Mama

The Blessed Mother is awesome! I know you all know that, but I am just reminding you that Mom is the best.

I knew when I woke up this morning that I was going to have a rough day. Last night the teacher that I work with texted me that she wouldn't be in today, which was a good thing because the poor dear was sneezing and blowing and looking so uncomfortable, she needed to stay home and rest. But I also knew that I had to leave right before lunch to give rides to my high schoolers and to mission high schoolers who only had a half day today. Plus I had to give a ride to someone to their doctor's appointment. So in other words, I had a lot on my plate.

Before my feet hit the floor this morning I was praying and asking God for help and guidance. I did my usual morning routine, bathed and got dressed, etc. Then I put my rosary in my pocket and asked the Blessed Mother to help me all day.

And everything worked out. I felt peaceful and together. All the children were taken care of at school, the rides went smoothly and I sat at RCIA tonight completely calm and ready to work in my favorite ministry.

So tonight I am thanking Mom. Sometimes when I am feeling like a little girl, I picture myself hiding in her mantle. Sometimes, like today, when I see myself as an older daughter who just needs Mom's guidance, I picture myself standing next to her with her arm around me. She's backing me up, keeping me strong.

"Keep your eyes on my Son." She always points to Him. "Do whatever He tells you." She is wise, she is lovely, she is obedient, and she is generous. She said "Yes", and then she shared her Son with all of us. She said "Yes", and then gave Him up so that He could do for us, what no one else could do. How difficult it must have been for her. I can't even imagine. When He hung on that cross, she never, ever left Him. As a mother, oh, I know what that means. How can we not love her? How can we not place her above others? Who could do what she did? She has to be good, and kind, and loving, and sweet and gentle. She is suffering and sacrifice.

And she helped me today. Because my rosary reminded me to ask her. I will look at that rosary now as part of my armor.

As a missionary mom, I am learning that I am on the front line of battle. It's getting hot up here. And it ain't global warming kids. Souls, souls and more souls are at risk. But I am not worried.

As Father Corapi always says, "My Mama wears combat boots!"

Now that is one, tough, Mama.