I am my mother's daughter.

“As is the mother, so is her daughter.” – Ezekiel 16:4

Growing up you tend to not appreciate what you have until one day you realize one day it won't be here. My mom was called many things by many people while I was growing up. To some, she was unstable, crazy, stubborn, too independent and many other things. To me, she was the one that worked crazy hours to make sure we never went hungry or lacked a roof over our heads. To my friends, she was the cool mom that let me do what I pleased.

As I matured sometimes when people said I was just like my mom I would smile and nodded my head no. Not because I was ashamed but because I knew it was not coming from a good place it was more like a condescending statement than a compliment. These were the same people that had called her names or disliked her attitude and parenting style. Rather than becoming helping hands, they became judgemental and always had something to say.

One day as I was talking to God about my feelings towards my mom He whispered to me you are your mother's daughter. I paused because of course, I am her daughter she birthed me and raised me. It was a bit silly because I was processing my relationship with her after a disagreement.

Then I heard His voice again your mom is kind, gentle, loving, strong, caring, passionate, compassionate... the words continued for what seemed like hours. It was then that I was reminded of how she raised me looking past her shortcomings and focusing on the life lessons she gave me.

I specifically recall a cold winter day she had to take my brother and me to the doctor she spent the last of her money on medicine and some groceries for the week. On the way home, we saw a homeless man holding a sign that said Hungry anything helps God Bless. She instantly turned around and took the non-perishable food we purchased and handed it to the man. I looked at her and asked her why she was giving the little bit of food that we had away? She simply smiled at me and said what we have left we can stretch till payday we have a warm roof over our head and each other we are blessed.

Till this day not a day goes by that I don't remember that you don't deny anyone food if someone is hungry you share or give what you have away. I am also reminded that my house was a place my friends ran away to. Now I know that is not normal but my mom never turned any child away from our doorstep, our house was a refuge. As I grew up I took in people the same way, now that I am a bit wiser I discern before taking someone in but from my mom, I learned that where there is room for 3 there is room for more.

So yes I am my mother's daughter, not a crazy, stubborn woman predestined to be a single mom like I was told growing up. I am her daughter because I am also kind, gentle, loving, strong, caring, passionate, compassionate and many more things she taught me. It is because of my mom that I am on earth and it is because of her that I am intentional in not judging and loving others well.

Mom, I love you so and I appreciate everything you have ever done for us. Your actions speak louder than words. I am grateful to have a mom that is love at all times.