Kimberly Wardell, who spoke on the “Bonus Moms and Blended Families” panel discussion at this month’s Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust” Summit, has always had a passion for her community and has frequently been involved in outreach; including building youth conferences from the ground up, traveling the globe on a speaking platform and serving communities abroad. Drawing on her experiences from a years-long ministry working with homeless and poor people, her skills as a co-host for a hard-hitting online news broadcast, and her current focus hosting a podcast and traveling; Wardell believes “Everyone has a story—we just need to listen.”
In our Q&A Wardell discusses being a stepparent, her views on how the challenges and expectations of women and motherhood have changed, the importance of knowing which advice to take to heart, keeping in mind what truly matters, and supporting one another.
What inspired you to join Amplifying Her Voice for Mother’s Day?
Being a stepparent is the hardest thing I have ever done (and I have done some hard things). Perhaps by sharing my story, I can help others avoid a few pitfalls and encourage others at the same time. It’s hard and it can be very challenging, but it can have its rewards as well
What most drives and motivates you each day?
I am motivated by knowing that God has a plan for me and has given me gifts and talents to speak and teach. If he gave me this desire and gift, then there has to be someone out there that will benefit from it.
What cause, company, group, or movement are you a part of that you would like to share with us?
I am the founder of Developing Your Inner Excellence, where I travel and teach and speak on how Scripture can be used in our life today, and This Is Your City podcast, where I interview amazing people around the world and discuss various topics.
What do you think are some of the most pressing issues facing moms, families, and caregivers today?
I think the biggest challenge is keeping the family together in an ever-increasing self-centered world. The social media era requires thought and creativity to hold the family unit together.
How do you think issues like poverty, violence, racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with motherhood and with being a woman?
Oh boy, I know we have come a long way, but we still have so much work to do. As a woman, we are typically the primary caregiver to our children, aging parents and are for some reason still seen as secondhand citizens in far too many places in the world. Women tend to have less education in some parts of the world as they take care of the family. Women have less assets as the male counterpart are the only ones privy to inheritances, or land and property. If we can change the mentality, we can lessen so many issues facing women today.
How do you feel being a mother is different now than it was in the past? What do you hope will change in the future?
I think being a mother is harder now. Parental rights are more limited, there are more issues with our children with social media and the disconnect that comes with that. Less communication within the family as a double income is needed more than ever to pay the bills and provide the ever-increasing demand to have “stuff.” We have to deal with so much more mental health issues in our children than ever before. The fall of the family unit is making being a mother more difficult than ever.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Don’t listen to all of the advice you will receive. That was the best advice. Take what you need to grow and better you and your family and leave the rest because each family unit and each situation is different and requires different responses.
What is something you would like to share with the next generation?
Try. As hard as it may seem, try to love others above yourself, learn and listen to the wisdom of others who have been there. No man is an island—we need each other, and it’s OK to be different. Embrace it. Who wants to be so boring as to be just like all the rest?
Who inspired you as a child or young person, and how do you work to inspire the next generation now?
A teacher. She was loving and caring and professional and truly wanted to help her students be the best they could be. I try to show the next generation that what is inside of them is what matters, not the external. Character is what matters. Who you are deep in your spirit is what matters, not you bank account, or which area of town you live in, or what church you attend or how many “friends” or “likes” you have on social media. Integrity is everything.
What do you think is the most important thing for women to keep in mind in terms of caring for themselves?
You can’t do it all. Though we are superheroes and super women, we need to rely on one another. Take time for you, so that you don’t lose you in all of the noise and chaos.
What are your views on “work-life balance” for women? How should women handle the obligations of both professional and family life, and what messages does it send to the next generation?
A balance is a MUST. Do not neglect your family just to move up the corporate ladder. Jobs can change; your family needs you. It is ok to have both—sometimes it is needed for financial reasons or to keep your sanity. If you cannot balance both, choose your family.
What advice would you like to share with girls and women looking to achieve their dreams and lift up one another?
Remember that people are not objects. We do not use them. We need to see each other as building blocks and not stepping stones. We can achieve anything! Women are the most fragile, beautiful, strongest creatures out there! We have way too much against us out in the world already; we should not add to that pressure. Rather, girls should be kind to each other. Build each other up. Be the strong tower and place of refuge for one another—not a knife in someone’s back.
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We’re so grateful to Kimberly Wardell for bringing her experience, perspective, and voice to our summit. Keep watching this space to learn more about the perspectives of the amazing women who spoke at Amplifying Her Voice “In Moms We Trust,” and stay tuned for our next global event!
