The Long Answer

Them: How are you?

Me: To be honest, I’ve had nine children grow in my womb. Eight of them I carried to term and delivered into the world, one I lost tragically along the way, but ALL of them forever changed me to my core.

I carry a bit of their DNA inside me. They are all a part of my person. It doesn’t matter where I go or what I do, they are always with me because they are a part of me. It doesn’t matter where they go or what they do, they are always with me because they are a part of me, as much as my bones, or my heart or my soul are a part of me.

I may think differently than others or act differently than others, or even love differently than others, but that is to be expected. Cell by cell, synapse by synapse I am different from others. Humans are such complex creatures and if I may be so bold, and if you will please indulge me this thought, even more so are mothers. Every thought, every whim, every impulse, every feeling is inextricably intertwined with the deep and expansive family genome of cells floating around in my being. I am no longer just me.

I am deep, fractured, and multi dimensional. I am a vessel so stretched and cracked, bruised and scarred, and yet by the grace of God still able to hold so much. I know it is my vocation to spread the love of Christ in the world, and over many years of ministry have grown to understand that brings assaults of all kind from the evil one. I’m not suggesting that other humans do not experience this, but one thing I know for sure is that ALL mothers do.

Forgive me if I seem a bit distant or out of sorts at times. I may be somewhere in the vast cosmos of my being repairing, rebuilding and preparing to go back out there and live another day trying to shine His light on my family and others.

So, How am I? I’m fine, thanks. You?

I will continue to pray for you. Please pray for me.