The Worthiest of Causes

I know that becoming a mom made me lots of things.  It made me a milk factory, a nurser of wounds, an encourager of dreams, a maid, a referee, a broken record (I mean really, how many times do I have to remind my kids to go to the bathroom before we leave the house?).  The list goes on and on.

But there's something else that being a mom makes me.

Emotional.

I am touched more deeply than I used to be by stories about broken homes, ailing families, homeless babies, sick children, and what I can only imagine is the ultimate sadness in the life of a parent - the death of children.

I am a part of a large online community of moms that have impacted my life in a huge way.  I never imagined that I could develop close friendships in an online setting, but I am here to testify that it is indeed possible.  (Though I suspect some of you reading this will have your doubts.)  I have come to think of these women as confidants, best friends, family I've never met.

Through these many interactions and developed friendships, I have borne witness to countless joys.  The births of babies, milestones, brag-worthy moments in the lives of our children, job promotions, new homes, new marriages...just to name a few.  But I have also been by the sides of many who have experienced pain from severed marriages to the death of parents to miscarriages at various stages of pregnancy to the death of precious newborn babies at the hands of horrible diseases.

I have been blessed with three healthy babies.  And every time I read a story about the loss of a child, I am reminded of that blessing.  I try to imagine the pain that those parents must be feeling, and I know that I can't.  Not even when I am moved to tears and sobs.  I know it's not even a fraction of the grief they must be experiencing.

Earlier today at We Aren't Perfect, I read a beautiful, heartwrenching blog post about the worthiest of causes, the TEARS foundation that provides support for bereaved parents.  I encourage you to check out both of those links, and to consider donating in the form of money, prayers, or by sharing this with others who might be moved to help out.

To the parents who've suffered losses, my heart and prayers go out to you.  May you find some comfort in that God knows exactly how you are feeling.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,  shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Thank you, as always, for reading!

I will be back tomorrow with some more of this stuff:  How to Know You're a Mom