THE POWER OF SheRoes
Many times we take for granted those who have made a tremendous impact in our life.Unfortuantly, we often don't recognize their true value until they are gone. A great part of becoming a "New You" is receiving guidance and direction from those who have already been where you are trying to go. Our Mothers are often the first to begin pouring into the mold that will ultimately become YOU! Mothers observe their children and begin to take note of their personality traits. They observe their children and discover their interests. They take the time to identify the child' s fears and areas of struggle. This is an ongoing assessment process that guides the Mother as she raises the child.
My Mother did not have much to give us materially, but she gave us some things spiritually, mentally, and emotionally that were priceless. She and I had a very complicated relationship for many years. However, ther was one thing for certain: She wanted my siblings and I to excell and be good human beings.As a single mother of 7, she faced criticism and scrutiny.We were taught from a very young age that where we started, didn't have to be where we ended. She advocated on our behalf in order to make certain that we were enrolled in academically challenging schools. She monitored what we watched as well as what we listened to. It was my Mother who introdenced me to classical music, plays, and the library. The arts, culture, reading, and Jesus were mainstays in our home. Mom was criticized by our family because they felt that she was setting us up for failure...quite the contrary. She was my first lifeskills teacher as she taught all 7 of us how to cook, clean, wash, iron, sew, and pay bills. She said that she wanted us to be capable of caring for ourselves if she was not around. Mom didn't sugarcoat things and didn't hide difficult things from us. Yet, she used challenging situations as teachable moments about faith, perseverance, and responsibility. She was one of my major cheerleaders and I became one of hers as well. ALthough she is not present physically, she imparted so much in our family that she continues to live!
I also have to honor the women in my life who never gave birth to a child, but birthed a lot in my life. I am who I am because my Aunt Anna made sure thst I was in Sunday School EVERY Sunday. Aunt Anna also helped me to become more comfortable with being myself. She taught me thst it was fine to be different becausr tht was how God made me. My Professional Mentor, Deb G. took a chance on a high energy, sometimes tempermental young lady . Her coaching molded me into a very capable and competent Social Worker. I must also honor my "Village"....SisterFriends who have stood with me for over 45 years....They have had a challenging task( because I can be quite stubborn). But I am truly thankful for their love, support, guidance, and yes, correction through the years. I am there for them as well.
My point is this: Not one woman "Becomes"without the imput of anothre woman. As women, we must learn how to celebrate and honor the human gifts tht God has placed in our lives. Our Mothers birthed us, but God placed others in ours lives whose input birthed our talents, our careers, and even our walk with the Lord. Let's take time today t not only honor our Mothers, but honor the women who have poured into your life, allowing you to become the best versio
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