Happy Mother’s Day! We would like to honor all the moms out there by sharing a few of their voices, their hearts…and their experiences—the small “big” things they’ve learned along the way.
Embracing the Moments
Sarah Wolf ~ Mount Pleasant campus
“Don’t blink, they grow up so fast.” Since becoming a mom seven years ago, I hear this advice often. It’s a good reminder, especially when I’m in the grocery store with my two children. In a few short years, I’ll miss shopping with my little helpers.
The growth does happen quickly. Didn’t her teeth just come in? Now they’re already falling out! When my seven-year-old lost her first tooth, I had to breathe, be excited with her, and let it serve as a reminder that although childhood is short, I can celebrate these moments and let them prepare my heart for what’s next. A tooth has to come out for new growth to happen.
“I can celebrate these moments and let them prepare my heart for what’s next.”
These little acts of letting go have helped me be mindful of the present. I get to prepare my kids for their future now, and that gives me motivation and strength on those days when I am running on fumes, where I just don’t think I have anything left. God sends encouragement and brings me the greatest joys everyday in the smiles of my girls.
Becoming a Mom
Sarah Banks ~ Summerville campus
In becoming a mom, I’ve learned that God has it all figured out. From pregnancy, to birth, to motherhood, God has given us all we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He’s always with us—preparing us, guiding us, empowering us, and protecting us. It’s remarkable how God created women to change and adapt to motherhood.
- The body prepares itself during pregnancy and adjusts for birth.
- Motherly instincts kick in when needed.
- The body knows what the baby needs and produces appropriate nutrients.
- An unexplainable physiological connection develops between mother and child.
- We persevere when we feel we have nothing left to give.
- Selfishness is overtaken by selflessness.
“It’s remarkable how God created women to change and adapt to motherhood.”
The list of God’s gifts goes on and on… Becoming a mother has strengthened my faith and brought me closer to God. No matter the situation, how big or small the need, whatever comes our way all I have to do is turn to him. His grace is always there.
Only God could have created the amazing journey that is motherhood. Nothing is more miraculous. There’s no greater bond than that of mother and child.
Perfecting a Perfectionist
Abbi Russo ~West Ashley campus
As someone who may have at one point been called a “perfectionist,” I thought in becoming a mother, I’d get to showcase my strength of character and willpower to the world by way of my children. They would be jaw droppingly amazing kids due to my astounding mom skills. Of course I knew there were no perfect parents, but a voice inside my head that I never admitted to anyone said, “I’ll show everyone…I’ve got this.”
These ideas were shattered about 48 hours after my first son was born. By my standards, I had already failed. I’ve learned a few things since then. God uses mothering to bring me up close and personal with the impossible standards I place on myself. God loves me even more than I love my kids, failures and all.
“They would be jaw droppingly amazing kids due to my astounding mom skills.”
I’ve also learned that when I screw up, apologizing to my kids for my mistakes is humbling, but it teaches me as much as it does them. We aren’t perfect. We need grace. We need Jesus. And there’s freedom in our needing him. My kids are pretty amazing—mostly because that’s how God made them. My contributions to their awesomeness are more in the way of matching outfits. That’s all me.
Exploring New Roles
Trisha Russell ~ Mount Pleasant campus
Everywhere I turn, I find writings from mothers about how devastating it is to no longer have their children living under the same roof. I love our daughters very much, but missing them isn’t why I’ve found this “empty nest” season, one of the hardest.
My challenge is sitting back, watching them make their own decisions without interjecting. I’m no longer the installer of the guardrails that keep them on the intended path. Now, I might have to watch them wander or explore paths never intended for them, without freaking out so that I might be invited to speak into their lives and decisions when it matters most.
“I’m no longer the installer of the guardrails that keep them on the intended path.”
I’m proud of the adults they have become and they honor us, making a weekly family dinner a priority. At this point in their young adult lives, it’s important they know us for what we’re for, not what we’re against; and it’s crucial that they know we’re for them. In this season, our primary roles are intercessor and chief cheerleader, praying over their lives and safeguarding our relationships and influence. If we get this right, our children will want to come home when they don’t have to and our relationship can thrive.
