Dear Mom

Today, we were suppose to start our Manic Monday series- but God ( I always love these But God moments) led me to write the following post. "Dear Mom" It's long, but I pray you will take the time to read. I also pray that somewhere in this post you will find your own motherhood journey.


 Dear Momma with the special needs child,
 Many days you have wondered if you have the strength to carry such a big assignment. Many days you have asked God why. You feel inadequate, weak, and unable to be enough. You watch through the windows of your home as the world passes you by. Your motherhood journey doesn’t allow a girl’s night out. Your days don’t have time for the carefree days you once knew. You might feel alone. You may think no one understands. You have given up on all those dreams you once held for that precious baby. You may never hear the words “I love you mom” come from their sweet lips. Your reality is that you will never be an empty nester and travel the world after retirement. Your motherhood journey looks very different than you had planned. Does anyone care about the struggles you have every day?

Dear single mom,
This is not the life you planned. You never pictured being a single mom. You were supposed to have a happily ever- after. Yet, you find yourself parenting alone- whether it was from the choices you made when you were younger, or perhaps a failed marriage that led to divorce, or maybe the heartbreaking death of a spouse; here you are alone. It’s hard. You work endlessly to make ends meet and you often wonder if you can make it through another day. You are tired. You carry a load no one can begin to understand, and you have no one to help you carry that load. You play the role of both mom and dad. You need a day off, yet that is simply not an option. So, on you go- day after day- exhausted, lonely and you can’t help but ask; does anybody care?

Dear mom who seems to have it all,
Through the eyes of others you seem to have it all together; from the outside looking in your life looks perfect. You have a loving husband, healthy children, a beautiful home; yet, no one knows the heartache you carry. You hide behind the mask of perfection and a smile that gets harder to put on every day. No one knows that in reality you are holding on by a thread. You feel guilty for struggling while other women, who have so much less, dominate motherhood with ease. You feel the heavy weight of shame for not being strong enough to do it all, yet too scared to ask for help. Can anyone see through the flawless façade long enough to share their concern? Does anyone care?

Dear mom who has lost it all,
To the mom who has made poor choices in life and is now living in the consequences of those choices. To the woman who has lost everything- her kids, her home, her job, her hopes, her dreams, her dignity, and her faith. You may feel the chains of despair, shame, and guilt choking the life out of you. You may feel that you are not worth the second chance. You may believe the whispers in your ear that you don’t deserve another day. The fear of gossip and the fright of judgmental stares keep you away from church. You find yourself crying- Does anyone care?

Dear mom with a sick child,
While other moms are sleeping peacefully at night, you are sleeping with one eye opened. You toss and turn wondering if you remembered all the meds, if you did everything just right, and if you prayed the right prayer. The reality of this disease is crippling. Your life will never be the same. No one understands the fear, the burdens, the financial strain, the responsibilities, and the weight of your motherhood journey. This was not supposed to happen to your child. You have lost your smile, there is no joy or laughter in this heartbresking journey.  Your faith is weak. You are broken, and you wonder- does anyone care? 

Dear step-mom,
You live your days praying you will be accepted and loved for who you  are. You have been given the unwanted title step-mom. You do your best to back up your husband and support his decisions only to feel the backlash of disrespect and resentment  from his kids. You love without being loved. You give without getting anything in return. You wonder if it is worth it. Is your godly influence making any difference at all? You want to be seen as more that your title. You often feel the pressure of being smack dab in the middle of the battle field. You are often the “bad guy” caught in a war without a winner. You are tired, and you wonder if you should just give up. Does anyone else understand? Does anyone care?

Dear mom,
No matter what your motherhood journey looks like, you are where you are because of God. God chose you to be your child’s mother. God wasn’t looking for a perfect mom to take the job. God was looking for a loving mom. One who would love unconditionally. One who would wrap her arms around that precious baby for hugs, and tenderly kiss those chubby cheeks. A mom who would fall on her knees in prayer, confessing that she needs the power and strength of God. A mom who might fail day in and day out, but a mom who keeps on trying and never stops fighting. 

God didn’t ask you to parent perfectly, He wants you to parent lovingly. And boy, does He sets the example. He is the all-time greatest example of LOVE.

It’s the love of God that extends grace and mercy. Grace to start a new day. Mercy that reminds us we are not measured by our good days or our bad days. Today, may you find the rest your tired soul needs in the love of God and know He believes in you. May you find the courage to stand up and fight. Fight for a new day.

May you rest in the grace of God and believe that He hand-picked you for your assignment. God makes no mistakes. Your motherhood journey is no mistake. You are exactly where God wants you to be. Whether it’s caring for a sick child- or fighting to get your kids back. God knows where you are. And mom; He cares. Pour your heart out to Him today.

Maybe life is passing you by. Maybe your dreams have died. Maybe you are having a Mommy Meltdown- It’s okay! Take comfort knowing- He has not passed you by. He is known for creating better dreams. Yes, you are tired. You should be. You are amazing. You are incredible. You are a hard-working woman who carries the weight of the world on your shoulder. But, you are not forgotten. God cares. He loves you. He adores you. And He is routing for you and your motherhood journey. Today, no matter where you are, cling to Him. And if you are just too tired to cling to Him; take comfort knowing He is clinging on to you.

Today, may you find encouragement! And remember, you are loved and He cares for you!

Let's get uncomfortable!

I tend to stay in the safety zone. I like to be comfortable. I like to do what feels familiar and go where I feel secure.


 However,  God typically takes us out of our comfort zone. He pushes out there in the awkward and the unknown. It's in those uncomfortable moments that we truly rely on Him. It's in the times when feel the weakest that His strength shines the brightest. .

God knows if we stay where its comfortable doing what we can do, He will never get the opportunity to do what only He can do! It's in those cases, He alone receives all the Glory! .

What is it that He is calling you to do? That thing that seems so impossible, so big, so far out there...its nothing to Him!

Allow Him to make you uncomfortable. Allow Him to guide your steps.
Allow Him to do big things!
Let's get uncomfortable for Him ❤
Let's step out of our comfort zones for Him!
Say "yes" to God

4 KNOWS you need to know

4 knows you need to know!

In case you missed it on  #dailydevoswithdot ...here's a recap.

When chasing down a big goal, following a God sized dream, or answering the call to a HEAVENLY vision. You need to know4 simple truths!

1. Know your what!
Know your vision
Be specific about your goal. Know exactly what it is that you want to do!

*You want to write a book? awesome!! What kind? Children's, fiction, non-fiction, mystery...

*you want to loose some weight? Great!
How much?

*you want to start a new ministry? Wonderful! What kind?

*you want to save money? Fabulous!
How much?

Know what you want to do! Know the details! It will help you determine #2.


2. Know the how!
Know the steps needed.
How do you need to get there? What steps do you need to take. You may not know all the answers but work on knowing your first step. .

3. Know the who!
Know your person.
Know the person who will help you get there. Find someone who is already doing what you want to do is where you want to be!
*Physically
*Spiritually
*Financially
Read their books, follow them on social media,  take their advice, emulate their habits. And for goodness sake...dont be afraid to Ask them for help!

4. Know the when
When are you going to make time to do this. It want just accidentally happen. You must intentionally make time for this new thing! You have to do it on purpose!

*Bonus*
Know the process.
Go into this knowing the process will take longer than you want it to take, and will be harder than you want it to be. But trust the process. Dont get caught up in the results. They will let you down. And this leads into another bonus point.

*bonus* bonus*
Know your why.
Why are you doing this? Thats really what it all boils down to! Is it just a passing dream or is it a calling from God. Is it cause someone else is doing it, and it seems fun? Or Is this something you know you were destined to do.  Honey- child, if so.. step into that destiny and be who God created you to be. Knowing your WHY will keep you going when NOTHING else will. Why is this so important to you?

I pray these are a blessing 😘

You can follow #dailydevoswithdot on
IG- @dorothyhgates or
YouTube-  Daily Dose with Dot

The Mommy Meltdown

Just another MANIC MONDAY!

Ever feel that way? The crazy rush of coming off the weekend! You're frantically running the rat race, trying to get kids fed, dressed and out the door for school- while simultaneously getting yourself fed and dressed. Well forget being fed, just dressed. You'll just eat that granola bar that's in your purse, on your way to work. Oh wait, you ate that Friday for lunch. Well, bummer!


Ladies, life can be one big crazy, chaotic rat race if we are not careful! Overwhelming stress from all our responsibilities can crush us!

Today...I want you to remember,  you were made for more! You were created to THRIVE not SURVIVE. But you must have a plan of attack or the  distractions of life will bury you alive!

For the next few Mondays, we're going to focus on one new strategy plan to help us defeat those Manic Monday mornings, or any morning for that fact🤪. Just one! One new strategy, one new step! So who'se with me? Who else is tired of the Monday Blues kicking their booty?


We were made for so much more 🤩 And you beautiful sister, you deserve so much more!
Join in next Monday for our first step! And be sure to tag a friend to join along.


Also, join other moms celebrating motherhood on The Mommy Meltdown fb group! Hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Dorothy ❤
#themommymeltdown

Saying YES to God in 2020

Saying Yes to God or chasing down a big dream is like standing at the edge of a waterfall. A big beautiful waterfall. .
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You're scared to take the plunge!
There are too many factors to consider!. .
*what if you slip and fall
*what if you embarrass yourself.
*what if you mess up
*what if you fail
*whail if you get hurt (financially or mentally)
*what if.....
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But yall- Gods not in the "What ifs" He is in the "I ams"

Meaning-
*I am the answer to all the questions.
*I am the One who guides and protects.
*I am the One who sees the end results.
*I am the One you can trust.
*I am the solution
*I am the WAY  the TRUTH the LIFE


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But still, the doubts linger...
You can't see the end result
Its safer where you are.
You dont know the next step to take
It's easier where you are.
You aren't sure you'll even succeed
It's more comfortable where you are.
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Yep, its safer, easier, and more comfortable where you are.
But that big Heavenly Vision that you have is not there- where you are...its in that jump, that plunge, that belly buster right over the waterfall. .
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Are you willing to get wet?
It may not be an easy ride!
There may be some bumps and bruises, and some slipes and slides  along the way.
But have NO fears!
We know the One who controls the waterfalls! .
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Take that leap of faith and say YES to God. Say YES to that big dream, or that audacious goal. Jump over the edge! ..
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Note! I did not jump over this waterfall. I enjoyed its beauty from the bottom like all the other sane people 🤪😄🤩

What will your NO be in 2020

What is your NO in 2020? .
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For many of us, we are going into 2020 with new visions, audacious dreams, challenging goals, and  most importantly- big fat Yeses to God. But with any new Yes, goal, or vision; you have to clear a path to make room for it. .
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With that being said, you also have to know what your NOs need to be in order to make way for that YES .
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Many of us pick a WORD for the year; but just as importantly, pick your NO for the year!
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How will you clear the path?
How will you make room?
What will your NO be? .
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Be specific in your goal, make a plan, take a step forward and know the things you must say NO to along the way! .
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For instance-
I am on the gallon water challenge. In order for me to make room for all that water- I have to say NO to cokes, sweet tea, and sugary drinks! .
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I am choosing to eat cleaner food- more raw, fresh fruits and veggies, so - I have to say NO to empty carbs, processed foods, and delicious sugary treats! .
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I am on a personal journey trying to say YES to God every time, which means sometimes- I have to say NO to people, TV, fun activities, distractions, fear, self- doubt, insecurities, and excuses. .
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Go into 2020 knowing what your NO is, so you can clear the path for your YES. .
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What will you say NO to in 2020?
Please share what yours is...
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How Will you Decide

We all get the opportunity to decide if we are going to have a good year! But the truth is- none of us know what this year may hold- Health problems,  set backs, financial frustrations,  disappointments, or heartbreaks. .
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Throughout it all, we can determine to choose good, choose joy, and choose peace. Not because we have a perfect year, where everything falls into place and goes just the way we planned. We can choose good because, we "know  Who holds tomorrow and we know Who holds our hand!" .
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If we truly believe He is leading us into our tomorrows; then we can face anything...even the bad. We can determine to make it a good day. Not because it's a perfect day, but because He is there, present in our day! .
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He can calm the chaos.
He can settle the storm.
He can right the wrongs.
He can make good the bad. .
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Determine to have a good day, a great week, a wonderful month, and ultimately an incredible year! .
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It happens intentionally.
It's your choice! .
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Choose to make the first 30 days the model to form the rest of your year. Go into this month strong and hopeful. Make this first month victorious! Allow it to be the pattern for your next 11 months. Its starts with today. Make today great!

2019 Recap

2019 Recap:

*lost 20 pounds 🥳🥳
*had a hysterectomy 😳
*released #distracted 🤗
*started #dailydevoswithdot 😊
*experienced God at new levels😇
*celebrated 10 year anniversary 😍
*said YES to God in some big ways🙂
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It's been a great year! Of course there have been trials, bad days, and failures- but through it all God has been faithful.
2019 was EPIC for me as an author, speaker and radio host. My ministry @Righteously_redeemed had some
wonderful victories. My health journey crushed goals! My marriage has grown stronger. Am I sad to see 2019 come to an end? Of course!  But I'm excited to see what 2020 has in store! .
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New visions, bigger goals, a few new projects,  more self- growth,  and a healthier me!
Happy New Year friends 😘
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My word for 2020 is VISION- "Where there is no vision the people perish." Prov 29:18
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