How Do We Change The World?

Last night, my daughter and I were snuggled in bed (yes, she was in my bed🤷🏾‍♀️) reading the Bible. The room was dark and there was only the light from the Bible App lighting our faces. She glanced over at me and said “Mommy, you are beautiful. You are beautiful with make-up and beautiful without it. You are beautiful with your hair combed and even with your sleeping cap on. You’re just beautiful”. I smiled at her, and said “Thank you, you know I feel the same way about you. I always have and I always will”. We hugged tightly, said our prayer then said we loved one another. She drifted off fairly quickly and as I listened to her deep breaths, almost snoring, I said another prayer.

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me in the indescribable way that you love me and thank you for allowing me to love passionately. Forgive me for anything Ive done, said or thought that doesn’t please you. Forgive me for any day that I allowed to pass without praising you. Thank you for loving me so much that you allowed me to be Bryson’s and Bria’s Mama. Thank you for allowing me to love them in an indescribable way that has touched their hearts so deeply that we tend to argue over who loves who the most. I am so thankful to be their Mama. It is a blessing that exceeds anything I’ve ever imagined, even on my toughest days. I love you and praise you. In the name of Jesus I’ve prayed this prayer. Amen

I got emotional typing my prayer and I sit in this moment filled with gratitude and oh so much love. God has turned every tear that I’ve cried into joy. And though I know that tears are a part of life, daily I stand amazed at how much He loves us.

Today, Bria left for camp and though her Dad dropped her off, I surprised her at the church and was able to send her off with more hugs and kisses. Throughout the day, I found myself just thanking God for her and Bryson. Now, I am sitting in the living room and listening to Bryson and 2 of his lifelong buddies, talking and laughing. I am sure they are fat full because I cooked them some pork chops and mac n cheese at 9:00 pm. 🤔Though tired, I wanted to cook for them. They all thanked me and stayed in here with me for a while clowning around.

An earlier reflection crossed my mind: The Lord’s love has changed me. By changing me, He changed the way I love. The way I show love to my kids and others will shape how they love. Their love will in turn affect everyone they encounter. This leads to generations yet to come who love deeply. Generations who desire a closeness with the Lord & reflect the character that pleases Him. If we want to change the world, we must change our hearts and demonstrate the powerful exchange that happens when we love. So as I prepare to end this, I hear the words of a song playing softly in my mind:

What the world needs now, is love sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of…

Stay encouraged and keep loving as we keep pressing forward. May God’s peace and grace be with you.

Sincerely,

Bryson’s & Bria’s Mama ❤