The Marked Life Blog

You carried me, gave me life, and sacrificed so much for me – and you did it alone. Through the best of times and worst of times, I’ve always seen your face faithfully there through it all. You worked hard to give me the best, and I know there are many unspoken things you persevered through. Above all, you introduced me to the One whom I belong to, and for whom I live, the Lord Jesus. Today, my mom talks about her struggles in motherhood, God’s mercy and faithfulness, and things every mother should know. Ma, thank you for always being there, for always covering me in prayer, and preparing me for so many aspects of life. Lastly, thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life in words.

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How many children do you have? I have three adult children.

How long have you been a mom? Nearly 50 years.

Are you a mom of girls, boys, or both? Two daughters and one son.

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What are 3 things every Mom needs to know?

The work of a Mother is endless…

There are many sacrifices that she will have to make…

Mothers play many roles and wear many hats…

What’s the biggest challenge of Motherhood?

The biggest challenge for me as a single mother was playing both the role of Mother and Father – especially during the pre-teen and teenage years when discipline was needed to correct disobedience, etc.

One thing that carried me through was praying about a lot of things. God gave me additional grace to deal with the challenges and strength to know how to handle it; and to stand in the gap being Father and Mother.

It was tough. God brought me up the mountain top and through the rough terrain with much prayer. I tilt my hat to women who raise children alone, especially boys. Girls need their Fathers too.

Boys come to a place in their lives when women cannot handle them alone. I prayed for God to bring men in my son’s life – to be a big brother and a father figure for my son – and he did.

Who/What was your greatest support system?

I thank God for my children’s Grandmother (my mother) who helped out, gave much prayers, and cried secret tears. God knew what I would face and he kept my mom alive long enough to help me.

Reading the Bible and sharing it with my children and bringing them to Sunday School was also a means of support. At home, before my children left for school, I would lay hands on them and pray for their protection, and anoint them with oil. Isaiah 54:13 says, “All my children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be their peace.”

My desire was that my children would know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

How has God seen you through a “dark” period in Motherhood?

God has seen me through some very dark times.

He prevented two of my children from losing their lives, and also kept them through hospitalizations, etc., that they faced.

According to James 5:16, I would encourage mothers to keep praying for their children. It says, “The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much.”

God is faithful and compassionate. He has a broad shoulder, so much so, that if everyone needed to lean on it there would still be enough room. Oh what needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer! At times we go through extra trials because we don’t go to Him.

It may look like things aren’t happening, but in the spirit realm it is. He is a prayer-answering God.

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I am all the more grateful for the women (like Mom Ana) who have chosen to join me on this journey of transparency and support – ESPECIALLY in addition to the life adjustments and loads we are all experiencing in the midst of COVID-19! I can’t thank you enough.

Connection and support are vital to our growth and survival as humans and as Women. I have met many Mothers (myself included at one point) who are going through the trenches and carrying loads solo. This has often led to depression, loneliness, isolation, and such guilt and shame in “not measuring up”.

My prayer is that the women who lay eyes on “Our Life in Words”, will be encouraged, enlightened, and all the more hopeful.

For the Moms,

Hannah

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This series is for the Moms! In honor of Mothers, this May will be chock-full of real stories of Motherhood from Moms of all ages, in all stages. Join me as I feature different Moms (on a weekly basis) who will so graciously be sharing their life in words.

If you missed the previous feature, catch it here! Stay tuned for more stories of triumph, valleys, and faith.