My boys are at an age where everything makes an impression on them. I visualize earthen vessels, on the potter's wheel spinning as long lines are carved into their soft, pliable nature. Spinning as marks are left in their exterior. Spinning as molding forms their permanent shape and structure. This is so essential to my mothering them; envisioning my boys as soft, pliable, forming. Reminding myself daily of their vulnerability, how easily my words and actions can change them for life.
As I reflect on this picture of my children, I think of our daily lives together. Often, we spend our days playing imaginative games, reading fun stories together, baking, cooking, and running errands. However, there are some other activities we do regularly that I purposefully make sure my boys participate in.
I've had a couple fellow moms remark on our little endeavors lately and thought I would share more about how and why my little man-tribe and I spend time at homeless shelters, giving away food, attending women's health events, etc.
On a monthly basis my boys and I make a trip to a homeless shelter and food kitchen that serves a population of struggling families and the homeless. We travel with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law and bring hygiene products and donated clothing, small appliances, furniture, linens, etc. I encourage my little fellows to talk with anyone that comes, hand them products they may need, etc. Our boys have truly begun to enjoy this and my middle son, Brave, is very willing to give ten washcloths to the same person. The people present smile a lot around my children and they always seem to help bridge any awkwardness between us as we build relationships.
I pray my boys grow to understand what we are doing. The people served when we go may not look like us, they may not smell like us, they may not talk like us, but they are people nonetheless. They are created in God's image and just as important in His plan as our little family is. Their needs are important. Their lives matter. I want my sons to be leaders in our community. Leaders that stand up for those who cannot always stand up for themselves. So I take them with me as I do what little I can in this regard.
Also, in the past few weeks, the hospital where two of my sons were born has lost its Women's and Baby Unit. I consider the midwives that delivered my boys and served me as a pregnant woman, friends. I was flabbergasted and appalled as the story unfolded. Women and baby's lives hang in the balance because a mega health system expects them to drive over a mountain and as far as two hours to deliver their babies.
A small, grassroots group began to form and I decided that it was important to participate. After a meeting and some social media networking, many calls to reporters, emails to various organizations, our efforts culminated in a peaceful stand in as the local hospital board prepared to further discuss and vote on the issue. My boys ran in the grass on the hill behind us as we held our "Local Deliveries, Please," and other signs.
I believe they were watching. My heart says their little minds took note of their mama that prayed with a homeless, battered wife and held signs protesting the loss of local, efficient healthcare for their future wives and children all in one day.
I know they see me when I am impatient. I know they are marked when I lose my temper and yell in anger. I see their faces taking in my frustration, irritability, and selfishness. My hope is that when they remember their mama they remember she was imperfect but filled with love and compassion. May they remember that I drug them through three states in one day to meet the needs of others and voice concern for what matters. My heart yearns to know they are shaped more by our moments of loving, giving, listening, and praying for others than by my shortcomings.
My precious sons, be shaped for love. Be designed for giving. Remember your mama. Please remember she was imperfect but filled with hope and grace and peace and joy and a heart for the ones that need to see these attributes actively working on their behalf.
Wholly Mom,
