Most moms feel this tug at some point. As the years fly by, and you become a wife, then a mother, a grandmother, people begin to know you more by the role you keep. I have been “George’s mom” forever! Literally! When you have a child as a young teenager, you spend all but those few years before being a ‘mom.’ I attended high school with my Lil man on my hip, walked the halls with him in my arms, delivered him to the nursery, and even back then, I was known as ‘George’s mom”.
Then I became Ashley’s mom, Craig’s wife, CJ’s mom, Jonathan’s mom..and as my kids grew, I became Zaiden’s nanny, then Harlee Rae’s nanny. Let‘s not forget Jeremiah and Janelle’s mother-in-law. And always, Jan’s daughter, Mindy’s sister, and friend!! Many titles for one lady!
It never bothered me much; I was in and out of schools, doctor’s offices, sports practices, and games, so that’s just the way it goes. Then suddenly, without warning, those reasons for not being Lisa, but someone’s mom, slowly diminished. My youngest son is a year from turning 18, he is my baby, but my role has already begun to shift in many ways. Some days, I’m not needed at all!
A year ago, my oldest son started playing on the church worship team. He is a wonderful, newly married young man with a great personality. He quickly made friends with his fellow band members, and he and his new bride joined a small group. They are making new connections. I had been attending this new church for a couple of years on and off. I’ve joined as a regular attendee, so I’ve branched out to volunteer in different capacities in hopes of meeting new people.
The other day, a young gentleman walked up to me and said, “Oh, you’re George’s mom!” I beamed with pride and said, “Yes, that’s me!” I thought, “Someone knows who I am!” Still clinging to that title I’ve carried as an identity for 26 years now.
I will always wear those titles until the day I die!
But on this day, I choose to italicize my name, Lisa Marie, and remember the most distinct caption of all, ‘Child of God.’
This is my identity, and it comes with desire, peace, enthusiasm, serenity, hope, energy, and way more than I can put down!
I thought ‘who I am’ was about titles and what I do, but I am very wrong. My identity, lovingly written on the palm of God’s hand, remains in Christ alone. (Isaiah 49: 15-16).
I am a child of God. I am forgiven and accepted. As a beloved daughter of the great I am, He knew my name, Lisa Marie, long before my mother. He knows my heart intimately. God breathed this life into being, and by His grace, I am set free. I can let go of the uncertainty, fear of never being an individual, for I am individually His!
Friend, there is no crisis in that, there is only peace.
**(please leave your thoughts, comments, and prayer requests below. You can also use the contact page! Thank you for stopping by- Lisa)
Authentic Truths 