18 September 2006

Moral of the Day Monday

Moms are brave. Whether it be scaring away the monsters under the bed or giving up a small part of their lives, moms are brave.

Consider this quote by Melvin J. Ballard on the love of mothers:

"I grant you that there are many who approach the great responsibility of motherhood with fear and timidity, because of its dangers to the physical life of the mother, because of its pain, its sorrow and its distress; but in the very nature of things, if God should lighten the burdens, the sorrow, and the pain of child-bearing, he would endanger the enduring love of the mother for her children. There is nothing worthwhile we obtain unless we pay the price for it."

"That which is given to us freely, we consider of little value, and so, because a mother goes into the valley of death, lays her life upon the altar to bring life into the world, and because through the rearing of the children who come to her, she spends many sleepless nights, denies herself the personal pleasures of life, devotes herself with patience and care and strength almost more than she has, to the welfare of her children—this is what makes her love them. For where her treasure is, there her heart is, and the greatest treasure a woman has she gives in her service, her life itself."

I bet we can all relate to this quote, and in very different ways. With how little validation we receive for our troubles in pregnancy and in motherhood, these words bring both comfort and pride.


I sure wish I had heard these words when we conceived Sasha. It was such a blind leap of faith choosing to bring her into this world. It was a very unsure time for us... given my history of preterm labor and other complications we received very little support and encouragement when we needed it most. But we knew - beyond a shadow of a doubt -that it was the right thing for our family. We knew she belonged with us. And how on earth could we not do what we knew was right? How could we not have faith that the Lord only pushes us as far as we can go?

And as I find myself caught up in my whirlwind called life, I often think, "Hello, is anyone watching me? Look ma, no hands!" And though I am tired and worn down, I love them more than ever, these little fruits of my labors.

It is my wish that we recognize our courage in the seemingly small things we do, like simply carrying a child in our womb, let alone caring for it and protecting it once it is born. And that fear and unsurety we feel from time to time? Well, consider it humility. Consider it to mean that you are teachable and willing to learn to be better; to do better.


That's the moral of the day.

17 comments:

Char @ Crap I've Made said...

I needed to hear this today (on account of being up with each and every child that lives here a minimun of one time last night).

Millie said...

So great - I love MJB. This is going in my "faves" links.

someone else said...

I believe Motherhood is one of the highest callings we can have. Thank you for such beautiful words.

Melzie said...

What a wonderful thought!! :) Thank you for sharing it with me/us!

Valarie said...

lovely, as always, Lei- and just what I needed to hear today.

Blackeyedsue said...

You brought a tear to my eye. I need to go and kiss my kids while they are sleeping.

Unknown said...

Thank you. Those quotes are very uplifting and needed.

Lana said...

i loved that quote, thanks!
And I'm glad you had Sasha, it's wonderful the joys of motherhood.

utmommy said...

Motherhood is definitly the hardest thing I've ever done. However it is the most rewarding too, and I would never trade it for the world.

Thanks for the quote, it was beautifful.

beth said...

Thank you for this post today. An exceptional quote.

MusicalMom said...

wow


Thanks for that quote, I really needed that.

Elozia Marie said...

THank you for sharing that quote and your feelings. Motherhood is certainly the hardest and most wonderful thing any of us have adventured into.

Nettie said...

Beautiful words, Lei! It is amazing the insight Bro. Ballard had in women in that quote. Truly inspired by He who knows of our value as mothers best!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful moral of the day...on a day I really needed to hear it!

Carrie said...

Amen to that! I really enjoyed reading this post!

I hope you don't mind, but I'd really like to put a link to this post on my blog!

The more moms that read this the better!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing the quote, I love it! Just what I need right now.

scraphappymama said...

Loved the quote. Thanks for your Monday Moral Posts. They always make me think, and I always feel lifted after reading.

Hopefully I can hold onto these words as the days go by and the challenging moments arise.