"The Power of Motherhood"

 Reflections4Life™ May 14, 2023

“The Power of Motherhood”

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30

Scripture Contemplation: Exodus 20:12; Psalm 27:10; Proverbs 1:8; 6:20; John 19:25-27…

©Ruthe McDonald.

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appy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and mothers-to-be, and mother figures. May the Lord continue to bless you with His knowledge and wisdom to walk in the greatness that He has ordained for your life.

There is something innately powerful about motherhood. From carrying a child to birthing a child to adopting a child to rearing a child—it takes strength and character to be the kind of mother that God has ordained. Please understand, also, that carrying a child and giving birth does not make you a mother or give you power. However, it is what lies in the heart of a woman. A woman who has the care of, and influence over, a child or children in her care.

I declare that this week’s Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Allow God to speak to your heart this week; to bring to your remembrance all of the lessons taught by your mother or the women that held that position in your heart. Reflect on the things you may not have realized as a child but when considered today, may have you look at your mother now, with understanding. Honor the mother(s) in your life today. If she is still on this earth, bless her today. And for all of us whose mothers have transitioned; honor them. Honor their memories and their legacies by living well and adding to her legacy.

What Love Has Shown Me

I have learned a lot about love through the years from the women in my life that have mothered me. Though I have not been blessed to birth children of my own yet, I have been blessed with children in my life that see me as a mother and seek my counsel, wisdom, and instructions. I do not take that lightly because I understand that it is not only what I say that has an impact on them, it is also what I show them through my actions; what my life is reflecting.

Love is an action word. Love, sincere love, is not contained, and it does not judge. It sees all things, forgives all, and holds no grudges. I have learned so much about love and the power of motherhood through the women in my life. Their steadfastness in love and dedication to their families through sometimes-tumultuous times has shown me the kind of woman I always strive to be.

I have a number of women that have shown me the power of motherhood. Women who have shown me what love looks like in action and how powerful a mother’s love can be. Today, I reflect on four of those women. Women who have transitioned but have helped to shape who I am. My Nana (great-grandmother), my Grams, my Aunt Sharon, and my Mother.

From my Nana—I learned dedication and discipline. She was a woman dedicated to her family and her service to God. From being an Usher in her church for over fifty years, starting the very first food basket program for the holidays, to the many other things she did to show the love in her heart and the love of God, it left an impression upon my heart. One that reminds me to be cognizant of the legacy that I will leave in my stead. Though she was not perfect, I still follow many of the lessons she gave our family.

From My Grams—I learned steadfastness, determination, how to run a successful business, and that it is never too late to go after your dreams and passions. My Grams was my best friend. She was the keeper of all her grandchildren’s secrets. She raised eight children and suffered the pain of seeing one of her sons murdered while he was protecting an older woman from being mugged. Yet through it all, she remained a constant source of unwavering love, faith, and steadfastness. She worked hard to support her children. She went back to college at a later age. She pursued her passion from childhood, eventually opening her own Hair Salon. Though she was older, she could outdo many of her younger counterparts. Sometimes she’d get to work at 8:00 am and wouldn’t finish until 2:00 am! In her sixties at that! Through her, I learned that love makes all things possible.

From My Auntie Sharon—I learned forgiveness, resilience, honesty, and seizing the moment. Her life taught me how you get back up no matter how many times you fall. Be honest with yourself and those you love. To forgive because life is way too short to harbor negative emotions and thoughts. I learned that just because things are one way does not mean they have to stay that way. And to seize every moment, every day, with a heart of gratitude because you never know when the one you love may be taken away. I loved her more than I have the words to adequately explain. Her life, love, and lessons live on in her children, and in all of her family.

From My Mother—The lessons of love are so many, I’d write a book and I will someday. My mother was not just my mother, she was my best friend, my counselor, my champion, my pastor, and my intercessor. I learned unconditional love, sacrifice, servanthood, how to truly serve God with your heart and soul, how to pray, how to believe in myself; and so much more. Seriously, there will be a book.

I will say this, my mother showed me how strong love is. How it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. She has shown me the power and strength of love and how it can heal, save, soothe, and correct. I learned the worth of prayer, prayer that comes from the heart. I also learned that the prayers of the righteous never fail or stop being answered because they leave this earth. Their prayers have no expiration date and God will answer their prayers, keeping His word to them. There is not a day that goes by that I do not hear her voice, am reminded of her love, and feel her presence all around me; especially in times of distress and heartache.

A mother’s love is indeed more powerful than the grave, and stronger than death.

My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Beloveds, honor the mothers in your life today. Give them their flowers and accolades now, while they are with you. God gave mothers a special gift. Those women, who use it, who understand it, will not only see doors open that only God could have ordained but also see the difference they can make in a world filled with motherless children just waiting for a mother’s love. There is power in motherhood; the closest thing to the heart of God. You are blessed. Now go…and be a blessing!

©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.