Month: May 2016

Grateful

 

There comes a time when you look back and you realize how different life is from a year ago.

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New breath. Refreshment. Life. Growing dreams. Hope. Excitement for what is ahead.

There are times where I miss Mom and the way family used to be so much that it takes my breath away for a second. But God does not want any of us to live in the past or the future (Pastor Callie hit it on the head this weekend)! He has been helping me enjoy the moment. He has been helping me to let go of the pain so that I can hold onto him. Each time that I do this I am able to see how he views me, those close to me, and those I have yet to meet.

The love in my heart for my sweet comforter has taken on a new form. It is something that is very hard to explain. What I thought I had lost forever he has given back to me. I am living my dream right now. It has already begun. I am surrounded by so much love.

My heart overflows with gratefulness! I sit in awe and wonder at his love and goodness. I pray that I will always choose him and always choose love. I pray that I will always remain humble and faithful even as success comes and dreams come true. He deserves every part of me. He deserves all of the glory.

He is the one who has done all the great work in me!

 
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Grab The Tissues And Be You

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Mother’s Day.

It is a day of blessing for some but dreaded by many others.

This is a post I wish I had been able to read years ago when many often snubbed me once people found out that my daughter did not come from my own womb. I have experienced labor pains unknown to many. I have wept in the secret. I have loved fiercely and continue to even when it is hard.

I am writing to all those today that are often overlooked. The name or title of “Mom” has many other titles.

If you are a foster Mom, adoptive Mom, a Stepmom, an Aunt, Nanny, and/or are barren: God sees you. He knows that this weekend is hard for you. Do not feel less than just because you have not given birth. I know plenty of women who have given birth that have done nothing close to being awarded Mom status. In many ways, it is about your heart for that is where God births Mom’s to begin with.

For those who Mother a child who is not of your bloodline: because of what Jesus did on the cross, his blood erased man-made bloodlines to form a family all together different. This child is yours. And you are their Mother. Never doubt what God has formed in your heart even though it never formed in your womb.

God births Mom’s. He does not care whether your womb has been full or empty for he forms families differently than we often acknowledge.

You are needed. I know the pain you must feel when someone asks you when you are going to have your own or when they make remarks that unknowingly discount your vital role of being Mom. Your kids need you. Your nieces and nephews need you, as well as the kids you nanny. The kids in the nursery, toddler classes, and kindergarten through 5th grade on Sundays need you. There will be more kids that will need you. The world needs your example for your love is a glimpse of agape (unconditional, God love).

You are valued. Whether or not you are acknowledged or thanked often, you are changing the life of a beautiful soul that thinks the world of you. God sees everything you do and how you love even when it is hard. Your Momma heart has a greater influence than you will ever know.

If Mother’s day is hard for you, go ahead and grab those tissues and cry. But never stop being you. Keep loving fiercely, giving sacrificially, and extending mercy and grace to those who do not deserve it. Never doubt who you are. You are mighty. You are Mom. God made it so and nothing can change that.

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(Missing my Mom who taught me how to be one. I need a new tissue box!)