew closer, the anxiety became a little more intense, but I kept give it to God and did my best to stay composed.

Then, just before it was my time to preach, Jiraiya—who had been sitting nearby—stood up and walked right over to me. He looked up at me and asked if I could pick him up and sit him on my lap. Without hesitation, I scooped him up, and he settled in with his iPad in hand. As we listened to MIT Nakema, who was preaching before me, Jiraiya kept glancing up at me, gently rubbing my cheek— he’s done this since he was a baby, and it has always brought me reassurance, comfort, and a deep sense of peace and calm.

It’s funny, because I had this sense that Jiraiya would end up next to me at some point during the service—I just didn’t know when. And of course, God sent him to me exactly when I needed him most. For a split second, I found myself wondering why no one tried to stop him when he walked from his seat to mine, and in that moment, Abba whispered, “Because I sent him.”

Isn’t it beautiful that God cares about the smallest details of our lives, even the ones that might seem insignificant to others? He knew exactly what I needed in that moment, and He provided it through JJ. I also love that my church members didn’t try to stop him. Why? Because I believe they recognized that Jiraiya had an assignment in that moment. They might not have known exactly what it was, but they gave him the space to carry it out. When the church creates space for children to be present and engaged (which my church has done), we open ourselves up to the fullness of what God wants to do.

Often, many think of ministry as something reserved for adults, but God’s work isn’t limited by age. Children are not just the future of the church; they are active participants in God’s kingdom. Their hearts are open, their spirits are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and they are vessels through which God can move in profound ways. Just as He used JJ to calm me, He uses children to remind us of His tenderness, His love, His correction, and His ability to work through anyone, regardless of age or size.

Children are full of wonder, faith, and trust in ways that adults can sometimes lose sight of. Their simple acts of obedience and love often speak louder than any words could. We’re reminded that the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like little children (Matthew 18:3), and in moments like these, we see that truth come to life.

A few years ago, God gave me a dream where He showed me myself preaching behind a pulpit with my children right beside me. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the significance of the dream, but God is setting the foundation for what this will look like in the future.

Even though it’s just me and JJ right now, this is a beautiful picture of what’s to come—a reminder that God’s promises are being woven into the fabric of our lives, even when we don’t see the full picture yet.

The dream wasn’t just about me standing in front of a congregation; it was about doing so while being the example my children need to see. It’s about walking fully into the person God has called me to be—not only as a mother but also as a minister of the gospel, a servant, a prophet, and every other role He has entrusted to me. Modeling for my children what it looks like to live a life fully surrendered to God’s purpose.

As JJ continues to grow, his role in this journey will expand, and as I continue to grow, so will mine. I’m trusting in the One who assigned each role, knowing that He has a perfect plan for every step. The foundation is being laid now, not only for me as a mother and minister but also for my children to see, understand, and step into the calling God has for them as well.

I want to encourage all the mamas out there right now—and not just those who have physically given birth. Let me tell you, I was a mother before I ever became a mother. God placed a nurturing heart and calling in me long before I held my child in my arms. Whether you are a mother by birth, adoption, through fostering, or even through spiritual or emotional nurturing, your role is just as significant. And to the mothers who have experienced the loss of a child, your motherhood is just as real and just as powerful.

God has given each of you a dream, a vision, or a purpose, and He has uniquely equipped you to walk in it. Maybe you’re holding onto something that feels big, overwhelming, or even impossible. But I want to remind you that God doesn’t give us dreams without also equipping us for the journey ahead. He has called you to be a mother, but He has also called you to fulfill the purpose and vision He’s placed on your heart. You are not just raising children—you are raising a legacy, and the dreams He’s given you are a part of that legacy, whether you are holding your child in your arms or carrying their memory in your heart.

Don’t underestimate the power of your influence, not just over your children but over the world around you. Your obedience, your faith, and your willingness to step into your calling are foundational for what God is doing in and through you. Know that every prayer, every decision, and every sacrifice is part of a bigger picture that He is weaving together. Trust that He will provide everything you need to bring His plans to fruition.

Deu 6:6-7

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Deu 7:9

”Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Psalm 127:3-5

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.”

Prov 31:28-29

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Happy New Years Eve!!!

Love Always,

Natasha “The Prayer Closet Mama”