When I was a young girl I wanted several children, I never had a definite number but I knew it was big, so imagine how heartbroken I was when at 17 I was told that I would not be able to have any.  That was a thought from the world though, I didn’t know it at the time but God had other plans!  When I gave birth to my son when I was 20 yrs old I was completely in awe because of what I had been told just a few years before, so I thought this would possibly be my only one, but then just 4 1/2 short years later I gave birth to my daughter & I had gained my bonus son by this point as well.  At this point though realizing that doctor was wrong those years before & God could do what He set to do, I did have to make a wise decision for myself & my family, to not try for any more biological children.  You see when I was a teenager I dealt with depression, so when I had postpartum depression that sent me into crying fits for no reason after having my daughter when I had not had any with my son, I decided it was best to not chance it getting worse with another birth.  I decided it was ok to only have given birth to two children, plus like I said I had a bonus boy as well.  Truly I have thought of what it would be like to have had more, like my childhood dream many times.  I actually was thinking of that about a month ago when God pointed out something to me that I had not really put into perspective.  You see I have had a few call me Mama Craig throughout the years, & now working with a church in a college town, that name has resurfaced but on a more pronounced level.  So one day after texting with one of the girls from this college/church, God said see you have many children!  Then He began to remind me of the nurturing I have gotten to do through years, in & out of church.  At this realization I could only weep!  I have been blessed to be a person many have called on when needing guidance, reassurance, love, or just someone to talk to.  Even as I type this so many faces & names pour into my thoughts, I well up with tears sometimes at my pride for who these people are becoming, & when they hurt I hurt with them whether they know it or not.  See it’s not about me but it’s about having been willing to say yes to God every time He leads me into a life.  Every time someone starts to confide in me will I say yes to becoming someone they can count on or will I turn & walk away not to be bothered by someone else’s “baggage”?  Also realize being a Spiritual Mother doesn’t necessarily mean that I am older then them, just maybe more Spiritually mature (by the way I have not “arrived” yet, still a clay pot needing more molding).  1 Thessalonians 2:7  says “But we behaved gently when we were among you, like a devoted mother tenderly caring for her own children. (amp)  My children have honestly become so numerous it is hard to count, & I do care for them all tenderly, even when as they grow some have lost touch with me, it’s ok I was in their lives for the season that I needed to be, & if by God’s gracious favor I get to cross their path again I will rejoice, but if not then at least I can still watch from afar, thanks to social media!  I know I am not the only one in this situation, so many women wish for more children, or even one child, but in the lives of those I personally know, I can see where God has blessed them to be Spiritual mothers to so many that have walked across their path, loving them without holding back!  We live in a world where so many need a guide, a gentle hand, or just to be loved; maybe just maybe that is where you come in.  Be willing to answer the call to being available for coffee with someone.  Give away hugs like your life depends on it. And make the words “I love you” a common flow out of your mouth & mean them!  We need more mamas, cause they comfort us when we are hurt, make us soup when we are sick, pray for us when we are down or in doubt & love us no matter what.  I am so blessed & overjoyed that God called me to this even when I wasn’t looking for it.

Her children rise up & call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired)

Proverbs 31:28

How many children do you really have rising up & calling you blessed, or even better call you a blessing to their lives!

I pray God pours a flood into you as you have read this of those lives you have touched, you have changed & molded.  I pray a peace rise up in you about your motherhood status, that you start to see the faces of your Spiritual children running through your mind & that you cherish what God has called you to.

Much love,

 

Michelle