The Marked Life Blog

Our paths divinely crossed 12 years ago as Colleagues, and out of that bloomed friendship. I’ve learned much about grace, gentleness, and the power of connection through her. A caring leader and example, she was a pillar of strength for me in early adulthood. She believed in me and gave me a chance that would change the course of my life as a young woman, hundreds of miles from home, and fresh out of college. Today, Montrece shares how she prays for her children, her biggest hopes for them, and more. Montrece, thank you for the peace and comfort you spoke over me upon finding out that I would be a mom for the first time. And, for allowing us a glimpse into your life in words.

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How many children do you have? I have two children.

How old are your children? My oldest is 15 and my youngest is 12.

Are you a mom of girls, boys, or both? I have been blessed with a son (Quincy 15) and a daughter (Zoie 12).

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What are 3 things every Mom needs to know?

Love is UNCONDITIONAL

Love is PATIENT, and

Love is TOUGH but COMPASSIONATE.

How much time do you spend praying for your children?

I do not spend enough time praying for my children. I pray for them daily, but I feel like it is never enough.

Everyday is a conversation with God about my children, thanking him for waking them up healthy and in their sound minds. Praying for his hedge of protection to be around them as they move about with me and their dad or without. Praying constantly for the adults who are charged with educating them, praying for the circles they choose to build, praying for their health, their souls, their future spouses.

The list could go on and on, and yet I never feel as if I could pray enough.

What is your biggest hope for your children?

I think as moms we all want our children to have better and be better than we are.

I have been blessed and God has truly shown me grace and mercy in my life. My life has been good, despite some ups and downs. So my biggest hope for my children is that they continue in their own personal relationships with God, and that they choose to trust and follow Him.

I know that in doing this all of their life’s ambitions will be realized. I want them to be happy, and joyful, and content with themselves in the life they live.

How do you avoid playing favorites?

It’s funny that this is one of the questions because my kids, namely my daughter, often ask me, “Mom who is your favorite me or Quincy?” I always chuckle and tell her, “Zoie you are both my favorite!” She gets annoyed with me and this response, but it is the truth.

I view both Quincy and Zoie as individuals and they both have these very characteristics that I have come to love and adore. They are so grossly different and I would not change that for anything. They are both their own personas, and they are learning more about who they are as individuals everyday.

I was so in love when they were infants, and toddlers, and young children, but now I see them coming of age and becoming teenagers, and I am in awe. They are two of my favorite people in the world and that is my truth all day long.

Why has God called you to be a Mother?

Why has God called me to be a Mother…I always wanted to be a mom, and when I became a mom in 2004, I was filled with wonder and gratefulness. I could not believe that God thought enough of me to entrust me with this little human. So I believe He called me to motherhood because He knew that I desired to be a mom and He – being who He is – fulfilled that desire. He also knew that Quincy and Zoie needed me, but that I needed them just as much.

They have taught me so much about myself as a person. God has called me to motherhood because He needed me to see myself; my strengths, my flaws, my vulnerabilities. Being a mother leaves you completely naked and exposed; and that has been and continues to be the most humbling experience for me.

Motherhood has made me focus more on God, and that is why He called me to this role, so that I could focus on Him more and serve Him in the manner He needs for me to.

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I am all the more grateful for the women (like Montrece) 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.