One day the girls and I were shopping for a gift at a local bookstore and an elderly woman struck up a conversation. We chatted for a bit and talked about the girls and I swear God was speaking through her. She said,
“Your oldest is your mercy and the youngest is your grace.”
Today I want to talk about my Mercy…Madison Leigh. She was born on the U.S.M.C birthday on a Marine Corps base: I wasn’t ready, I wasn’t sure, and I don’t think I was happy in my current situation. Everything about the pregnancy and birth was difficult but my time with her has been more than easy. In all of God’s glory I still to this day am not sure why He blessed me with her.
I receive so many compliments about her but in the rare times I took credit, God shut down my ego, Why?
Because I am not mama of the year or even a lifetime.
I have failed more times than I can remember: in my anger, my lack of patience, my dictatorship ways, and some poor choices. So how on earth can I take credit for having an amazing daughter when it is only my King who created, designed, and kept her?
I think every mother asks themselves am I an okay mom? Am I doing this right? There is so much I don’t know but from my experience this is what I’m sure of-
- Pray for them. My one prayer that’s been constant for Madi is,
“ Dear God, above all else, may she always have a heart for you.”
She isn’t athletic, doesn’t make the best grades, and is a bit lazy but by God she has a good heart! We even, playfully, sometimes say, “ you’re such a good person” when she is failing miserably at something else and yes there is a bit of sarcasm in thatJ
- Be honest with them! What are you afraid of them knowing? One of the things I cherished most about my mom was her transparency and Madi feels the same way. Obviously reveal things at age appropriate times and we are responsible for protecting their mind and heart with appropriate convo. If you’re not ready to share something with them, remember, withholding doesn’t mean lying.
**There was a point in my life I realized if there’s something I’m doing that I wouldn’t want my child to know of than maybe it’s not something I need to be doing.
- Discipline hard and love harder!!! I know everyone is different but I cherish affection and words of affirmation. Children want love more than anything so it’s important to think about how we show that. But, when it’s time to lay down the law and check things at the door, do it! You catch my drift?
My girl is nearly 18 and my prayer has shifted. Soon I’ll talk about praying for your teen girl and her future. Next time we’ll talk about my Grace (Ivy), totally different spirit yet she pulls on my heart strings the same.
Congratulations on the launch of your new beautiful site, Mindy!!! May God use your words to richly bless, encourage, and inspire many! And as each person feels that lift in their spirit, may they look up and know the God of the universe loves them beyond measure!!!
Much love, my friend❤️
Lori
Dear Lori,
Thank you and yes to all of the above! I pray every woman that visits here leaves with a seed and will feel a sense of love and acceptance.
Loving this!!
Yay Vicki!!! I’m so glad. You’ll like the one coming out after yoga, it’s called Billy Graham and Hangovers.
Love it Mindy ? and totally agree with owning our faults and putting them on the table…at the appropriate time of course! No parent is perfect nor should we set our children up for failure by hiding our mistakes. I try to set a good example and make choices that God and my children are proud of….
I love you Teresa. You’re such a selfless friend and I know you can relate to this message.
Life is what you do with your time love money and knowledge. It is inspiring to see your website . Beth Friend
Hi Beth, thank you for visiting. I sure hope you’ll stick around and stay inspired:)
I love your honesty!!
Thank you Tabitha, sometimes it’s too much for people and I’m working on taking time to decipher between honesty or not saying anything at all because that’s a really good choice to. HA
I love this! ive always wanted my girls to feel they can ask me anything or tell me anything without fear. They know I will be honest with them, forgive mistakes and love them unconditionally just as Jesus has done for me.
Just getting a chance to read your blog. I love it. I think you might be selling yourself a little short my dear Mindy-……. being a mom is tough and for many years you were a single mother and you did this while serving in the military . As military members know- it is a challenge especially with all the other obligations we have to take on. Mandi is a beautiful, adjusted young lady because she had an amazing role model. Not to mention a beautiful one at that. You are one person I can say that is as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside. I am so happy we had the opportunity to serve together. Love the blog – can’t wait to see future posts. Gina
Thank you Gina, but it seemed normal and totally doable but it must be because God carried me through it. I miss my time with you at NHCS. Still my favorite tour!