Sponsored post. This post also contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclosure here.
When Sinsimilla sent me her book, Not Just a Mother: How God Uses Parenthood as Kingdom Purpose. I was excited because it was right up my street, as it was written by a Black author with themes of faith, motherhood and family.
From her story of waiting through infertility to discovering the ministry of motherhood and fostering, her story is honest, relatable and interwoven with scriptural references. Sinsimilla’s journey is a beautiful reminder that God’s plans are always at work.
As a mum raising children in the diaspora, it’s easy to lose sight of your identity beyond ‘mum’. But what if motherhood is meant to reveal a bigger purpose? That’s the heart of Sinsimilla’s book.
In this interview, we explore faith, family, stereotypes, and how motherhood, with all its challenges and joys, can become a powerful kingdom calling.
So, grab a cup of tea and join me as we dive into Sinsimilla’s inspiring story.
About The Author
Sinsimilla Osei is a wife, mum of four, foster carer, and author of Not Just A Mother: How God Uses Parenthood as Kingdom Purpose.
Her journey began with a longing for motherhood and evolved into a deeper understanding that parenting is a divine calling, not a detour from one’s purpose.
In her book, she invites readers to see everyday moments such as changing nappies, school runs, and bedtime prayers as meaningful acts of service, helping others recognise the purpose and faith woven into daily family life.
Check out Not Just A Mother: How God Uses Parenthood As Kingdom Purpose.
Not Just A Mother- An Interview With Author Sinsimilla
What inspired you to write Not Just A Mother?
That’s a question I hear often, and my answer surprises people. I never planned to write this book!
I’ve always enjoyed reading, but never saw myself as an author. It happened quite unexpectedly, on my birthday, while spending quiet time with my family in the countryside. I found myself reflecting on my journey as I watched my children play.
I felt compelled to write down my experiences not just as a testimony, but to shed light on the real challenges of motherhood, such as feelings of inadequacy and questioning my worth, especially as a Christian. People might see me as “just a mum,” but I’ve come to realise that raising my children is meaningful work.
Whether they’re mine biologically or spiritually, I believe God entrusted them to me for a reason, to prepare them to go out into the world and make a difference. That perspective helped me appreciate my role, even when others didn’t always see its value.
For instance, when I was asked to serve in the church nursery, it seemed like a small task, but I now understand the significance of nurturing young lives.
How did you handle the pressure to start a family, especially when faith was tested by delays?
I detailed in my book how I felt during the early stages of my marriage. We did all the medical tests, and nothing was wrong, yet each month of waiting became harder. Watching our wedding video brought reminders and expectations that weighed on me.
I always say, when I look back now, “that was some of the darkest times for me, because I couldn’t see any other way that this was going to happen”. The turning point came through a dream that changed everything for me. I realised my faith in God didn’t guarantee specific outcomes.
I needed to trust him and live in the present, rather than obsess over what I was still waiting for. I began to realise that my view of motherhood and me having my own children, was slightly mistaken.
Supporting a close friend during her pregnancy also opened my eyes. I helped her care for her child and saw that motherhood isn’t just about biology. It’s about nurturing anyone who needs guidance and love, whether that’s in my home, my church, or my community.
Fostering isn’t common in many Black and faith communities. Why did you choose this path, and what do you wish more people understood?
I am the person in my church who’s always speaking to somebody about fostering. This is because fostering has been close to my heart since childhood.
When I was in primary school in the UK. My friend, a Nigerian boy, did not return to school in year five. I later found out he’d been placed in foster care because he wasn’t being properly looked after. Looking back, I remember little things, like him not having lunch or basic supplies. That experience stuck with me.
As I grew older, I kept researching fostering, even looking into its legal side while studying law at university. When I got married, I told my husband that fostering was something I wanted to do, and thankfully, he felt the same. We often laugh about how we were both so clear about it from the start. And now, it’s become a family thing as my husband’s parents and aunt are also foster carers.
Some of the biggest misconceptions in fostering are that people foster for the money. Others think it’s only for certain kinds of people or that the children are challenging.
In reality, fostering is about opening your heart and home to children who need stability and support. My children have embraced fostering and explain to their friends that the children’s parents are not able to look after them right now.
We have been fostering for five years, and it has been beautiful, and I would not change a thing.
Society often stereotypes large families as being overwhelming or costly. How do you address these remarks, and what advice do you have for parents who feel judged for having a big family?
My best advice is to start seeing those comments as an opportunity to reshape somebody’s mind on large families. Try to use those moments to offer encouragement and shift perspectives.
A kind conversation can lift a parent’s spirits and remind them they’re doing important work. If you think a family is struggling, don’t judge; offer practical help or advice.
If you’re concerned about their finances, share ideas or support instead of criticism. It is small acts of kindness and understanding, rather than judgment, that truly make a difference.
In your book, you mention motherhood as ministry; that’s powerful! How can busy parents see their daily routines as meaningful ministry
It’s easy to feel like parenting is just a series of tasks. School runs, making meals, tidying up. But I started seeing things differently when I looked at people in ministry. Like my pastor and his wife, whose small, daily acts create lasting impact.
It made me realise that what I’m doing isn’t so different because somebody had to raise people like Billy Graham and Martin Luther, who made a big impact to the world.
Now, I try to view each school run or meal as a chance to build my child’s purpose. I’ve learnt that raising children is a real calling. We may not control the outcome, but we can surround our kids with love and faith and guide them through everyday moments.
Simple things like baking together or playing with Play-Doh become meaningful when you are doing this with intention and love.
What advice would you give to women who are currently waiting and feel like God is silent?
I know how hard it can be to wait on God, not just in motherhood but in life. My first piece of advice: don’t stop seeking Him, even when He seems silent. It’s easy to go quiet and try to solve things on your own.
I used to get tired of hearing “pray without ceasing”, but I’ve learnt it’s true. Be persistent, like Jacob wrestling with the angel; don’t give up until you get your answer. In my experience, God always responds, even if it takes time.
Secondly, remind yourself why you chose to follow God in the first place. If you trusted Him before, trust Him now, even when it’s tough. From my own ups and downs, I’ve learnt it’s better to keep waiting and holding on to faith than to give up. Even when God feels silent, keep reading His word and stay connected.
In Not Just A Mother, you share how you receive revelations through dreams. How do you keep your relationship with God strong so your gift doesn’t become a burden?
Honestly, it isn’t always easy; I’ve felt that weight. But I’ve learnt my relationship with God must come first. That daily connection, especially through prayer and reading His word, keeps me grounded.
Even when life is busy, I take time to spend with God each day. The more I lean on him, the lighter the gift feels.
Spiritual gifts are meant to help others, but you need to keep growing in your faith to use them well. Staying close to God is what keeps my gift from feeling overwhelming.
Finally, what’s one what I call “Naija UK Mum moment” you’ve had recently? That hilarious or unexpected experience that reminds you you’re definitely raising kids in diaspora?
Oh, this just happened today! Before this interview, we had stew with yam, plantain, and Jamaican dumplings.
My youngest daughter said, “I don’t like plantain,” and my eldest son tasted a dumpling and asked, “What is this?”
I just looked at my husband and shook my head. “These are kids who’ve spent a lot of time in Ghana”! It was a funny moment, and one that I’m going to use.
Conclusion
I love how “Not Just a Mother” reminded us that, no matter what season we are in our parenting journey, God is working behind the scenes.
Whether you’re a mum of one or many, your parenting is a ministry. You’re shaping lives, carrying purpose, and partnering with God every day. Even through those messy, unplanned, noisy and chaotic mornings before the school run!
If you’ve ever questioned your worth as a mother or felt like your journey doesn’t fit the usual mould, this book will bless you deeply.
Grab your copy of Not Just A Mother: How God Uses Parenthood As Kingdom Purpose today. It’s a must-read for every parent, especially Christian parents navigating life in the diaspora.
You can connect with the author Sinsimilla on:
Instagram: @Sinsimilla_Osei
Email: sinsimilla-osei@hotmail.com
Very insightful and informative. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Chichi. Not Just A Mother is a very interesting and relatable book.