Love the Lord your God with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, and with every thought that is within you…love your neighbor as yourself.
(Matthew 22:37-39TPT, NKJV paraphrased).
Momma,
Think way back to the time you had looked in the mirror—the time when the reflection you saw reminded you that I had invaded your frame.
You smiled but sighed often, internally questioning if your little neighbor’s growing presence would mark your body. You had heard your share of all the “momma stories.”
You eagerly awaited my arrival; yet, the constant change to your body alerted you that life would also take on a different shape, a different urgency. You hoped with great expectation.
My innermost being had been created and so intricately knitted together (Psalms 139: 13). I was created by Love, created in love.
As individual are snowflakes that fall from the sky, God individually chose and called you to be my Momma. And He set me apart and fashioned me for you (Jeremiah 1:5).
He knew no one else was better suited than you and you took that calling to heart.
I heard your sincerity when you prayed; you wanted to do right by the Lord and by me. Every day you demonstrated your nature—a nature that imitated God.
You had given up so many things—a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)! You ensured the sounds I heard resonated love, peace, and joy. You sang melodies that gave praise and witness to His goodness (Psalms 136:1).
In ways you didn’t fully realize, you glorified God by how you cared for your little neighbor.
And before I made landfall, you had already loved me.
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You invited me to join you in dance as you proclaimed the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). My feet may not have had rhythm or finesse but you swooped me up into your arms and told me I was the best dancer.
You were aware of the darkness that I had arrived into—a world in its fallen state. But you endeavored to do life with the tools of grace which provided me the building blocks of faith. I grew to witness your comings and goings, determined to imitate you (Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1).
At times I was the recipient of not-so-pleasant discipline and correction when my actions went beyond the boundaries you had set (Hebrews 12:11). Much-needed training (as you called it) would keep me on the straight and narrow (Proverbs 22:6); and from which bore peaceable fruit. Fruits of love, kindness and forgiveness that enabled me to extend the same to friends and strangers—my neighbors.
And as I grew in grace and stature, you loved me.
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You were like the faithful Sower, continually sowing seeds into my life. Seeds you had admonished me to watch over and not allow to fall on stony ground; however, some did (Matthew 13:5). But like the reckless one in Luke 15:11-32, my ways found me returning to you. And upon my return I was welcomed with open arms, kisses and with celebration. You nursed me with encouragement, edification and forgiveness.
You reminded me who I was and to Whom I belonged. Reconciliation was the awesome gift you gave and you positioned me just as I had never sinned (Romans 5:1). You didn’t let me go to the wayside; you were my Good Samaritan taking extra care of your neighbor (Luke 10:29-37).
Oh, how you cared and loved me.
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Today, I am reminding you how beautifully you loved, how intentionally you bore the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). You showed me how to cultivate relationship with Him so that I would trust Him to love through me when others wouldn’t love in return. You taught me as I watched you live out the two great commandments: love God and love your neighbor as yourself.
Momma, there was never a time I was without your love. I still feel it. I miss the face-to-face opportunity to tell you how eternally grateful I am that you represented Jesus throughout my life. I did my best to carry your love—His love—to the very end.
And though your pain revisits at times, your hope remains.
One day I will welcome you with open arms, with kisses and with celebration. I wait in joyful expectation.
And if I have any say in the matter, I will insist that our mansions be next to each other so that we can be (what else?): NEIGHBORS!
Oh, I so love you!
Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
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Note: For my readers who are not acquainted with much of my personal story, I experienced the passing of my daughter seven years ago. A friend fashioned this Mother’s Day card as if my daughter were writing it, adding a little humor at the end just as my daughter most certainly would have. It was my friend’s Mother’s Day gift to me. Now I extend my Mother’s Day wish to you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mommas out there who live selflessly! May God impress upon you the importance of bearing the image of Christ.
Motherhood is one of the highest calls. Whether you are a biological Mommy, a Stepmom, an Adoptive Mother, a Momma-In-Waiting, or Spiritual Mama, you certainly were chosen for the adventure!
No matter if your parental journey has had its share of bumps and do-overs, today is a good day to be mindful that we are given grace for the day and grace for the future. Every day is a new day to seek His face to help you be an image bearer.
I pray you are reminded that the Father sees you, He is with you. He will be your guide and best parenting counselor. Allow Him to bear your burdens. And rejoice, for He is always making intercession for you and your children. Hallelujah!
God richly bless you and shower you with abundant favor today!