Intentional Parenting doesn’t look the same for every family–not now and not in biblical times.
For Mother’s Day and Father’s Day this year, I posted some observations on biblical mothers and fathers who didn’t fit the conventional molds.
Three Biblical Moms who “Owned” their Unconventional Roles
- Naomi: the mother-in-law role
- Hannah: the longed-for-and-lost role
- Eunice: the cross-cultural marriage role
These three mothers didn’t let their circumstances excuse them from raising children who loved and served God.
Three Biblical Dads who “Owned” their Unconventional Roles
- David: the substitute dad role
- Joseph: the stepfather role
- Paul: the spiritual father role
These very-real fathers looked beyond bloodlines to raise the next generation for God’s glory.

If you want to read more about each of these parents, click through to the original posts! I hope you are encouraged in your unconventional role or God leads you to encourage someone else in his/her role.
Are you particularly encouraged by one of these parents? Do you know of another awesome unconventional parent in the Bible? Please share your answers to either question in the comments below. I would love to make a collection of studies with present-day examples!