To the Daughters of Mothers with Clay Feet

Mother’s Day is usually marked with a lot of sentiment for the women who shepherded us into the world, and rightly so. And as I was perusing through the Mother’s Day Card Section, I took note of all of the sentimental cards expressing unending gratitude for the sacrifices made by mothers or how their mother was their best friends, and so on and so forth. Because most of the cards were along the same sentiment, I found it difficult to find one that expressed my feelings.

I started to think about all of the daughters who were abandoned by their mothers and all of the daughters who were abused by their mothers and all of the daughters who felt that they were somehow discounted by their mothers. Where were the greeting cards for them? What section were those cards in? One reality I know to be true is that, no matter how your relationship with your mother was or is you still want your Mommy. You still want her to hold you, smooth your hair down and tell you everything is going to be okay. Those of us who are in Christ know the power and healing in forgiveness. As an adult woman, I now understand the choices my mother made. I now understand the type of strength it takes to turn him away when you know he’s no good for you. I now understand the frustration that sometimes occurs when you do what you gotta do and not what you wanna do…for the sake of the kids.

In the Bible, there is a description of a “great image” in the 2nd chapter of the book of Daniel , which was made of silver, brass, gold and iron, but its feet was partly made of clay. And as indestructible as other parts of that image was, its feet were able to be broken into pieces. The analogy of a person having “clay feet” is taken from this passage. It reminds us that, regardless of how great a person may appear, they are still human and still have human weaknesses and frailties. Understanding that my mother has clay feet makes me appreciate her more. She was just another sistah doing what she had to do to provide for her kids while trying to find a slice of happiness in between.

So, I wanted to take a minute to write a note of encouragement to all of my sistahs out there who, like me, struggle with the mushiness of Mother’s Day. Our situations may have been different, but we can give our ashes to the Father who specializes in making beautiful things out of those ashes. So, this is my Mother’s Day tribute to the Daughters of Mothers with Clay Feet. Be encouraged. Love on your mother if she’s still around. And know that, you, too, have clay feet and are in need of the benefits of that same grace and mercy that you extend to her.

Inspired Sistah's Get-It-Together, Girl Tip #5: Live Dynamically!

There are several definitions for the word “Dynamic,” but here’s my favorite: To live dynamically means to live a life “full of energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose as well as the ability both to get things going and to get things done” Encarta Dictionary. The word Dynamic also relates to being vigorous and being in motion. I love it! As sistahs on the move, we have been called to live dynamically. Mediocrity, indecision and sad songs are a thing of the past. We are moving forward with a clear vision and we’re clearly focused. Obstacles, critics and haters only fuel us and are used as manure to fertilize our dreams.

We’ve done the work in January and worked on living Authentically. In February, we talked about living Deliberately and Intentionally. In March we learned how to live Boldly with Grace. In April, we found that living Joyfully gave us the freedom to live life without limits. So now is our time to rise up as the beautiful, Dynamic women we were created to be. Your time is now! Spring has sprung! The days of shuckin’ and jivin’ are over. Come on, let’s get it together, girl! The world is waiting on you!