{She said it better than I ever could. I knew I’d found a small treasure. It’s absolutely perfect.
With the launch of Mother Letters – art that I love – and the celebration of Mother’s Day, the longings for motherhood can be overwhelming to my waiting heart. And that gets me thinking about you. Those of you that dread tomorrow, miss your mama or your child, or have a reason to be in pain.
I know you will be encouraged by Adriel’s words like I was, no matter what stage of motherhood — or if you’re still waiting for that part of your journey to begin.}
Dear Mama,
You’re hoping to be Queen for a Day.
You’re hoping your labor of love and daily sacrifices and long hours and sleepless service and hard, hard work might be acknowledged in a way that will make your mama-heart go flutterflutterflutter, I. am. seen.
And I hope that for you too.
Your love runs deep. Your reach stretches far. Your presense breathes safe. Your work speaks holy… and so you deserve to be honored, oh Mama-Queen for a Day.
But this year, as you prepare for the day that’s all about you…
Remember her who has no babies to embrace.
Remember her who has experienced loss in the womb or loss in her arms.
Remember her who reluctantly entrusted her heart-in-the-shape-of-a-child to someone else’s care because, at the time, it was the highest form of love.
Remember her who is separated through deployment or assignment or illness or disease.
Remember her who aches in her soul while her baby is in prison.
Remember her who has waited and counted and worn her knees ragged praying for the day when those two stripes would appear.
Remember her who loves our babies because she’s not yet found a man to give her some of her own.
Remember her who burns with regret for letting go when there seemed no other way.
Remember her who parents alone, with those sweet littles still too young to form the words “I love you” on their lips.
Remember her who waits in agony for applications to be approved and a judge’s ruling telling her what she already knows. (That she, too, is a mother.)
Remember her who’s broken-hearted from being pushed away by a wayward teenager.
Remember her who lacks access to the kind of medical care we take for granted and instead waits in fear of her birthing day.
Remember her—in a far off land—who pushed to her death, while delivering life into the arms of the world as she said hello-goodbye.
And you, dear Mama-friend…
Your surrender is noble and your service is seen in the heavenly places.
You—who are so like God himself in your creating and nurturing and laboring and the handing over of your very glory to another—will you remember how precious the privilege of doing what he does?
Will you remember that your children, your role, your name—Mama—is not something you’re entitled, but something released to you as a gift?
Your gift—the one you give and the one you receive—is far sweeter than any that could be packaged up and wrapped with a bow this Mothers Day.
Happy Mothers Day to you, Mama.
May you be celebrated, esteemed, and affirmed in your joy. May you wake up that sweet Sunday morning to reviece your beloved hand-drawn cards.
And as you do, may you remember her, and whisper a prayer for her too – the one who is unable to share in your joy.
(And please, for the love of all that’s good, may you also receive your breakfast in bed and a tidy house as you undoubtably deserve. And flowers, many flowers!)
Love,
Another Mama Trying to Remember
This post is part of the Mother Letters project. Read them, mama-friends, and find nourishment for your soul.
Leave a Comment
Amy @ themessymiddle says
Stephanie, beautiful! I posted something similarish on Thursday (An open letter to pastors {A non-mom speaks about Mother’s Day} http://wp.me/p1Ut5W-gM) and have been stunned and humbled by the response. We’re all in this together, moms, women who want to be moms, and those who are very happy not being moms!
Adriel Booker says
yes we are, amy. in it together.
Adriel Booker says
Thank you for having me here Stephanie. It’s an absolute privilege. I’m praying for all that will read this post today – that each would find Him in the ache. And I’m praying for myself – that I would have eyes to see the ones around me that need remembering.
-adriel xx
Monique says
I loved this post..because I am one of those “others” having lost a mother and son ages ago. Thank you. I have found out one thing over the years (& I’m 60+)…as long as God keeps me in the palms of His hands –it’s all okay in the end, and that makes me very happy ! Wishing you all a Happy Mother’s Day!
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Monique. Happy Mothers Day to you, too. x
adriel
Karen says
Thank you Stephanie for the gentle reminder of what many women around the world are going through this Mother’s Day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the “Queen for the Day” mentality on Mother’s Day. This post confirmed what I’ve been feeling all week……gratitude for all that I have, and a need to help others somehow. I will be doing this through prayer and your link to ‘Bloggers for Birth Kits” – what a great activity for my family to do together tomorrow. Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Yes, Karen, it IS hard not to get caught up in that mentality. That’s part of the reason I wrote this in the first place – to help me in my own selfishness! Even after writing, it’s still a battle in my heart to not get too inward focused. I’m so glad you’re going to get involved with Bloggers for Birth Kits. Thank you! What a great way to spend Mothers Day.
adriel x
Brandi says
This blessed my heart today, Stephanie. What a beautiful reminder to remember others this Mother’s Day. Beautifully written and well, well received.
God Bless You!
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Brandi.
adriel x
di says
I had longed for children, yet had none. And this week at 77 years of age, my Mother went to be with the Lord, so Mother’s day will be very difficult. Last year three children, Kylie, Paige and Samuel, who lost their Grandma 10 years ago, have adopted me as there Grandma. It gave me much joy when eight year old Sam said “I love you Grandma” at Easter. Though I have lost my Mother, I can rejoice knowing I will see her again. Happy Mother’s Day Mom – I love you. Love Your Lil Girl – Diana Lynne.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Happy Mothers Day Grandma Diana!! I hope you are super blessed.
adriel xx
Glenda Mills says
So beautifully written. You did not leave anyone out ! Happy Mothers Day!
Krystle says
Adriel, you did it perfectly. Thank you for this, so much.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Krystle, and you’re welcome. 🙂
adriel
Peggy says
“Remember her who has experienced loss, who burns, who parents alone, who is broken-hearted….”
Adriel – thank you.
pk
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
You’re welcome Peggy. I pray God’s blessings on you. You are seen and known and covered in him!!
much love,
adriel x
susan says
I cannot descrtibe how utterly sad this post made me. I sat and prayed for every one of these treasured women. I lost a baby a long time ago and i held her body in my arms. The ache is still there. I had to let go of a dear daughter in a bitter divorce and still another daughter refuses to have anything to do with me today. I am blessed in that the daughter I had to let go has contacted me and calls me regularly. She herself has had 4 children..all taken away at birth and adopted out because of drug abuse. I will go to church tomorrow and celebrate with other women the love of Christ for women everywhere. Deep down I know that it will all be all right but Mother’s day is bitter sweet for me.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Bless you Susan, for praying through this list and the precious women it represents. Your heart has carried much through the years! I pray God’s sweetest blessing for you this Mothers Day, even despite the pain. You are loved!
adriel x
Mrs. C says
Beauty !
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Mrs. C, and Happy M’s Day!
adriel x
cathie quillet says
Thank you for not forgetting me! Feels good to be remembered in a season where the mamas who have lost are forgotten.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
You are remembered Cathie!! He sees and we join him. I pray you’ll know his presence in a special way this year.
much love,
adriel x
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Glenda. Happy Mothers Day to you too.
adriel x
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Debra says
Praying for ALL Mama’s everywhere. Each one matters and is SPECIAL. :o)
Happy Mother’s Day to ALL.
May each woman feel the love of God He has for you.
Debra
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Indeed Debra. And may you feel it too. 🙂
adriel x
Stacey says
HaPpY Mother’s Day <3
Thanks for this Amazing devotion this morning :o] Today my heart is thinking of all the Childhood Cancer Mommas who miss their ^^Angels^^, & all those Mommas taking care of the Awesome kids that are busy kicking cancers butt <3. You inspire my heart beyond words <3
Love – Stacey
Childhood Cancer Awareness
On Facebook
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Stacey. I’m thinking of those moms too, and praying along with you.
adriel x
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Kristin says
Thank you to both Adriel and Stacey. I am a cancer mom whose beautiful daughter was called home this past September. She was my only one as Ive had infertility issues. So I know both pains. It’s so nice to be remembered with all the other moms.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Kristin, I’m so sorry for your loss. What grief you’ve had to endure – I can only imagine. You are certainly remembered. Happy Mothers Day, beautiful mama.
adriel xx
jami says
Oh, Kristin…I am deeply sorry for your loss. Words do no justice. Love to you, sweet mama.
Mommy Goodness! | pamelluce says
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Kelsey says
Oh.
Beautiful. Beautiful.
Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers in all walks of life.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Kelsey. And happy day to you.
-adriel x
Kate says
Okay. So this post put me in my place. Kicked me right in the rear – and I needed it.
Wow.
So good.
Mama to 3,
Kate
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Kate, I wrote this and it still kicks me in the butt. Perhaps that’s why I wrote it? Selfishness and entitlement are never easy things to deal with, but when we do we are so much more free to love. Happy Mothers Day to you, lovely mama. 🙂
adriel xx
Kristen Strong says
Just beautiful, Adriel. Really and truly.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Kristen. x
sarah says
This was breathtaking and beautiful. Enjoying my “mommy time” here on the couch reading long neglected blogs and found my heart beating fast as I read here. I identify with so many of the “others”…a mother who lost a baby to heaven, a mother of a one year old delight, and a mother who is wearing out her knees waiting and wondering why those two lines aren’t showing up….thank you for writing what I could not today.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
BLESS you Sarah. And grace to you for the wait.
adriel xx
Linda Patrick says
That was beautiful and brought me to tears.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
Thank you Linda. And happy special day to you.
adriel x
Jana says
Beautifully written!! Thank you for the reminder. My dear friend, due to chronic illness, is unable to have her own children. But, she is an Auntie to mine. I treasure her. And I was so thankful when the Holy Spirit reminded me to send her a card this Mother’s Day. She told me how much she appreciated it. This is a tough day of remembrance for her and for many others. Let us remember.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
That’s so beautiful Jana. Thank you for your wonderful example to us and to your children.
adriel xx
Jana says
My link is no longer accurate. I am trying to change it right now with blog frog. My web address is http://www.janas3dresses.com Thanks. Sorry for the inconvenience.
melinda says
I’m one of the: “Remember her who loves our babies because she’s not yet found a man to give her some of her own”, and I get overlooked because I’m not a mommy yet…and even tho I’m over 35, I hope to be a mommy soon. Thank you for including, and appreciating, me in this blog today. It’s been a rough day being physically alone..grateful that God is always with me.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
You are seen and known Melinda. And he cares about the ache and longing of your heart. Grace to you today and in this season.
adriel xx
Amanda K says
What a beautiful post! It’s a timely reminder for us to remember so many women on Mother’s Day. Thank you. It touched my heart.
Adriel Booker @ The Mommyhood Memos says
thank you amanda. i hope your day is special, even as you remember. 🙂
adriel x
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Sandy says
Beautiful! On Mother’s Day, I prayed for mothers who could not have children or who had their children taken from them. I prayed for babies who lost their mothers. I prayed for children who were abandoned and abused. I myself, have been forgotten by my own daughter, who I gave my life for, shed tears for, prayed for. Pray for her, she is lost. Her name is Jessica. One day she will be a Mom and will know hurt and suffer from the agonies and the ecstasies of raising children. Only when she has had children will she understand what motherhood really means. I have worked with mothers who were thrown out into the street by their mothers. Cared for their children. I’ve had 12, 14, 16 year old mothers and have cared for their children and tried to teach them to be good mothers. I’ve been in labor with a 16 year old mother. I did all this because I could only have one child. My womb was taken from me by my husband. I was sterilized after my first child, against my will. So though my womb is empty, my heart is full of love for mothers and babies. There is a beautiful book that spoke to my soul….”Kisses from Katie” who left everything, parents, boyfriend, friends to follow Jesus’ call to help the orphans in Uganda, where she is “Mommy” to thousands of motherless children. At 23 she has already adopted 14 children. She’s my heroine! You can find out about her work by going to her blogspot: http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com. She’s started a non-profit ministry called http://www.amazima.org She started a sponsorship program to send children to school. She helped women get off prostitution by teaching them a trade so that they could support their children. She is a one-woman “Mash” unit, teaching children, healing children and women, touching lives one child at a time. Now she is called “Mommy” by the entire village. The book will make your heart break. I wish I could go to Uganda to help her! But I’m handicapped and don’t travel well. But I pray for her every night!
Pray for her too. She lives literally for Jesus and gives her life away everyday for Him and for His children!
Blessings to all mothers, both young and old,
Sandy:)
Sandy
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