Friday, May 19, 2017

Mom, I need you to know… A Word of Encouragement for all Mothers


As mothers, we often doubt ourselves.  Are we making the right choices?  Are we accurately conveying to our children the immense amount of love that our hearts hold for them?  Are we teaching them through our own example, how to love others?  I’ll be the first to confess that there are many times I’ve felt like I was totally failing at this whole motherhood thing.  But after a lot of prayer about my own shortcomings the truth was pressed upon my heart that there are far too many amazing mothers out there who’ve been living with doubt, guilt, and shame about their role as a mother, when the truth is they’re doing a darn good job at loving their children.  As mothers, many of us tend to focus on where we’ve missed the mark or what we’re not but our children view us from a much different perspective. It’s my deepest hope for any mother who reads this that it speaks to your heart and helps you discern any lie you’ve possibly been believing regarding your role as a mother.  From one mother to another, may you be blessed as you shake off any lies and begin to walk in the truth of your true identity as mother. If we were to ask our children to share their perspective of us, here's what they might say...

To the Moms of younger children:

Mom, I need you to know that you are the most important person in my life and there is nobody in this world that can hold the special place you hold within my little heart.  While it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of this crazy life, trying to meet everyone’s needs, I really just want you to spend time with me.  I know there are days when you look in the mirror and can barely recognize yourself, you give so much to me that it often comes at the expense of yourself. But Mom, I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.  I don’t care what size dress you wear, if you’re wearing makeup, if the house is spotless, or what kind of car you drive- I think you are perfect just the way you are!

To the Mom whose children are grown:

Mom, I need you to know you did a good job raising me and although I may not tell you this, you made me the person I am today.  I am forever thankful that you demonstrated to me what love really is all about.  You selflessly put my needs before your own so many times.  You loved me regardless of the mistakes I made.  Mom, I really don’t know how you did all that you did and made it look so easy.  You truly are an amazing woman and I hope I can love others as well as you love me.

To the Single Moms:

Mom, I need you to know that I honestly don’t know how you can love me the way that you do and meet so many needs by yourself.  I don’t know how you loved me so deeply during the times when your own heart was completely broken, but you did it well.   I know there are days that are so hard you think you can't handle it all on your own, but mom, you are stronger than you know and you’ve shown me that over and over again. I know there may be times when you see your circumstances and are sad that there is something you can’t give to me that you wish you could.  But Mom, I want you to know I’m not focused on what you can’t give, all that matters to me is that you’re with me and that you love me.  The love you provide is worth so much more than any material object you could ever give me.  You are so special to me and I treasure every moment we spend together.

To the Moms whose own Mothers are no longer here:

Mom, I need you to know how strong you must be that you can love me so well even though a significant piece of your own heart is forever gone.  You truly know the special role that a mother holds because your own mother is no longer here and you miss her every day.  I know you wish you could turn back the hands of time, so that you could see her smile one last time, giver her another hug, and tell her how much she means to you.  There are so many special moments when you wish that she were still here to share them with us.  You often wonder, would she be proud of the woman you’ve become?  But mom, I need you to know that I am proud of you and the best way to honor your mother’s legacy is to love others like she loved you.

To the Moms with a sick or special needs child:

Mom, I need you to know how much you mean to me.  All the sleepless nights you sat by my side to take care of me, all the tearful prayers you prayed by my hospital bed, how calm you remained when the doctors didn’t have answers, the smiles and assurance you gave me when I was scared are the very things that got me through the hard times. You have a servant’s heart mom, you always make sure my needs are met before your own.  I know the thought of having a child with such a need as mine was never something that crossed your mind as you carried me in your womb but I need you to know there isn’t another woman in this world I would want for my mother.  God made you special mom, I know it could only be him who has given you the extra grace, strength, and love you have to care for me the way you do. 

To the Moms whose children have gone astray:

Mom, I need you to know that it’s not your fault that I have gone astray.  Chains of addiction, crime, brokenness, and the like were never anything you envisioned for my life.  I know all the sleepless nights you’ve faced, all the prayers you’ve prayed, all the tears you’ve cried, and all the pain I have caused you.  I ask for you never to give up on me or to stop loving me.  I think of you often even though you may not hear from me and I’m sorry things are this way. Mom, I thank you for never losing hope for me even when things look hopeless and for always having the faith that I can be restored to who I truly am and that I can one day break free from these chains that have got a hold on me.  

To all Mothers:

Mom, you are more than enough.  It’s never been about perfection but about love and you do such a good job at loving me.  In a world that is filled with darkness, hate, evil and pain, your love shines so beautifully.  I know no matter how old I am, I can always turn to you for comfort when life gets hard.  I could never tell you with mere words the value that you hold in my life.  The imprint you have left on my heart is huge and will last a lifetime.  I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for your love and guidance through the years.  I could never express how thankful I am for everything that you have done for me but I hope that you know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Mom I need you to know that you are beautiful.  You are fearfully, wonderfully and perfectly made and I am so blessed that God gave me you as my Mom.




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