To All Women.... You Make a Difference

This past Saturday, I helped host a tea party for some very special mothers. These are women who have no where else to go with their children. Their circumstances vary, from abusive husbands, kicked out by family, drug abuse, or just plain bad luck. Many have had to literally flee from their homes with absolutely nothing. They are taken into this "shelter" and given the opportunity to get back on their feet again. How they needed to be reminded of how precious they are!

As I was setting up for this fun event, I had several small children wanting to help me decorate. When

Like a daisy, you are beautiful
and carefully created. 

some of the moms walked by, they gently scolded their kids to leave me alone and "don't touch that" as I was placing the delicate tea cups and saucers on the table. I smiled and let the mothers know I would love their help. Oh, so carefully, I showed these children how to be gentle with the tea cups and saucers. The night before, my daughter and I had matched them up and paired them with numbers so the correct cups would be sitting on the corresponding plates when we decorated. I turned each cup and saucer over and showed them how to match them up. These precious children were extra careful as they found the correct matches and excited to be a part of something wonderful for their mothers. 

While we worked, some of them began talking to me about their lives. 

     My daddy is in heaven. I miss him. 

    (Quietly) My mom hits us. (With brother responding not to tell me that.) 

The comments were few and far between but the pain was very real. My first thought was to run to each of them and hug them tight, cry with them, then sit them on my lap and rock them, telling them how much they are loved by God. However, I did not. I whispered "I'm sorry" or just ran my fingers through their hair with compassion, because I do not yet know my place in that environment. 

My next thought was to scold the mother who hurts her children. Abruptly, I stopped myself. Jenny, remember you used to be that mom. You do not know the circumstances. Have compassion. Looking around, I did wonder what pushed that mom to her breaking point. I know what it is like to be there so all I could do was offer up a quick prayer that his mother would be able to find a healthy place in her life so her kids would no longer hurt. 

As we finished the set up, the excitement was mounting. Volunteers were bringing in fun, vibrant cookies and delicious fruit trays. One sweet lady made a beautiful birthday cake for a 3-ear-old who lived there, who otherwise would not have been able to celebrate her birthday. When they received the cake, the mother came to the kitchen and brought her daughter. They wanted the cake baker to know how much they appreciated it. Each of these women were making a difference in the lives of those children. After, many of them let me know they did feel very special and very loved. 

I look to the women who have mothered me in my life and know I would not be the woman I am without them:

~ My own mother who carried me in her womb and raised me in love. She fueled my passion for music and helped me find my song. 

~ My mother by marriage who sometimes I disagree with, but we always find our way back to a positive place. 

~ My many adopted mothers whom I adore and have consistently influenced my life for the better.

To them, I say thank you. Thank you for allowing your light to shine in my own life. Thank you for sharing your experiences so that I can find my own path towards my heavenly home.

To the women in my life who have lost children, are not able to have children, or have not yet had the opportunity to do so, I say this: You make a difference! I see your heartache and struggle. Sometimes, I do not know what to say, because our experiences are different and I am at a loss for words. Know that you are thought of and prayed for. Know that you are a mother when you love my children! I could not raise them without you! When you guide them, direct them, advise them, love them... you are being a mother! You matter! Share your light so that when a child needs someone to confide in that they miss their daddy, you can love on them as if they were your own. 

Treasure with care!

I fully believe that every person matters to God. Like those tea cups, you are treasured and your heart is handled with care by your Creator. I especially believe that each and every woman is meant to be a mother- if not to their own biological child, then any child that they can influence. We need good women to teach, to love, to adore! We need good women to reach out to the lost and conflicted and give them a grounding place so they can find their own way. You do not need to have a child to be a mother... you just have to love one. 

To all women..... you make a difference! 

Keep Smiling, 

Mama Dragon