Life-changing Moments

Life Changing Moments

We really have no idea what is actually laden deeply in the recesses of our souls until a life-changing moment places a demand on the deposit lying dormant within us.  And for me, well, motherhood certainly was my moment!

I have no words to adequately describe or express effectively what being a mother has been for me. What I can say is that it completely changed the whole course of my life!  You see, I had my own personal vision of what my world would be like when I grew up.  I discovered very early in life that I had a unique gift to write songs. I wrote my first song when only ten. Oh, how I loved music and was passionate about my dream of becoming a “superstar” singing the hit songs I would pen. So, I quit college and went off to Hollywood to pursue my dream. But little did I know that I was not ready to go to where my “dream” was about to take me. And after many trials, disappointments, storms, heartaches and pain, I embraced another dream: MOTHERHOOD!

I gave birth to three precious children: two daughters and one son. When they came on the scene, they totally rocked my world! And I discovered I’d been given something far greater and more rewarding than any hit record I could ever pen! And I cannot explain the gamut of emotions I experienced when I held my babies in my arms and gazed into their beautiful, magnetic, all-consuming eyes. I felt like I was being bathed in pools of pure, unconditional love. These precious jewels had changed my life forever! And as the years passed, seeing their greatness, I admit at times, I felt “unworthy” to be entrusted with such extraordinarily gifted gems. Why was I chosen? I saw other mothers (in my opinion) who surely would do a much better job than I could ever do.  But that was my opinion and not the opinion of The One Who had chosen me to be a steward over their lives. And so, I learned to have faith in the faith that God personally had in me. 

Has it been easy? A resounding “No!”  I’ve had inconceivable losses but have learned a life-giving principle: Trusting God is the expedient ingredient! My trust in Him was the ingredient that kept me from losing my mind when I lost my oldest daughter and my only son. How does a mother wrap her mind around losing 2 of her 3 children? I can honestly say that trusting in God brought me through. I was able to come out on the other side of my storms clothed in a peace that surpasses all human understanding. And my “baby” daughter, who has gone through much too much to be so young, has come out too and is excelling in her new role as a first-time Mom. Yes, she made me a grandmother to my darling grandson!  I am so proud of her. She could have easily given up, but she did not. I am so thankful and proudly dedicate to her these words of Ann Frank:

“Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!”

– written by Rev. Ora Stearns Smith