What IS a Mom?

Wow. As soon as I read that, I had to thank her for sending that to me because that hit home. That is exactly how I feel. I think there is so much truth in that! How do you define being a mom? I have put so much thought into that over the past few years as my heart condition was getting any better and our possibilities of our own were getting slimmer and slimmer. To be told I couldn’t be a “mom”? Granted they didn’t say those exact words, but carrying a child would be a mighty risk. I would see people walking their child down the street and I would think – I will never do that. But why would I let my mind go there? I had to learn what a mom was.So, what IS a mom?

Carrying a baby obviously makes you a mom, but I also agree with the statement above. If we weren’t given this opportunity and we chose to adopt, I would still consider myself a mom. I think a mom is someone who unconditionally loves a child. I say A child because I think someone can be a “mom” to someone whether they gave birth to them or not. I think of those kids out there that are fostered or just watched over in absence of their birth mom – I think they often call that other person “mom.” I will say that no one could ever replace the role my mom has in my life – I have been incredibly blessed to have an INCREDIBLE mom. For me though, knowing that I will not give birth to a child, does not diminish the fact that Lord willing, I will be a mom someday. If it is God’s will, we may have a child put in our arms – our own child. The moment that child is in my arms, I will love that child unconditionally. The moment that child is conceived, I will love that child. The moment someone is in my life, I will try to love that person unconditionally. Not that I am our youth group kids’ mom, but when they are in our house or we are watching over them, I try to love them unconditionally. A mom I feel is a mentality. It is a selfless love given to a child. Dan and I pray that God will one day give us the privilege and blessing of loving on our own child. If this process doesn’t work, we know God has a better plan for our life. We do know God is preparing us to love a child – whatever avenue that may be – whether it’s to just continue loving our youth group kids or to have our own child someday, that is up to God.

So, Carrying your baby doesn’t make you a mom – it is what happens when they put your child in your arms.

I would love to hear what you think a mom is – what are some qualities or thoughts that come to mind when you think of the word “mom?” Even if it has to do with pregnancy, have no fear, I will not be offended. Please let me know what it means to you, to be a mom (even if you aren’t one yet)! Send me an email, comment below, whatever. What “happens” in your mind when they put A child in your arms?

Today I am thankful for all the “moms” out there. I know there are people out there who desire to be “birth” moms – but I believe there are people in our lives that we can all be “moms” to. Who can you love unconditionally and selflessly today?

Thank you Kelli, for that quote today! As you can see, it triggered just a few thoughts, to say the least!