Mother’s Day Highs and Lows
As we all celebrate Mother’s Day, let us pay attention to the high’s and low’s we experience as moms. May we be compassionate toward those who have unknown stories.
It can be a difficult day or just another day.
Regret, sadness, and secrecy hidden among the smiles and pleasantries. The stress of single parenting or the long-term resentful marriage make Mother’s Day a challenge for some. It shows up as an aching heart that seems as physical as a stopped up drain in the throat.
All we see is the outward appearance. We turn away from those who don’t smile back and totally misinterpret another’s stern face.
We don’t know the journey of another.
- Mothers who lost their babies through abortion, miscarriage, still birth, or sudden infant death.
- Mothers who’ve placed their newborns for adoption.
- Mothers who experience rejection, unforgiveness, and estrangement from adult children.
- Mothers whose child has an addiction, or whose children are torn from divorce.
- Mothers whose children died through accident, suicide, or sickness.
- Daughters whose mothers have passed on leaving a void no one else can fill.
- Grandmothers who aren’t allowed relationship with grandchildren.
We see and relate or avoid and judge.
There’s a unknown story. Or there’s made up stories in our heads about others and ourselves.
We judge by our own limited understanding.
I recently re-read “Carry On Warrior” by Glennon Doyle Melton who’s become my hero and role model on several levels. She writes about the power of embracing your messy, beautiful life. Her term, brutiful describes how our lives can be both brutal and beautiful.
I resonate with her as a writer, a mother, a wife, and a courageous woman speaking truth in love. She’s one of the most authentic authors I’ve read. Even a second reading (audio listening) of her book brought tears to my eyes. She encourages me to listen to my soul and recognize God’s spirit in others.
How her story makes sense to me.
- We’re all beloved by God and our substance is divine.
- Some of her stories shed light on my own judgmental attitudes. I’ve had to repent of my boldness at confronting others and unknowingingly wounding them.
- I’m still working on listening and being open. It’s a life-long journey for me.
Whether joyful or dreadful on this day of celebration, let’s honor the untold stories of all mothers. Their lives matter. They’re life-givers, nurturers, and lovers. They’re wounded, guilt-ridden, and downtrodden. They’re worthy and lovable no matter what category they’re in.
Here’s my message to all mothers
You are a woman of dignity
You’re worthy to be loved and celebrated
You’re an overcomer
Your story matters
Carry On Warrior. Life is brutal and beautiful – as Glennon would say, brutiful.
Questions to Ponder
Who in your life honors your story?
What is one brave thing you can do to affirm your dignity?
Your Next Step: Get “Beyond Messy Relationships”