How could anyone cast stones at her, condemning her without knowing her story? Judging her, as if they never faced pain and challenges in their own life. Yet, through her painful smiles, she eagerly waited to know the purpose of her life and hoped one day to be lifted up from the ashes of this world, so she could save her children from the same dusty road of life.

Her story may not be unique; many can relate to her pain. Before this woman was honored with the crown of motherhood, the ride of life took her through layers and layers of adversity and distraction.  At times, she felt as though she was walking through the remains of a fire—a fire caused by misguided early life-choices. The haze from the embers made her wonder if she herself was a particle of ashy dust.

Although a tug-of-war ensued within her, she had come to realize that she must gather the courage to stop bowing to the wishes of others and stop listening to the lies. Instead she began to let the Spirit of righteousness clear away the ashes of her painful journey. While she was hoping for a power to lift her out of the land of pain, heaven was calling her. She knew in her heart that God was telling her, “Get up, it’s time to move and rise.”

As the smoke around her was dimming her sight, she became aware of the hope of the Invisible world [Heaven]. The Word of God says, whoever will draw near to God, He will draw near to them. Trusting His Word, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, she started moving toward God. As she did, He began to reveal His mystery to her.

 She was being transformed from the inside out. She was no longer walking in the valley of ashes. She was now walking under the shadow of the Lord’s beauty. It was there she found her worth. The Lord taught her how to shield her babies with tender prayers. Although her children would at times be enticed by the rules or trends of this world, her determination to teach her children to live a God-centered life never wavered. 

As a mother myself, speaking to any dear children who may be reading my words, I ask you – Do not underestimate the power of your mother’s prayers or the strength of her love. And please do not make her cry, for you do not know the storms she has endured in her life. But know this: Her love always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Her love never fails her children.

Happy Mother’s Day, my friends!