I was asked to share some thoughts. Little did my pastor know – since becoming a mother myself – it’s one of my most disliked days on the calendar.
Ironic.
It was a difficult write. It brought out more curse words than I would like to admit (although some were funny and rhymed perfectly) – but I think that was an important part of the process. We write and create for the process itself – the final product is simply that – the final product. Its only in the struggle to create that it serves its purpose.
I can’t really share that struggle – you would have to be me to get it and I would have to be you to get yours. But I can share with you the product.
Some have asked for the written version of what I shared – so here it is. My brothers poems (Derrick Bauman Instagram) sparked an idea and it morphed into an attempt at a spoken word.
Many look forward to celebrating this day
Homemade trinkets and lockets
And if your lucky some chocolates
But struggle I do
To really enjoy this day
Let me explain if I may…
You see I don’t measure up to the expectation set
I often function in oxygen debt
I’ve learned along the way that many mothers do the same
With exhaustion and pain we often loose this game
But I know that’s not the point
Those expectations are mine and not of my Creator
None should be used a good indicator
As my success as a mother
Daughter, wife or friend
It has nothing to do with how far I extend.
And so today I will share three strong pillars
They mark my foundation as a mother
One could hardly stand without the other
Perhaps these points will speak to you
To encourage, strengthen and renew
You don’t have to be a mom to get my objective
Just an open heart will most effective
Three poems I will share
The author said I could
My brother is the poet
Credits go to him, as they should
It takes a village they say, to raise a child
easy to say though – until one goes wild
Then we point and blame
While the mom feels the shame
The child is most affected
Why do we forget that we are all so connected?
As I train a child up in the way he should go
I need friends who support and stay in the know
A person to which depth does not depend
On the coming and going of the latest trends
But stands on the firm foundation of Christ alone
And builds their home on His Cornerstone
I give you permission to love on my child as I will love on yours.
And as the Spirit leads you can call me out
To shape me and mold me
‘cause that’s what it all about
I forget sometimes the importance of a tribe
But through the love of the Great Spirit
True friendships He prescribes
So the pillar reminds that I am not alone
The women next to me is not unknown
Deep in her eyes, I see we fear the same things
Aliens we are, islands we are not.
Another pillar for a foundation secure
To some it will seem the most obscure
Fall down on my knees in full surrender
God is my best defender
Surrender creates the most perfect storm,
It washes away the pride and slime
leaving behind the most unique enzyme
A catalyst perhaps we could say
To speed up the reaction
To rid of decay
A life of integrity is all that’s left
The false self is gone
Leaving only the true
That’s what I want my child to look up to
Psalm 139 at verse 13
For I have been knit in my mother womb
so too have you
Embrace your uniqueness
It is not a weakness
For its in the diversity of personalities, character and thought
That the church will flourish
And the children get taught
I am fully equipped when I surrender to God
He does not rule with an iron rod
He gives me choice, He loves me that much
The Great Peace has a gentle touch
I am part of something far greater than myself
I cannot complete what God invited me to start
But He will complete His art
His word is truth and I trust in his Name
All things are done in his timeframe
Pillar number three is a difficult one
it often cracks
and needs redone
We heard it said just two weeks ago
But its one that I’ve learned as a mother of three
And it goes a lot further then herbal tea
I trade my finite love
And it’s a daily task
for God’s infinite love
so I can remove my mask
if infinity was a number it would be my favourite
but its more of an idea – impossible to measure
Mathletes play with it and accountants try to reach it
but we won’t ever find it so we might as leave it
Infinite love is God Himself
But He gladly gives it without having to prove oneself.
That’s the heart of the gospel
The love we get to trade in for our own
As a mother, I am reminded I am never alone
Some of these words are from another ,
I am lucky to have her and get to call her mother
“The privilege of growing a child inside of you is the most mysterious of things. I really can’t explain all that it brings I would like to think I have done my best It has shaped me in ways I could never have guessed God will complete the things I have attempted The gaps will be filled of things I’ve neglected. Perfect, complete so you will lack nothing.”
I will do my best to pass along blessings that a mother can give
I will attempt to reflect the God who truly forgives
So these are my pillars
and yes they will fall
but I chose to protect them and rebuild them often
Each time I do my heart softens
I recognize that this day can difficult for many
As I reflected this week – the reasons are plenty
So I would do no justice if I didn’t close for us all
So let these words sink into your bone marrow and give you the strength to endure
I repeat them often
To make them secure
You are strong and courageous.
You are daughters and sons of the ONE TRUE KING.
When you Fear – there is safety in the arms of the King
When you face Loss – there is hope in God’s promises
When you doubt – ultimate Truth will always prevail
When you feel forgotten – read 1 Peter 5:7
When we feel weak – feel the strength that only the Holy Spirit can give
And when you don’t feel anything at all – understand that you are not lost
God sees the collective here today but He also sees you.
teachable spirit. 
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