We are getting closer and closer to the designated day for honoring one of God’s greatest roles on earth, motherhood! And this is the time that we get to reflect on the beautiful beings that brought us into this world. Regardless of your upbringing, the fact that you are here speaks volumes of the choice she made to birth you. And for that, we say thank you.

Moms to Be: The Expectant Ones

There is nothing like “expecting” a gift. We patiently or eagerly wait (LOL) to receive it! And some parents even make the decision to seek and find a bundle of joy to love and raise, not knowing what is in store for them.

Regardless of whether you have biologically birthed a child in this world, or if you lovingly chose to take on the role of motherhood by adopting or inheriting one, you have been named the guardian of one of God’s greatest gifts of love. In this waiting period, please reflect on the notion that you have been chosen to bring life into this world. This life will need your guidance, wisdom, and love. You may not “feel it,” but daily you are settling into God’s true character of love as you anticipate the arrival of His prized possession.

One of the greatest tasks you will have is training them up in the way in which God created them to be in the earth. So for now, take a deep breath in and smile. Please don’t take for granted the awesome and amazing task you have been given to nurture His prized possession (your/His child). Now is the time to dream with God and ask Him to show you His plans for your bundle of joy.

We’ve heard of speaking positive affirmations, but let’s take it a step further. Now is the time to begin speaking God’s desires and dreams into your womb as it grows. Plant the seeds of heaven into the tiny ears of the child you are being given. It will be so amazing to see how your prayers and guidance into their personality today will shape the world we live in tomorrow. Thank you, expectant ones!

Mom: The Real Deal

Ready or not, your baby is here! Hold on for the most adventurous time in your life. The reality of your new role has finally hit you, and your life will never be the same.

It is no longer about just you. This is when you realize you care more for the one you’ve brought into the world than your own life. It is now you and the baby. Daily, your child is expecting to eat, be loved, and clothed. They are completely dependent on you. Your baby, who doesn’t care that you didn’t sleep last night because they have decided they need you, now! Your baby, who’s looking to you for lessons, covering, and fun!

This is the same child who will one day see you as “not understanding them” because you didn’t let them have their way. This is the time that you recognize the reality that you can’t do this thing alone. And yes, the fathers play a huge role in their development (and we will have a Father’s Day piece coming soon), but your shaping, molding, and equipping should ultimately be coming from the Creator Himself. He is the one that blessed you with this bundle of joy.

Please take a moment today to reflect on how important your role truly is in raising the next generation. You are not simply raising one child. With God’s guidance, you are nurturing the very nature of God in the earth. Whether you birthed or chose to bring home your child, please understand that your child will one day be responsible for influencing thousands, if not millions of people, from their community to the world. Yes, I said it. How you train them now will be reflected in how they interact with people day in and day out throughout their lives. How you train them now will dictate how they use their platform on social media. The effects of your actions and words will be seen throughout their lives.

And don’t be ashamed when you miss the mark. God loves you regardless, and He will help you get back on track. This is a key lesson God wants us all to learn. So please don’t take it lightly when you are teaching life lessons. Your time, effort, and support never go unnoticed. Thank you for doing your part in preparing the next generation for the world.

Mom: Reflecting On Your Legacy

I remember sitting at the funeral of my grandmother and listening to my father speak about his mom. Tears welled up in his eyes as he began to reflect back on the life of his mother. I watched this 6 feet 3 inches tall man cry like a baby as he told story after story of her love, dedication, and heart to see her babies “do well” in life.

The greatest legacy that any person can leave behind is love, for it represents God’s nature through us all in the earth. So today, as you reflect on your beautiful mother, please remember the lessons and the words of wisdom that will live on with you forever.

Remember the times she was cheering at your games? She was showing you that love is showing up and showing others that you care.

Remember when she held you in her arms after that girl broke your heart, reassuring you that everything will be okay, and she wasn’t good enough for you anyway? She was teaching you self-worth.

Remember when she taught you how to cook (okay…or at least make enough money to buy food)? She was preparing you for the family that you will one day have.

Remember when she gave you chores to do, even though you didn’t want to take out the trash? She was showing you that responsibility is showing up, whether you want to or not.

And remember when she showed you how to pray? She was teaching and preparing you on how to depend on the very one that would lead and guide you along the way throughout your life, because she knew one day she would be gone.

So even though mom is no longer here, her legacy lives on through you. And as her gift to this world, we say thank you as we celebrate her legacy!

Article was written by Felicia A Tate, CEO of You Light Up the World
Visit You Light Up the World

Co-Author, Marquetta Smith, CEO of Safe Harbor International Ministries