It wasn’t the first “Mama”

that made you a mother –

not even the wailing cries

of your child at birth –

it happened months

and countless heartbeats before

in the dark and warmth

of your welcoming, sheltering womb:

his joined yours and in a flash

you became a mother.

It may have been your deepest wish,

it may have been your biggest fear.

You may have been waiting years,

you may have said “Later is best (or not at all)”.

But the Father looked down

in wisdom and in love

and said “You are the woman

and now is the time.”

God made you a mother.

Now some days are the greatest,

some days are the worst.

Laughter, cries, hugs, and screaming;

struggles, joys, tears, and trials

(some your children’s, some your own).

It’s your calling, your cross,

your purpose, your life,

your family.

Your Father gives you

everything good,

gives you 

everything you need.

God loves you, mother.

Yes, he loves you more, 

loves you better

than your child, 

than your mother, 

than your mate.

He holds you, supports you, 

guides you, feeds you.

When you stumble, he lifts you up;

when you crumble, he builds you up.

And most of all, when you sin –

against him, against your home,

against reason, against your heart –

he forgives you 

for his Son’s sake.

You are washed clean at the Cross

and showered with abundant grace.

Do not shudder at your past.

Do not fear the future.

Christ is behind you,

beside you, 

before you.

In him you are 

and have 

everything you need.

God loves you, mother.