My mom wasn’t “the best.” In fact, she was very flawed. My mom was beautiful. She loved Jesus and was a prayer warrior. She inspired me to be a reader, writer, and artist. She laughed at parties and played dress up with me. She always had her camera ready to snap my picture. She loved me. However, she also had a chronic illness and suffered on and off with depression. Life wasn’t perfect. Prayerfully, I had lots of “Other Mommas” step in when my mom couldn’t be what I needed her to be.
In elementary, I thought my momma was the best. And at that time, she was exactly what I needed. But at one point, I remember staying at my Sunday school teacher’s house a lot, eating cookies and being loved on while my mom had doctor appointments.
In middle school, I had my youth minister. She was calm and patient in my life’s stormy night.
In high school, I had my best friend’s mom. Besides having the best stocked pantry, her home was my safe haven and my getaway spot. I always knew I was welcome, and my mom trusted her to keep me safe.
Then I had my transition mom‐the mom that inspired me to pursue college when my family was completely broke and college felt like a dream intended for others. This mom saw the potential in me. She saw what I didn’t.
In community college, I had my hippie mom. She was part of my church, gave me an affordable place to live, taught me a different way to cook, and always invited me to her table for dinner. She even gently scolded me when I came home way too late.
After I got married, I had my mother-in-law. In a culture that says I’m not supposed to get along with her, we struggled at first to find our groove. But whenever we needed anything, she showed up, and I now can’t think of a life without her.
A few years later, my mom left this world and went to meet Jesus. But, regardless of our age, I don’t think we ever stop needing a mom.
Lately, I’ve had a Bible study mom. The mom who inspired me to pick up my Bible more and worry less. She showed me what faithfulness looks like. She gave me the “mom” advice I so desperately needed.
To all my moms, thank you! With society saying that we should do it all on our own, they came alongside my mom to nurture me.
Ladies, there isgood news and bad news. The bad news is you cannot be “THE BEST” mom. You are human and flawed. You can be good, great even, but you can’t meet every need of your child in every season of life. Our culture shouts for perfection and independence. When we compare, we fall short. In contrast, Jesus calls for our humbleness, compassion and selfless love for others.
The good news is we are not alone. I don’t think we were ever intended to be. We are a tribe‐ sisters in Christ. Ruth had Naomi. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had her cousin Elizabeth. At the time of her son’s crucifixion, Mary was surrounded by three other women. Timothy’s mom Eunice had her mom Lois, and together they raised up Timothy.
We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
Romans 12:5-6 (NLT)
The Bible doesn’t say we need to be able to do ALL things well, only what we are gifted. But since we belong to each other, together we can truly raise up and disciple our children.
Be the Sunday school mom: teach Bible verses, wear a big smile, give warm hugs, and rock fussy babies for that tired new momma.
Be the Youth momma: be a good listener, open your home, give loving advice, be a safe environment for those angsty teens.
Be the Inspiring mom: when the world says they can’t; you say, “I believe in you!”
Be the Hospitality mom: wash the dishes, open your home and your table, bring the covered dish to the momma and family who needs it.
Be the I’m There For You mom: babysit, offer to help out, just show up when needed.
Be the Bible study mom: pray, send bible verses, share words of faith, encourage those struggling mommas.
It’s also okay to be the I Can’t Even Right Now mom: be transparent, be honest, let other mommas come along side you.
Your motherhood isn’t reserved only for your own children, nor do you have to be every mom in every season. Sisters, be who God gifted you to be.
Dedicated to Milly, Olive, Pat, Lana, Diane, Terijo, Lisa, and Marsha.