Mother’s Day

Today is the day we pay tribute to the women who chose to be our mothers. Like most of you the relationship between mother and child can and does change as we grow and mature as children into adolescence to young adults and in many cases become parents ourselves. I can remember my rebellious stage, wanting to be like all my friends and trying new things, I remember watching my parents worry when my sibling was late for curfew. Most of the lessons we learn growing up are acquired by seeing how others do things and their results. My defiant era did not last long because I quickly learned and saw the pain and grief as it covered my parents. I was and still am blessed, my parents never abused me, I was never punished to the point of brutality, I never went to bed hungry and I had a bed to sleep in, I was always clothed and feed. When I look around the world and even my neighborhood I know I was and continue to be truly blessed. I am still fortunate enough to have my dad living, his heart may be weak in the physical sense but it is filled to overflowing with the love of the spirit. I have a renewed sense of respect for the man my father is, today will be a difficult day for my entire family (dad, brother and me). Mom passed away un-expectantly in June 2012, I miss her every single day. I still talk with her from time to time, I find myself crying easily when a memory flashes before me. I visit her and leave little trinkets and flowers for her on a regular basis. She was not perfect, she was strong-willed and often spoke her mind whether or not it was welcomed. She loved her family, she was fair and earned respect even from people who didn’t necessarily agree with her or like her, but others could not argue with the facts she brought to light. She did not expect or want to be treated differently from anyone else only expected treatment to be consistent and fair. She was devoted to her family, which included her in-laws; first and second generations of aunts/uncles and cousins. She was the matriarch our her family and that was a theme within her family, I come from a long line of strong, brave, determined and confident women. I pray that no matter how you might celebrate this day, take a moment and think about the special women that have helped to shape you into the person you are today, if possible tell them. I am filled with love because I was loved first. God created me, He knew me before I was made, loves me in spite of myself and my sin and He walks with me daily. I like to think at this very moment, Jesus is standing with my mom and they are smiling as they are looking down at me. Psalm 139:13-14 (NRSV) “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works that I know very well.”

Happy Mother’s Day…to all the women who make a difference in this world and most especially in our lives. May all receive a special blessing from God today, for I have been abundantly blessed time and again by wonderful godly women my entire life.

~Blessings and Peace~