who is a mother?
an ode
something about motherhood feels sacred the Creator of the universe choosing to partner with humans bringing little pockets of light into the world so when does a mom become a mother is it when she gives birth or is it when she first carries that seed and her body begins to change or is it when she's chasing those short legs running that same wind in life's hallways reverberates the same question in so many ways at what point in time does she become a mother because what about the mothers who never got to see their reflection in those wondrous irises who never got to feel those tiny hands grab onto theirs their body did change but the seed just didn't sprout the evidence life once grew within her where a woman would steward a seed then months later laboring here on earth is no small thing to the spiritual mothers adoptive mothers maternal mothers grandmothers who gave us legs to stand you bear life a generosity-tendered garden "be fruitful and multiply" was the command and you chose to say yes liminal spaces are no stranger to you waiting becoming a mother slowly your body transformed organs moving to make space in space carved into a new creature a vessel fit to carry another human birthing through pain humming to cries serenades of wise men say only fools rush in i i- i can't help falling in love with you somehow deep down your brain growing discerning which tears meant hunger, anger or just poop finally standing this child meets world a sapling in a crooked world your words and prayers etched on pages written on the chapters in their lives so they don't depart from The Way when sleep escapes you you still rise to feed tiny always-hungry monsters preparing plates and worshiping an altar set in every room knowing exactly how much to make or bake for today for tomorrow and for everyone around the table "wait! the taste is just not right" you say adding pinches of this and that no need to think or even measure it running to your lavender honey arms always feel like home for what goes often goes unseen behind the scene for what you do day after day kneeling through trenches of love and sacrifice you said yes to those divine words formed in our human alphabet "be fruitful and multiply" only our Creator could bless us with women like you ...and you you were already a mother before the seed germinated before giving birth and for all that you have become all that you have written all that you have given thank you.
Heart Call:
Motherhood begins when someone says yes to stewarding life. This is for every mother. Soon to be mothers. Adoptive mothers. Spiritual mothers.
Thank you for who you are inside and outside your home. God’s hand on your life is so evident, especially the way you carry yourself with so much grace and truth.
How many lives does a mother touch?
xoxo,
Lynn :)
Photos Credits: Ben Masora.