in celebration of mothers

Today is Mother's Day in America. A time to celebrate our moms, the women who so often give up so much for us. I know my mother in particular just happens to be the best one out there. She is loving, encouraging, funny, intelligent, nurturing, and the best friend you could ask for. I am so thankful to have her in my life, and so happy to celebrate her on Mother's Day!

But what about all the mothers in the world who don't have children to celebrate them? In particular, I'm thinking of the ladies who I have known and loved on this ship, in Togo, Congo, and Madagascar, with obstetric fistulas. And the thousands more that I don't yet know, but am praying for always. Strong, courageous, loving women. Many of whom have had multiple pregnancies, and no living children. Who endured months of pregnancy and days (yes, days), of difficult labor, which resulted in a stillborn baby. Regardless of whether these women were leaking urine or stool as a result of their prolonged labor. Regardless of whether their husband decided to stand by her side, or as is often the case, cast her out. Regardless of whether they have previous children or not. These women are mothers to children they can no longer tangibly hold.  But they never stop being mothers. They share so much love with those around them. They encourage, lift up, care for, and love one another as any mother would a child. They are strong. They are love. They are light.  And they deserve to be celebrated on this day.

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”
~ Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

 

Despite their pain and heartbreak, despite their suffering, they have found the strength to move forward. They spread joy. A single smile from one of these ladies will warm your heart like you've never known before. And when they laugh so hard that they snort? Forget about it. Or at church, when you sit next to them and put your arm around them, and they gently rest their head on your shoulder. Ask you to pray for them, and pray for you. That they can experience joy like that, and share it with me, is such a testament to how good our God is. Sometimes I feel discouraged, and I know they do too, when the physical healing is taking so long, or just isn't happening. But then I am reminded of the cross. Of how much God loves each one of us, and I tell them each: You are special. You are beautiful. You are joyful. You are loved. You are SO loved. They smile, look me in the eye, and say thank you. And that smile doesn't leave their face, and their eyes continue to shine. And I know, that they understand. They know that they are loved so much, and in turn they praise God with arms outstretched. They are an example to me of unfaltering faith. Of loving and praising our Father not only when all our prayers are answered, but trusting and following Him in the journey, regardless of where He may lead.

I am so thankful for the healing that has taken place in so many of our fistula ladies this year. But I'm more thankful for the ways He brings them, and me, closer to Him. By the way He heals our broken spirits, and walks ahead of us on each of our own paths. By the way I am consistently filled up to overflowing with God's love, and can pour out that love on these women. By the way they return this love in so many ways. By the way these women allow us into their hearts, into the place where love resides. They are the most beautiful, brave women I have known. And I am thankful for them everyday, but especially today. The world is a better place because of these women and the love they share. I wish them, and all the beautiful strong women in my life, a very Happy Mother's Day. May you know today, and everyday, that you are special, beautiful, joyful, and loved. And so much more.

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.

~ Audrey Hepburn