mothers and their children

children. i will be honest – i never really liked them. they were sticky. they were chaotic. they were loud. basically, they were not my cup of tea.

until now. now i melt when i see a newborn. i smile and nod in understanding when i see a toddler not enjoying their ride in the shopping cart. i laugh when i see a one year old covered in icing from their big milestone celebration. i dream when i see 7 year olds play soccer, running around not really knowing what to do…just being happy running. now i am a mother and i get the secret joy that children bring.

along with the secret joy there is weeping. i weep when i see mothers longing, fighting, and hoping. there are three mothers, three stories, three amazing women whose daily walks in this life have tugged at my heart and keep me in constant prayer for them every day.

meet hope. wife to an old friend of terry’s and mother to four children until the Lord took their 4 year old daughter three weeks ago. an adorable little girl they call lew. my heart cries to the Lord for hope and billy as they long to just hold their little Lew one more time. as they strive to walk in the light of gospel every day. as they continue to make life seem normal for their family. I pray for peace for them. grace and peace to overwhelm their souls.

meet katherine. a samford graduate who is a mother to baby james. katherine suffered a brain aneurism a couple months ago. a mother, a young beautiful mother, fighting with everything she has to heal her body to fullness. a mother who signs her hand in a squeeze to say she wants her little boy to come and visit so she can love on his baby rolls. a mother using every ounce of energy in hopes of one day being able to run to her little boy, scoop him up, and kiss him from head to toe. i pray for this mother’s fight.

and finally, meet jessica. mom to mckaylee. mckaylee is 13 months old and suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. 13 months old. the age of my addison. this could be my story. even though it isn’t i sure have been carrying this burden like it is. i am standing in the gap for this precious soul, this tired little body, and this hoping mother. hoping for a miracle, praying for healing, and resting in the gospel every day.

three mothers. three strangers to me and each other. but all three taking this life day by day with the strength of a mighty Savior. if any of you read this, know that you have touched my soul with your strength, your hope, your prayers, and your openness.

i write this not to be sad or dreary but because i am so deeply touched – so deeply moved by these women, these mothers. i honestly have no idea who all reads this blog, but if you do, pray for these mothers. pray without ceasing. read their blogs to hear their hearts - they are so open and honest. they will tell you how to pray for them. they will tell you how to love on them.