A monthly spotlight to celebrate real motherhood, anchored in grace.
Sylvia Parker has served as a Mentor Mom for two years, worshiping alongside her husband of 28 years, Greg, at Austin Baptist Church. Together they’re cheering on three young adult children, ages 24, 21½, and 20, with two engagements to celebrate!
🧡 Her Calling
What drew you to the Mentor Mom role, and what made you say yes?
I had a couple of mentors when I was in the midst of raising my children, and they were a true blessing to me, so I wanted to pay it forward.
How would you describe what a Mentor Mom actually does, in your own words?
A Mentor Mom listens with an open heart and prepares through Scripture and prayer to hopefully have an answer, or just a shoulder when things seem overwhelming for our mommas.
What has surprised you most about mentoring other moms?
It’s truly a blessing to be trusted with the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ve also been able to tell our young moms that a lot of what they go through is not just something they’ve experienced. Many have been down that road too, before.
📖 Faith & Scripture
Is there a passage of Scripture that anchors you in this season of life or ministry?
Jeremiah 17:7: Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.’ (ESV) Anything that happens in life can be trusted in the Lord’s hands. He has never failed us even when it gets really difficult.
How has serving as a Mentor Mom deepened your own walk with God?
It’s helped me ‘listen’ better to God’s calling because of my experiences in trying to listen well when our young moms have concerns or questions.
What’s one truth from Scripture you find yourself returning to again and again with the moms you mentor?
Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. If we acknowledge Him, He will direct our paths. Proverbs 3:5–6
🌱 Wisdom for Moms
What’s the one thing you most want moms in the thick of it to hear right now?
Do not carry it in silence. Talk to at least one trusted friend, or mentor, and allow them to minister to you.
How do you help moms extend grace to themselves when they feel like they’re falling short?
I remind them of how many times the Lord has been gracious with us when we don’t deserve it. If He can give us grace as sinners, we can definitely give ourselves grace as moms and wives, etc.
What’s a practical rhythm or habit that has helped your family keep Christ at the center?
Even though our children are now adults, we’ve always instilled, as a family, to pray about any situation. It can be big or small, God cares about all of it.
🌸 Her Story
Can you share a moment when you had to trust God with something beyond your control? What did that teach you?
My husband lost his job to a layoff at the beginning of Jan. ’09. He didn’t find a full-time job for almost two years. It was a long two years, but as a family, we saw God provide in so many amazing ways! We continued to tithe during that time, too. He was faithful because I tried to stay faithful.
What does bold, everyday faith look like in your life right now?
I never miss a chance to share what God is teaching me or where I’ve seen Him show up in my life.
What’s filling your heart with joy in this season of life?
Preparing for two weddings! (Fall 2026 + Summer 2027) And really enjoying watching my kids grow into what the Lord is calling them to do.
📘 A Word for Our Community
Is there a scripture, prayer, or blessing you’d like to leave with other moms?
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, give you peace. Amen. Numbers 6:24–26
