When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees: Where Gritty Meets Glorious in God’s Eternal Plan for Moms

Several years ago, Shalene Roberts sat with her two young children under the age of three, wrestling with thoughts about motherhood and wondering why it was so desperately hard. Pulling out her phone, she poured out her thoughts in a blog post entitled “When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees.” Unexpectedly, those honest musings went viral, and that heartfelt post has had more than 630,000 views.

Now a mother of five, Shalene understands that women everywhere struggle with the all-consuming service of motherhood―feeling unseen and underappreciated. Even those whose motherhood ride has been fairly smooth may wonder if what they’re doing is making any difference. The words in Shalene’s post gave voice to these questions. And it was out of that post that this book was born.

You may be a younger mom or an older mom, a mom of toddlers or teens. The children you care for may be biological, adoptive, foster, or grandchildren. In When Mothering Is Hard and No One Sees, you will feel seen for your own motherhood struggles and challenges. This book helps you gain a new sense of how God views you as you move toward the hope He has revealed to Shalene: a bigger picture of being a mom with an impact that ripples throughout eternity. In creation and in redemption, you were made―and remade―to mother.

In these pages, you will discover…

  • God’s original design for motherhood
  • Your position as a daughter of the King, elevating your motherhood role
  • The assurance of abundant forgiveness for mistakes and failures
  • How God has uniquely equipped you for this sacred role―with your specific children
  • How to find true rest amid the never-ending demands

When mothering is hard…God sees. And He will take you from the gritty to the glorious in your journey as a mom.

About the Author

Shalene Roberts

Shalene Roberts is a wife, mom to five, author and former magazine editor. Her most recent book, When Mothering is Hard and No One Sees released in April 2026 with Whitaker House Publishers. She is also the author of the heartwarming children’s book, Bruce the Brave and the owner of Lily & Loom Vintage Rugs. She seeks to encourage women to anchor in Christ, nurture grace-filled families and foster life-giving home. Connect with her at shaleneroberts.com or on IG @ShaleneRobertsBlog.

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