motherhood.
it’s not only for women who have children in their home with their same last name.
it’s not only for women who have babies with their same DNA, their same eyes and smiles.
it’s not only for married women.
motherhood defined is possessing the “qualities of a mother”, thank you freedictionary.com
that definition says nothing about actually birthing a child, or adopting a child, but it says motherhood is possessing the qualities of a mother.
I’ve been thinking about motherhood all weekend, and it doesn’t take my mind long to wander to the children across the world that call me “mom”. Spiritual sons and daughters that are forever a part of our family. Some of these children have biological parent(s), and some are orphans in every sense of the word. But they all cling to wanting one thing: a family. a mother.
I don’t know anyone in this world who doesn’t long for someone to call mother. someone who has those qualities that a mother possesses. someone to love them unconditionally, to encourage them, to always think the best of them, to fight for them, to believe in them, to dream big dreams with them, to support them, to hug them, to touch them, to show them that they are wanted and loved.
anyone can do that. you don’t have to be married, get pregnant, or adopt, you simply have to LOVE.
so today, on my very first mothers day, I celebrate you. the mothers with empty arms + nurseries. the mothers who’s hearts are full. the mothers who mother not only their “own”, but the children of the world who so desperatly need them. to the kid-less married couple who pour out their heart mentoring a young boy with no family support, to the empty nester who gives her time + attention to “at risk” youth who so desperately need a mother figure. to the single girl who spends her vacation time visiting and loving on orphans all over the world.
all beautiful pictures of motherhood.
today, I celebrate you!
[I love this image & the one at the beginning of the post. This little girl is from Uganda, and the girl above Rwanda, but they have something in common. both orphans. both wanting someone to reach down and pick them up and love on them. This picture [taken on my first Visiting Orphans mission trip to Africa] is often the image I think of when I think of “the orphan”. Just a girl, longing for someone to reach down and touch them.]
I challenge you [and myself] this mothers day, to get involved in the life of a child. a child at sunday school, a kid in the “head start” program at your local elementary school, a young boy without a role model, anyone! being a mother [or father!] doesn’t only mean being their birth or adoptive mother. I’m sure you have, as I have!, amazing women who weren’t your mother who helped shape who you are today! Reach out and BE THAT WOMAN! Nothing is sweeter.
Hey, I'm Wynne!
Hi, friend! First, I truly am so giddy that you are here. I want you to know I believe in you and all the ways you are growing towards living a more intentional life. I genuinely hope you are encouraged from our time together here.
A little about me, I’m a type 7 on the enneagram, a total extrovert + people lover, entrepreneur, connector, storyteller, people gatherer, and passionate wife, mama + friend. I feel most alive when I’m exploring new places and surrounded by people I love. Give me a day in the outdoors disconnected from wifi, and I am a happy girl. I run on oat milk lattes, Jesus, gratitude journaling and kitchen dance parties with my four kids.
Welcome, come on in!
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