Last week, tilted back in the dentist’s chair, unable to speak, I listened to the technician praise my kids. “They are amazing. I wish every kid was like your kids. They’re so good.” I couldn’t argue with her or let her know the true reality since I couldn’t talk, so I decided to just bask in the ... read more
9 Things I Know About Adoptive Families
Dear Adoptive Families,You may be wondering why I’ve called you all here today. You are probably already on the defense, expecting me to ask you all sorts of inappropriate questions. You have little laminated notecards in your purse with “auto-responders” for queries such as, “How much did your ... read more
two surprising concepts that revolutionized our parenting
I did not think of myself as someone who had it all together, but I suppose I came off as one who did. So many children had passed through my care that dozens of moms asked for input on parenting, never mind that I was a single, childless woman.After I married and infertility became my label, I ... read more
Guilt vs. Grace
Earlier this year I was struggling with guilt. I mean, really struggling. Nearly every day there was some sort of failure in my life, something I wished I’d done better, some area I didn’t measure up to my own standard.I got impatient with my toddler.I didn’t keep the toys picked up.I ... read more
How Moms Shape Their Son’s View of Women
Little arms wrap around my waist as my young son hugs me from the side. I’m busy changing his baby brother’s diaper, so I hardly pause to ruffle his hair.“You’re beautiful, Mommy,” he suddenly says.That surprises me. I look down into my boy’s sparkling eyes. Honesty brims in his heartfelt ... read more
A Letter to the Undocumented Mother
by Charlotte Gray Hey you,Yes, you, the one who is a mother without documentation to prove it.The one who has given mother-love to those who didn't come from your body.The one who wipes snotty noses at a daycare. The one who dries tears at the playground. The one who babysits for free ... read more
When Motherhood is Dark
For the third time in twenty minutes, I crept into the bedroom where my tiny son was napping. I stared at him, dark lashes against soft cheeks, little rosebud lips, petite fingers curled into a fist. Was he breathing? Of course he was… but I touched his back just to make sure. Then I touched him ... read more
Shaken Momfidence
Every mom knows the feeling. Things are going well, and then suddenly, something happens that throws your world into a parenting whirlwind. Maybe someone criticizes your parenting choice, or your normal routine does not work leaving you clueless as to how to care for your child, and you lose your ... read more
He Gave Me Lydia
I will never forget the first sight of her itty bitty wiggly body, or hearing the sound of her dainty feminine cry!At long last, my baby was here!The doctor scooped her up and laid her on my chest. As we snuggled on our living room couch, skin-to-skin, full of tears, joy, relief, and ... read more
I Need Thee Every Hour: A Vision for Devotions in Changing Seasons
I first caught the vision when I heard someone share during a funeral at our church. The man's grandson reflected on many memories, but said that the one impression that would never fade was what he saw each morning during visits to their home. He'd awake to find his grandparents sitting at the ... read more
