READY, SET, GO!
When I was asked to be a Mothers of Preschoolers mentor mom, I questioned my ability to meet the qualifications, one of which was being authentic. I studied the word "authentic" and understood it meant to "be real." Could I be real with moms sometimes 40 years or more my junior? I prayed, and I've tried, and I'll try again this morning. When opportunities present themselves, I must tell my moms how things happened for me -- I need to let them see the real side of motherhood, womanhood and life.
REAL means baring the skeletal part of my being a woman, a mom, a nurturer, and caregiver for my children and grandchildren. Sharing the most disgusting times, the hurtful times, the joyous times. Making sure each mom knew I had been there, done that, whatever it was she was faced with and struggling to understand.
Yes, I have changed my share of dirty, sometimes really nasty diapers. Everyone who has knows this is REAL.
And I have cleaned up vomit from bedsheets, floors, car seats, patios, babies, myself, someone else -- REAL stuff!
I have to admit that I was hurt by my first husband who had no capacity for love either for me or our son. REAL hurt comes in a divorce sometimes. And mine did.
Yes, I have experienced REAL joy and love from my son and my family who supported me as a single mom for almost 11 years.
And I experienced the REAL love of God when he brought me face-to-face with my second husband of almost 31 years now, who became for my son an example, a friend, a dad.
REAL is who we are, where we are, how we are in the face of God and all those around us. To hide our REAL is to hide what God has made us to be, helped us to encounter and face down, and to embrace and feel joy, love and goodness.
I love being REAL!
STOP!!!
