Six Years Later

Well, the last blog I wrote was ironically titled “If you remain silent”. That was over six years ago. 

I am back to break the “silence” but what speaks to me is that after a 6 year hiatus, the same truth that started my time in ministry is what brings me back to it; the truth that men and women are different and it is a good thing. The truth that women have an irreplaceable role in this world.

For most of my beginning years in this side of ministry, my focus was on our identity as women: daughter, bride and mother. I still am, but I am even more moved to speak directly about our identity as mother. I feel as though I had a more shallow understanding of motherhood 6 years ago or maybe it is that I am seeing it being “tried on” as if it was something tailored for whomever wants it. 

The truth is this: motherhood is not something you can create or reject, it is intrinsically part of who you are as a woman. 

Edith Stein, aka St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross, wrote, “A woman’s soul is fashioned to be a shelter in which other souls may unfold.” THIS. This is what it means to be a mother. As women, we have a unique way in which we receive other people. We are very person-oriented which is why we love relationships. When we are with other people, we are most likely talking about a person or people. 

I mean, who else can draw out someone’s whole life story the first time they meet? We like to connect heart to heart, what can I say? 

This unique gift we have to receive and shelter other souls is by far one of the most beautiful and necessary actions this world needs. Have you ever seen someone else crying and then you begin to cry? This is what it looks like to be a shelter in which other souls can unfold. You share in the other’s sorrow or grief and create a place for them to feel seen and safe. We usually don’t stop there, as women, our next instinct is usually to bring that person in for a hug. We hold them. Now, there is so much more to a woman than just this, but this is a great place to begin. 

This world needs your motherhood. This world needs your feminine touch. This world needs your heart in which others may unfold.