Spiritual Mothers Matter
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the women who gave birth to us. Over the years, I’ve learned that this day isn’t always a happy one for some. Some women have to face never becoming mothers as they desire. For some, their mother isn’t present anymore, either because of death or other sad reasons. I think it’s important to remember the sad feelings that can also come on this special occasion.
When I woke up yesterday morning, I immediately texted my mom, mother-in-law, and sister. They are the three main mom figures in my life; the perfect “mom triangle” of support. Then, as I sat and sipped my morning coffee, I felt called to text other women the same message of Happy Mother’s Day. I started by texting my next-door neighbor, Mary Ann. She prays for me and my family regularly and is there for me whenever I need anything, even if it’s just a cup of sugar. I texted my boss, Susan from the antique store, who is someone I know I can go to with any problem or concern, no matter how big. I texted a few of my friends who are my partners in crime with mothering our children, women who have walked together through trials. These are women who have seen me at my worst and choose to walk alongside me even when it’s not pretty. The more I communicated with these women, the more gratitude I felt for the day of celebration.
When I wrote Loving Naomi, the main character forms a bond with an older woman named Miss Corrie. Corrie’s wisdom throughout the book points Naomi to Christ over and over throughout the story. Oftentimes, readers ask me if Miss Corrie is based on an actual person. The truth is, Miss Corrie is based on many real women who have loved me well over the years. She represents every single spiritual mother I’ve ever had. I remember hearing once that no one is ever too young to be a spiritual mother to a fellow sister in Christ. Think about that. We are all called to spiritually mother the women around us by encouraging them and pointing them to Jesus. We are called, as women, whether we have children or not, to love, guide, and direct other women who are walking behind and next to us. When we are a part of the Body of Christ, we get the precious opportunity to be that motherly example to those women around us while also being loved like daughters by the wise women we worship alongside. What a treasure!!!
So, on Mother’s Day and all the days after, whether they are good days or hard ones, may we all thank God for the spiritual mothers God has placed in our lives. No doubt, there are women we don’t even realize who are loving us in the sacrificial way mothers do. May we remember the privilege we get as women to serve and love the fellow women around us, no matter their age. We get to remind one another of the gift of the cross through the motherly love God has gifted us to share as women, no matter the age, stage, or circumstance.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies out there! May God bless everyone of us!
