To All the Shero's
For all the ways you are a mothering presence and force.
(This post was originally shared on Wisdom’s Dwelling on May 7th, 2022. I am sharing it again here with a few updates.)1
Yes, you!
Shero - a woman who inspires you. A woman who has poured into your life, helping you become the woman God created you to be.
Though an unofficial definition perhaps not found in the Webster Dictionary, today is a day we celebrate each and every Shero in our lives: mothers, birth and adoptive mothers, foster mom’s, godmothers, spiritual mentors, aunts and grandma’s, sisters and friends. Mother’s Day is for all women, because each of us is a Shero; rare, unique, and irreplaceable being.
The Shero’s in my life are varied and many. My Aunt Carolyn, a Catholic school teacher turned prosecutor. She was bold and unafraid to share her opinion and rock the boat. Married later in life and unable to have her own children, she became a second mom to my siblings and I.
My own mom Sheila (aka SheShe). A prayer warrior and hospice nurse, she is biggest cheerleader in my life and taught me how to make a home warm and welcoming.
My spiritual director, Dr. Cooney. My academic advisor and professor in graduate school, she has walked with me through the pain of a divorce, dating/relationships, and the loss of my dad. Her voice is loving but a firm tone that brings me peace and clarity. She has taught me how to ask deep questions of God, my faith, and how to find my voice.
My sister Annie. Though five years younger than me, in many ways I look up to her as the older sister - especially as I have seen her grow more deeply into her vocation as a wife and mom. In many ways, she is an example in those areas to me.
A band of beautiful friendships that I thank God everyday for: Christina, Helena, MC, and so many more (not even including the many friendships born out of social media connections).
Today our country celebrates Mother’s Day. While a day filled with love and celebration, this day can also be filled with pain and sorrow for many people.
Perhaps your mom has left this earth or you have an estranged relationship with your mom. Maybe your heart is breaking because of the infertility you experience or the desire for marriage and babies has not yet happened in your life. Maybe as a woman you feel hurt or abandoned by the church or your spiritual community.
Yet this day is for all women. A day we honor and celebrate each shero in our lives, and the ways we can be a shero in the lives of women around us.
We celebrate the gift of a mothering spirit and presence. Even how God is a mother, how Divine love is similar in characteristics to the love of a mother.
This weekend, take some time to reflect upon the many different women who have helped you become the woman you are today.
Women of all ages, stages of life, vocations, family sizes, and career’s, Mother’s Day is for all of you.
Because you are Shero just as you are in the lives of many other women.
You add something beautiful and unique to the kingdom of God no one else can add.
However you are a mother in this world, today is for you.
To all the Sheroes on this day, Happy Mother’s Day.