STXWM Blog

A mother’s heart is like a masterpiece of love, stitched together with patience, sacrifice, and joy—throw in a dash of caffeine and a pinch of “Oh no, not another Barbie shoe!” for good measure! This describes my morning. Another broken toy, due to the refusal of my 5-year-old daughter. No matter how many times we ask her to pick up her toys or try to explain the consequences, she refuses to pick them up. I have never been in combat, but I sure feel like I’m trying to avoid “booby traps” as I walk through my living room. I really don’t want anything to go BOOM, especially me. However, a mother’s love knows no bounds. It constantly seeks to nurture and be kind, even amidst anger, frustration, and disappointment. Because the truth is, I love my girl more than anything.

When my husband and I got married, we thought we’d enjoy married life for a while before having kids. But little did we know that that wait would take 4 years, and the struggle would continue. We were told that we would never have kids naturally and that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was our best option. We knew that the Lord had promised us children, and we trusted that promise, but I wasn’t sure this was the way to go. After a year of prayer, we went through our first cycle- resulting in no pregnancy. I was devastated. However, God spoke to my heart and encouraged me to trust and try again. So, we did. In August 2018, we received a phone call saying that I was pregnant. After hearing these words, we both felt a complete peace, because God did it! My love for this little girl grew and grew almost as much as my belly did. I had a beautiful birth at 38 weeks, and she immediately became our world. Suddenly, I experienced a new kind of love- something that separated the love I felt towards my husband or my parents. Yeah, this was a very special kind of love. 

Familial Love, also known as storge, is a natural attraction that people feel for their family members. It’s an unconditional love that’s often felt between parents and children, siblings, and other family members. 

1 John 4:19 – “We love because he first loved us.” 

God loves his children unconditionally. He loves us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life (John 3:16). 

Let me be frank, today was rough. Can someone explain to me why our kids immediately need us as we sit on the toilet? Like how do they know? This afternoon, she was yelling at me from across the house, and all I could do was yell back at her. I really don’t condone this kind of behavior, but I really was not in a position to help her. After we took some time to cool off and cry…she comes in and wants to sit on my lap and hug me. She’s just so darn cute. How could I ever stay mad at her? She looked up at me with her big beautiful grayish blue eyes and said, “I love you, Mommy.” My heart immediately began to melt. 

Proverbs 31:28a – “Her children stand and bless her.” 

I know it’s not May, but I feel it’s important to discuss the important role us mothers play and the love we should show. You see, even when I get frustrated or upset with my daughter, I still want to give her the world. I want to be her hero. I’ve always admired Wonder Woman, for her grace and beauty. And not to mention how she can kick some tail and still look great doing it. But this is how I imagine a mother’s love to look like: a superhero cape—powerful, unconditional, and wrapping around you tighter than a bear hug! It shapes children into amazing humans and sets the stage for all their future friendships and romantic relationships!

A mother’s love impacts children’s brain growth, secured attachments, emotional intimacy, and gives them a sense of belonging. Not only does her love affect a child, but it also impacts her family’s relationship and interactions with other family members. 

“To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world.” No pressure. 

Even though we’re not Wonder Woman, I know we long to be, or at least I do. We don’t have her Amazonian woman strength, or her super cool weapons and cuffs, but we do have the Holy Spirit. 

Psalm 121:1-2

“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!”

We rely on God and his helper, the Holy Spirit, who helps us love.

My day didn’t start off well, and unfortunately, it didn’t end well either. But after a good cry, and a pep talk from my husband, I was reminded of grace. Just like God shows me love and respect every day, I want to be that example to her. One way I can do this is by not only giving grace to her, but to myself also. Don’t be ashamed to admit when you’re wrong to your children. It doesn’t show weakness, but it shows great strength. 

As we navigate this journey of motherhood, we often face moments that test our patience, endurance, and faith. This week, I challenge you to embrace your audacious faith! In the midst of chaos, lean into God’s promises and his unending grace. Take a moment each day to pray for strength, wisdom, and the ability to love unconditionally, just as He loves us.

You were called to love- so love. You’ve got this mama! 

Melinda Brown is a mother, co-pastor, entrepreneur, and now she can add author to her ever growing list of gifts. She and her husband, Jason, pastor Columbus Community Church in South East Texas and now, Melinda has agreed to come on board as one of our newest authors on the STXWM Blog Team. Her heart is to share the love of Jesus through her writing and to tell the world of the healing and comfort that can be found in a relationship with the Lord.