My hands were sweaty and my mouth was dry. I wish I felt butterflies in my stomach, but it was more like birds flying from one rib cage to the next.
I sat in a crowded room watching a popular United States Senator as he stood center stage giving a speech. I jotted down his words, frantic I would miss something of value for our small town newspaper. I wasn’t qualified to be there. I was filling in for my more experienced editor. The senator had been on CNN the day before and Fox News earlier in the week. Those interviewers knew the right points to address, but my scribbled questions were written down as Sesame Street blared in the background. I prayed they made sense.
And when his speech concluded, grown men clamored for his attention. Cameras flashed as this popular man posed shoulder to shoulder with admirers. When he finished, we sat in comfortable chairs eye to eye. Luckily my nerves subsided and he was kind and easy to talk to. But in his presence I couldn’t help but feel insignificant, this man of influence in an expensive suit and a watchful entourage. And I rested in my size seven clearance flats bought at Target. I felt for a pen at the bottom of my purse. My hand slid past the rubber end of a pacifier and a slick plastic bag of diaper wipes.
And for a moment I wished I was a person of influence, that I was wealthy or authoritative. Or maybe I wished I was taller or that I had a more impressive resume. I reveled in my own ordinary skin. Thoughts surfaced of how I often shrink into the background and I don’t raise my hand to answer questions in large groups.
And as I backed out of the parking lot that day God quietly reminded me that there is great significance in my own little world.
As wives and mothers our words are weighty. Strung together they strengthen and build character. When our world screams that is beauty is of the utmost importance, we have the chance to speak truth, that beauty is woven through stepping aside and putting others needs before our own. Beauty is giving instead of taking. Beauty loves when it’s not deserved.
Proverbs 31: 28-29
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Our value and significance will never come from a job or an accomplishment. Who we truly are comes from a wooden, splintered cross, thrust into the ground. And it’s there we surrender who we are, our nice and pleasantries alongside our greed and selfishness and we give it to Him. And in return God so graciously gives us a life of meaning and purpose and significance.
By Amanda Dodson, amanda d
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Such a beautiful message full of truth, and beautifully written. So encouraging!
P.S. THANK YOU and God bless you for sharing your gift and touching our lives!
Yes! I struggled with for so many years after leaving my career behind and became a mom. I quit when I was pregnant and when my daughter was born, I never went back. I knew I was supposed to be at home with her, but that realization did not make it easy. It took many years for me to be comfortable with my new skin, the mommy skin. I blended with the walls, avoided events. I had nothing to offer, I was just a mom. I know different now, I am significant, I am me, in Him. I do slip and sometimes it takes awhile to stand up. This post, perfect timing! As His timing always is, thank you for sharing!
Incredible beauty lies in your words. Truth spoken blooms such incredible beauty.
Rich blessings as He continues to gift you His Grace to See that yes, you are of significant purpose.
So needed to hear this. Your words put in perfect perspective many Mom’s and women’s thoughts and fears of insignificance. Than comes the answer. To God, each of our roles is important and so needed for His kingdom and as His beloved children. So important is our role to shape these tiny minds and hearts and get them ready for God’s family.
Just what I needed to hear. I have been struggling with having to go to work just 3 short months after having my baby. Granted its only part time, but I hate having to leave her for just that little bit. I work out of need not want and my heart is breaking because of it.
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Such a wonderful gift you have for writing. You captivate people and bring them into your world, by your vivid descriptions of your thoughts. Thanks for making others feel significant by reminding us of Whose we are, and the unique individual He created us to be. You have discovered the wonderful gift that God has given you, and you’re using it for His glory to bless others. Thank You!
Thanks, this brought tears to my eyes. Even though my children are grown or nearly-grown, I sometimes feel that I’m giving and giving and getting burnt out and I still wonder, “Have I done anything significant in my life? I’m getting weary…” But then I see my three children – two of them taller than I am now- and my heart bursts with pride and my smile fills with joy and I think yes, I’ve done something of significance. God has given me three individuals to mother and care for and raise (along with my husband) and I am so proud of who they are and who they are becoming. It’s then that I reailze the powerful influence I have been priveleged to have as a mom, and that other moms have too. It’s not measured in a paycheck, vacation days or promotions, but it’s the best job on earth.
“Beauty loves when it is not deserved.”
I may need to inscribe this on my forehead.
Thank you, Amanda!
Amen! I’m always seeking validation, too, in the wrong places when I am valid in Christ. Because of Him I can raise my hand and step to the front no matter what others think of me.
So true! I think our culture encourages us to take so much identity from jobs and there is not enough emphasis on where character and worth really come from.
So (in)couraging. I struggle often with the term “success” and what I need in my life so that I am “successful.”
Thanks for putting things in perspective.
Just reading the incourage tweet about “wishing you were more than your diaper bag” made me tear up, and I knew this post would bring tears, somehow.
Almost two years into this stay-at-home-mom thing, I still struggle with the feelings of insignificance that come along with that. They are entirely self-inspired, I know.
Thank you for your thoughts and story.
Jessie
Like another commenter said, I struggle with what defines success. Sometimes my days here at home seem so very unsuccessful. Thank you for the reminder!
I love when we catch a glimpse of the value of mothering … it’s the foundation for our family. Thanks for the reminder!
You said it. And I do need to remember what a precious charge I have.
Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
Well said, Amanda! I often fall into that trap of just wishing for a little more significance when motherhood is the most significant of all!
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