Comments on: I Am a Mother. Are you?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:18:01 +0000

I disagree that God is an external source of fulfillment. What could be more internal than pure knowledge bestowed on the mind and the heart? This testimony of the divinity of motherhood and our role in His eternal plan is the foundation of self-worth in our capacity as mothers. God can show us and confirm to us that this is true, but WE must accept and believe—because those moments of blinding clarity, of understanding our divine role, often seem few and far between in the work of motherhood.

While all of us do need at least occasional validation from those whom we serve, we can’t always “live on borrowed light.” We must have our own reservoirs to draw on, and I consider the strength that God has promised us as we turn to him in humility a necessary part of those reservoirs, because we cannot and are not meant to do this all by ourselves.

This isn’t about sacrificing ourselves for our children; it’s about recognizing our own self worth whether or not they do every second of every day.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:11:59 +0000

I think that what we are all saying is the same: we love our kids and being mothers and whether or not we work outside the home, we would love to have someone let us know we are doing a good job and we are appreciated. Being a mom is a 24/7 job and it is very difficult sometimes and no two mothers do it the same way, which is why we are all a little different as adults. I think I have a pretty good sense of self-worth and I know that what I am doing is valuable. I still get emotionally drained and that’s when I really need the “outside sources” (including God) to remind me that I am valued for ME and not defined by my children. I crave my adult time for adult conversation and activities. They keep me sane and in touch with myself. I hope we all make sure we are getting all our needs met. Sacrificing our emotional and spiritual needs does NOT make us better mothers, in fact, the opposite.

By: Amanda Regan

Amanda Regan — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:44:06 +0000

I finally became a mom in my 30′s & while I love being a mom I get so irritated with the comments I get when people ask what work I do. You know the type of thing, like, “oh you don’t work then” or my favourite “so what do you do all day?”. I love being home with my son even when the going is hard and at times it really is & I don’t mean just financially. Some people who are “working” & not “just a mom” look down on me & really believe I have nothing worthwhile to contribute in society or even just in conversation. An 8 till 6 job finishes at 6 being a mother never finishes. I do all the usual mom stuff like cook, clean, tidy, shop and activities such as craft or swimming and it’s not noticed. I put all my energy into educating my child in a fun way & making sure he has the right behaviour & values & is safe, healthy & happy. I enjoy it all but sometimes it would be such a boost for me to feel that it is all appreciated, that it’s noticed, that they understand I’m doing my best.

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:15:10 +0000

I think one of the greatest things about motherhood was mentioned in the “Invisible Woman.” The part where it says something like “God saying, “I see you, Lindsey.”" Most of what I do goes unseen or unnoticed, but I feel like I’ve got this special link with God because most of what He does goes unnoticed by most of His children. He understands me, He sees me, and I know He is proud of me for what I am devoting my life to. I love being a mother! Frankly, I rarely think about not getting thank yous for the things I do. This is the role I’ve chosen and I’m just going about it as best I can. I do enjoy thank yous, but the gratitude that comes in a hug or random “I love you” is far better than someone recognizing every little thing I do.
I’m sorry to hear that some people decided to be rude; it really is a beautiful message written in that piece.

By: Richelle F

Richelle F — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:51:04 +0000

I’m sorry you received hateful comments. I agree that we have to value our role ourselves and not rely on other people to validate us. It is nice when we do get recognized though!

By: Kasie@~The Art of Life~

Kasie@~The Art of Life~ — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:17:44 +0000

I whole-heartedly agree with you Jordan and I’m sorry that you received hateful comments.

“The message is that we have to value what we do ourselves (and recognize the value that God has placed upon this divine calling), because times come when no one else will.”

~~This is so true. We live in a world that tries to teach us that our value only comes from outside sources. Valuing our role as a Mother doesn’t mean that we’re allowing others to step on us. It simply means that we understand that we are doing a valuable job even if it isn’t always rewarded.

By: JanMary, N Ireland

JanMary, N Ireland — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:08:12 +0000

I have been thinking along similar lines for a while.

I am a sahm with 3 kids, and while I chose this and I think it is a privilege to be able to do so, I also want to be appreciated and valued for it.

Happy Mothers Day – here it is in March!