Mighty Moms

Four months after my second son was born, my oldest son started getting sick.  First he had what seemed like a cold, then pink eye, and then he couldn't walk.  Three hospitals and two weeks later, he was admitted into Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.  He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.  It was is so rare in children, that our physician said they usually only see one case every other month in the whole hospital.

This is 4 months post-partum.  4 months after raging hormones made it hard for me to transition from one to two children, though no one would know.  4 months and my own body started turning on me, like the woman with the issue of blood.  I fell into a pit of despair, while putting on the happy face for anyone I encountered.  The depression overwhelmed me and I felt really alone.  Not only that, but I couldn't imagine opening up to ANYONE about the depths of depression going on inside of me.  

It wasn't until 2 years later that God would lead a few women into my life for a season of healing.  I rarely get to see these women anymore, but they were instrumental in helping me understand that I was "normal".  That it was okay to talk about what I was feeling, and it was okay to talk to my doctor about it, too.  These were breakthrough moments for me.  I finally felt like I could see the light of the day.  I count myself blessed to have had mighty women around me to help me realize that I counted, I mattered, and that motherhood didn't change my value.

What if we all joined together, to link arms and hold up our sisters in their weaknesses?  What if, instead of hiding behind the changes our bodies, minds, and spirits go through during motherhood, we had women who have been there to hold our hands through it all?  What if, we see our sisters with littles and reach out a hand to help every now and then?  

On April 1st, our brave Five Minute Friday leader, Lisa-Jo Baker is due to deliver a new baby.  This baby is different though.  Her first book, "Surprised By Motherhood", will hit book stores and Amazon.  Might I encourage you to buy one of these books as your encouragement in motherhood?  Or, maybe you know a mom who could use a hand to hold while she navigates the waters of learning that they are mighty because they mother.       

Linking up again with Lisa-Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday.  We write brave for 5 minutes, without edits or backtracking or second guessing ourselves.  Then, we link up at Lisa-Jo's blog and encourage our hearts out to our sisters around us.  Please join us.  You'll be glad you did!