Words for the Week

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I'm reading a beautiful book about brokenness. Yes, you heard me right: brokenness. It's called "Mended" by Angie Smith (who started as a blogger, I'd just like to mention...) It's one of those books that requires you have a pen or highlighter nearby at all times (...and a tissue box.)  It's an incredible book. Very moving. Very relatable. The author, Angie Smith, uses her personal experience after the death of her daughter Audrey, to share about her journey through brokenness. 

[We all have a little "broken" in our lives, so when you're not reading this blog, I highly recommend her book]

It's inadequate of me to say that she suffered tremendous loss & brokenness after losing her daughter.  The book shares some of her journey through that. Her reliance on the Lord is astounding.  Her journey is beyond inspiring [seriously, the book is a must read!!!] And something she said in her book stunned me. It literally resonated with my soul. Angie shared a tender moment of her life where she collapsed before the Lord. She posed a simple question, that I instantly had to ask of myself.  And it's a question that instantly made me think of YOU (yes, you, our fearless readers.)

While Angie sat in brokeness, she said, "...And so I sat on my closet floor asking the Lord to show me why He had brought me here..."

Pause. Ever had a moment like this?!?  A moment when life, circumstances, challenges, or decisions have you on your knees?

Oh, yes. Those broken moments...when we feel like a mess. When we feel like we're at our wits end. When we've lost it, messed up, or don't know what to do.   

Those, sweet sisters, are the moments when God steps in to mend our hearts, our hurts, and our struggles. What we fail to consider in those ugly moments is God's perspective: God sees a beautiful reason to the ugly season.

...So. Back to the question Angie asked, "...why had He brought me here?"

That simple request of the Lord stopped me in my tracks.  Her question attached to my soul & it got me thinking...

"Why, Lord? Why have you brought us here?"

Whether you're broken or whole.  A Biological- or Step- mom.  A guardian or foster parent. A mom-to-one or a mom-to-many. You are here because your relationship with your daughter(s) compels you to be. I know, sweet sister, that your role as a mom is less than perfect. It has it's highs and lows. It's moments of goodness, and it's moments of brokenness.  God will meet you here, in whichever season you're in.  Wherever your relationship with your daughter is (or isn't.)

Your desire to love & nurture your daughter equips you enough. I didn't say it would make you a perfect mom who has it all together (there's no such thing - I've checked!!!) But, your desire to be a great mom brought you here. And that's more than enough.

As you head into your week, examine your interaction with your daughter(s). Are you satisfied with your relationship? Are you scared by it?  Unaware of it?  Then, ask yourself this question, "how did it get here?" And ask of God, "What can You, God, do with this? Where can You get us from here?"

These questions (and answers) are important keys to our future journeys as moms & daughters.  Share your thoughts! 

- Emily