I love my mom!

After blogging so much about the importance of men and fathers, I started to feel a little guilty that I wasn't honoring my mother through my messages. Today's blog is dedicated to the love I have for my mom!!

"A heart of gold" is how my mom's friends describe her. It's odd to hear people describe a parent in that way. After all, my mom was the one who held the power of "guilt" over me growing up... But in all fairness, SHE KNEW IT WORKED! Wise and powerful woman she is! But for me, as an adult, to hear other women speak so highly of my mom, it forces me to look at her through a new lens...or a new perspective.

After all, she wasn't always a mom, but I can see how through her whole life up till this point, she's been a good hearted, warm, compassionate, giving, and caring woman.

My mom has always been a worker....a provider. Since I was alive, she's spent the majority of her week at her job, dedicating herself, giving 100% to building a career and eventually, running her own very successful business. She did this partly, to fulfill her own dream of owning a business, but also, for us.

I sometimes wonder what it would have been like to be able to get to know my mom more on a personal level...like a girlfriend. And there have been times as we're both older, when we have been able to spend "girl" time together. It was always nice, cordial, fun, and usually, a time to vent, and a time to laugh!

I realize now, being a mom, that she has done so much for me, and hasn't received NEARLY enough thanks and appreciation for what she's done. And she'd never be the type to gripe, complain, or dwell on NOT being thanked.

Yep, I'd say her friends are right, "A heart of gold" would be a beautiful way to describe her. And as her eldest daughter, I think it's time I honored her more and showed her, my dad, my sister, and her friends just how wonderful she is and how much she means to me and to my son.

One of my friends the other day overheard me on the phone with my mom. He said, "You don't tell your mom you love her on the phone?" I hadn't really thought about it, but I guess the "I love you's" hadn't been as expressive in our family as they are between my son and me. I tell him every chance I get. But, no, he was right, don't usually prompt an "I love you" with my folks... Hmm, I wonder why some families build that so easily into their every day conversation, and some don't.

So, my friend was the catalyst for change, and my goal is to honor my mom (and dad) by stepping out of the norm, and telling them I love them. After all, Jesus had no problem telling people he loved them. So, I'll follow in his footsteps, gain courage from him, and trust that honoring them is a way to show my love for God, for they are gifts from Him.

Oh, and as an aside, we've all probably heard that inside the heart of EVERY woman, young and old is the heart and soul of a little girl. There is a selection of books I've found that are full of beautiful "letters from God" to us as girls seeking our "Prince". They really touched me and met my ingrained need to have that loving "Prince" in my life. I gave one to my mom. I think she needs reminding that even though she works hard every day to provide and meet the needs of others, she's still a little "princess" asking her "Prince" to love her. I hope she enjoys it and feels her full worth as a child of God!

I love you MOM!!!!!

Dear God, my Prince,
Thank you for loving us, the women of this world. Whether we are mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, neighbors, or friends, we are all sisters in your love. Use your never ending love to show us that we have no boundaries between us and that loving each other, erasing boundaries, hierarchies, and societies expectations, and truly appreciating each other for the beautiful creations you've created us to be is the best way to honor our sisterhood in Christ. Being strong women of God will create another generation of strong children in you. Help us to raise our children to be God loving. Help us love our brothers in Christ so to honor the men in the world. And help us to invite those who've been hurt, abandoned, rejected, and lost, back into our brother and sisterhood so we can heal and honor each other in your name. AMEN!

Peace friend!
~Erica