Wisdom is found in a multitude of Mothers

Well, that’s not exactly what that scripture says, but mother and counselor pretty much can mean the same thing.

Although I have a one and only mother, I have been mothered by many.  This has been a blessing and a curse.  I have learned a lot of different things, in a lot of different households, under the pressure of a lot of different expectations.  Not to mention a lot of people to buy cards for in the 2nd week of May.

I suspect I am not alone in this phenomenon.

In today’s world many kids are growing up in the care of their grandparents, step parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, siblings, or their friend’s parents.  For some kids, its their school teacher, or lacrosse coach who is mothering and nurturing them.

Regardless of who it is or who it has been, this scripture is very validating.  Interestingly enough this scripture advising you to have a multitude of counselors is mentioned a multitude of times.

Prov 11:14 Where no counsel is the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Prov 15:22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.

Prov 24: For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

Basically a person can glean all that they know from one mother or many mothers.  This multitude of counselors makes a woman safe, well, and capable to win and gain victory in this war called life.

Take some time out today and think of the women throughout your life that helped give you all the little nuggets that make you who you are today.  Its OK to chew the meat, spit out the bones, and learn from their successes and their mistakes.  Consider the lessons to be jewels in your crown and walk on.

Here are some of the lessons I’ve learned from a few of those who mothered me. Some of these things may be random, some are sweet, and some have flat out changed my life.

Mom:

How to creatively celebrate anything

How to think outside the box and problem solve

How to always find a deal

How to stick up for yourself

Cyndi:

How to cook home fries,

Cream of mushroom chicken and rice with lots of black pepper,

And Chocolate chip cookies

the fruit of the spirit (i.e Long suffering)

Karen:

How to love and respect your country

How to keep ants out of the house

How to read a map

My first prayer…”Now I lay me down to sleep”

Joan:

How to make tootsie rolls

How to serve your husband

How to be unapologetic in your faith

Doretha:

How to crochet

use aloe plant for burns and cuts

How to make rice crispy treats a tradition

How to dress modestly with earrings in and nails done

How to keep your head held high and be confident in who you are not matter your mistakes

Carmen:

How to poke a turkey and fill the holes with all kinds of Puerto Rican flavors.

How its never to late to change

Eva:

How to make rice and beans

How to make sofrito from scratch

Not to care what others think because, you only play to an audience of one (God)

Isa:

How to cook a mean chicken soup

How to strive for excellence and not settle for the easy way out

Ann:

Sacrificial love with none of the praise and none of the glory

To take the lead role as teacher in the life of my kids

I love you all the same

Matthew 20:8-16