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!
