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Happy Mother’s Day to all the ladies!

Flower Essences

13 May

In 2007, when I was pregnant with my oldest, I knew, that I knew, that I knew he was a girl.  At least I thought I knew, and then of course the ultrasound told me otherwise.  Four years later, in my second pregnancy, an ultrasound confirmed this time we would have a girl.  My sweet mom reminded me of something I had written during the first pregnancy when I was convinced, without reason, I’d be starting this journey as a “Girl Mom”.  To refresh my memory, she pulled out her printed copy and faxed it to me at work!

Me and my Momma!

Let’s now journey together back to the Summer of 2007, before I knew the first babe to steal my heart would be a boy.  It was a wild time.  A time of alternating between confidence and nerves as I embarked on a role I knew little about.  My heart was brazenly dolled up in shades of Blush and Bashful.  Today, as I dust off that piece of my heart, I hope to honor and affirm all you Steel Magnolias who are striking balance and looking after everyone in your circle.  Your role may include caring for aging parents, siblings, a spouse or partner, your own children, kids brought into the fold by friends or other family members, those dear sister-friends, not to mention yourself.  You may be dealing with loss but faithfully planting one foot in front of the other so that later you are able to breathe new life into another aching heart.  Hatching plans. Nurturing relationships. Tending your sisters’ needs. Fostering growth.  It takes a village to raise a child and her momma, you know, and every role is vital!  Most likely, your circle is a Venn diagram with a lot of overlap.   A mom who feels encouraged and lifted up by her tribe is an unstoppable force.  In that spirit, in whichever circle you find yourself, undoubtedly performing an endless number of life-giving tasks, I raise a Mother’s Day mimosa to you, my kindred!

 

Here ‘goes. From 2007:

“I just know this baby is a girl.  Somehow this “knowing” has led to a deep longing for a daughter; a tough but compassionate soul.  She’ll be like honeysuckle vines, with sweet-beauty strangling every barrier fence in sight.  I can shape her into equal parts Playground Warrior and Sunday Picnic.  My baby will rock an eyelet sundress with pink ribbon ties, skinned knees and grass stains.

This whirlwind of thought and emotion has me honing in on the importance women in my family hold for one another. It is a strong and deep-rooted legacy; an automatic support system.  These ladies hold their own.  One retired Kindergarten teacher popped out the fiercest finger wag ever seen and cussed out horse thieves who then shamefully loaded the animals onto her horse trailer and stared at the ground as she drove away.  Looking further back, on the opposite side of the family, a Native American ancestor traveled by foot at night and hid during the day with her infant after being separated from her tribe.  She safely navigated, babe in arms, from the Carolinas to Alabama before being taken in by another tribe. The ladies I come from have fought legal and spiritual battles for their children.  They’ve stared down death and righted a lot of wrongs. Sometimes taking on more than they should, but it always shakes out alright and makes for extraordinary stories.  They’ve been those steel magnolias with a power and beauty that demands attention.  These champions are capable on their own, but rest in knowing they have each other.  They are both the root system and the rich soil that continues to grow me.  This legacy must continue.  The hard part is if we really do have a girl first, knowing I will find it near impossible to want a boy for my husband the next time around.  I will want her to have a sister.  How can a girl survive without a sister?”

Me with my treasure of a baby sister.

I remember the fierce, take-on- the-world excitement that washed over me as I read about our family heroines with the new knowledge I had a baby girl in my belly.  But I also laughed at myself.  “How can a girl survive without a sister?”  Don’t be silly, young Rachel.  They just do it.  They learn from their legacy and pick up a new tribe of sisters along the way.  They nurture and depend upon them.  They learn from and educate one another.  They love and grow into brave world-changers.

Me with my babies!

This Mother’s Day, our son is 10 and our daughter is 6.  What I did not consider in that first pregnancy, though it is beyond obvious, is that both a son or daughter would benefit greatly from this deep-rooted, unstoppable, selfless love.  That kind of love does not discriminate, nor does it disappoint.

 

 

If you have an extra minute, I’d love to hear the stories of the women who have shaped you!

 

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6 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lanalda Wilson says

    05/13/2018 at 10:57 am

    What a perfect piece of writing for Mother’s Day! I love the pictures and all the memories and I am proud to be your mother.

    Reply
  2. Jessica says

    05/13/2018 at 12:31 pm

    Sweet, steel magnolia! I love your heart and words. So glad I get to be a part of your story. Happy mama day!!! Xoxox

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    05/13/2018 at 3:12 pm

    Beautifully written!
    Very proud and happy
    to pick up the rest
    Of this journey with you!
    Happy mother’s day babe!

    Reply
  4. Rachel says

    05/19/2018 at 3:54 am

    Gasp! It’s so poetic.
    I think that as women, when we think about our own mama and the great strength she mustered to raise us, it evokes a ton of emotions. Great post!

    Reply
    • admin says

      05/19/2018 at 7:03 am

      Thanks, so much!
      It all comes full circle, doesn’t it?!? Even if it does tend to be sneaky about it at first, then suddenly full force!

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    05/26/2018 at 4:29 pm

    That was a great story. I was impressed with how descriptive and well written it was. I wish I could write that well.

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Rachel, the writer behind Holistic Faith Lifestyle. I often find myself searching for ways to preserve presence of mind and impart some gentleness to the blink-and-you'll-miss-it pace of life.  I love sharing ways I've found to tend the mind, body, spirit connection in a way that honors God and all that is divinely created. Read More

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No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifie No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifiers or labels as to why this day can be hard. Or easy. Or full of sunshine. 

“Just” the soul edifying stuff of looking toward God’s promises to provide love, faithfulness, grace, and mercy from generation to generation. Trusting it just in this moment. 
And praying that it take root and build as you walk in faith. 

And somehow, it molds itself to fit every heart shape. Because they’re God’s words, not mine. And that’s what the words of our good and gentle God do. 

Be blessed. 😌

Take 3-5 min (it’s a short, adaptable practice) in prayer meditation to reset. 

You’ll find the video in the link at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Click it & look for the YouTube Meditations button. 

#mothersdayprayer #whenmothersdayishard #godsgotus #godlovesus #godlovesusall #goodgod #gentlegod #fiercegod #godasmother #godasmotherhen #godasfather #mothersday2022 #hopeasananchor #anchoredinchrist
So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor o So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor ourselves in the TRUTH of our identity in Christ. And within that theme, I'm excited to share the “Greater” flower essence blend with you. It draws inspiration from John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less. 

This is the very 1st flower essence blend I’ve created with a specific Christ-centered theme!

It’s pretty curious stuff, right?!? 

You can answer a lot of questions at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio!

Follow the link you find there ⤴️ & get to both of these places ⤵️⤵️

1️⃣ the YOUTUBE button for a quick video on how it all works together!

2️⃣ if you’re ready to jump in, you can SUBSCRIBE from this page, too. { Sign up & I’ll send you a 7-day free trial plus 40% off if you decide to stay. ❤️🙏🏼❤️}

#christianmeditation #christianfloweressences #christcentered #christcenteredlife #healingwithflowers #floweressencepractitioner #findinggodinnature
Having fun designing the studio set for the May se Having fun designing the studio set for the May series, Unfolding Your Identity in Christ!

It will kick off this weekend with a special communion practice on YouTube! 

{Wine & bread optional but I’ll have mine. I only wish we could break bread together in real life!}

Then in the Membership, we will carry on throughout the month looking at this subject the holistic faith way – including God in our mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships. 

See you there!

Just follow the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle profile & choose Membership. 
💙💛💙
In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about be In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about being mindful of “little resurrections” - or new life coming from unexpected places and letting them draw your attention toward God.

And so this single dewberry was for me! Nature is such an easy place to find God just hanging out. Doing God stuff.

And an easy prompt to say thanks for reminding me 
you’re always doing a new thing. 
On the ground. 
In the thorny overgrowth. 
And in my heart!

Not getting the emails? It’s easy to sign up. 
Just go to the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle profile, 
& click the Sign Up For Emails button!
New to the HFL YouTube ~ 3-min Retreats. ❤️🧘🏽❤️

Join me there to enjoy the next 2 minutes. 

Follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle profile 
& click the 3-minute Retreats button. 

#holisticfaithlifestyle #holisticfaithmeditation #godwithin #godwithinus #godwithme #godwithyou #godspromise #godsblessing #thisisholyground
It’s really a breath of fresh air to be moving c It’s really a breath of fresh air to be moving closer to Easter, enjoying some beautiful weather, and be almost a full week into the new bundled series, “the I am Statements of Jesus”. Such life-giving content & perfect in this season!

to learn more about what’s included in the bundle and to join me in prayer over the month:
Follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio.

And find the YouTube Meditations button. 💻🧘🏽
A Sabbath prayer that just so happens to be perfec A Sabbath prayer that just so happens to be perfect for the halfway point of Lent. 

Especially if Lent feels like an extended version of hot potato. You put it down. Picked it up. Dropped it quick before anyone noticed. Repeatedly. For 19 days…and counting.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’.”
2 Cor. 12:9

I’m still learning to Sabbath. And this month’s series on Redeeming the Time has helped me see that rest is far more than pausing work. 

So whatever the “thing” is for you invite God right into the middle of it. Ask for instruction on how to create Sabbath margin and find breathing room. 

And be blessed!

#prayerforlent #lentprayers #lent2022 #sabbathmargin #sabbathprayer #sabbathday #breathingroom
Do you know this one? While I know these words are Do you know this one? While I know these words are true & good in all seasons, they’re resonating deep & fresh & new on this first day of spring. 🌿

“Why did I waste so much time worrying
You've had a plan all along, I'm listening
You made a way out of deserts & rivers just yesterday, so today

If I hear You speak, I don't need an explanation
If You tell me move, I don't need the destination
If what's promised, I never see, I'm still walking with You, You're still walking with me

You will redeem all the time I spent wandering
You've been the fire & the cloud, 
I'm following
You made a way out of bondage & darkness just yesterday

And if I know one thing
Our God is a deliverer
If I know one thing
Our God is gonna see us through

Never alone in the battle (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the desert,(He'll see us through)
Never alone in the fire (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the water (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the depression (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the addiction (He'll see us through)
In all our anxiety, He'll see us through
In our darkest thoughts, I know Jesus, He'll see us through
In every circumstance, I know, He'll see us through
If I know one thing
Our God is a deliverer
If I know one thing
Our God is gonna see us through

That is what He does, it's in His name.

- Deliverer, by North Point Worship

#everydayworship #sabbathworship #neverleavenorforsake #springequinox #worshipinallseasons #lentenseason #easterseason
Stop & pick the roadside flowers. Hooray spring! Stop & pick the roadside flowers. Hooray spring!

#wildflowerseason #roadsideattractions #roadsideflowers #roadsideflorida #realflorida #godinnature #godineverything #noseperation #presentmoment #thepreciouspresent #mindfulgrateful
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No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifie No fluff. No list of specific reasons or identifiers or labels as to why this day can be hard. Or easy. Or full of sunshine. 

“Just” the soul edifying stuff of looking toward God’s promises to provide love, faithfulness, grace, and mercy from generation to generation. Trusting it just in this moment. 
And praying that it take root and build as you walk in faith. 

And somehow, it molds itself to fit every heart shape. Because they’re God’s words, not mine. And that’s what the words of our good and gentle God do. 

Be blessed. 😌

Take 3-5 min (it’s a short, adaptable practice) in prayer meditation to reset. 

You’ll find the video in the link at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio. Click it & look for the YouTube Meditations button. 

#mothersdayprayer #whenmothersdayishard #godsgotus #godlovesus #godlovesusall #goodgod #gentlegod #fiercegod #godasmother #godasmotherhen #godasfather #mothersday2022 #hopeasananchor #anchoredinchrist
So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor o So for May’s membership bundle, we’ll anchor ourselves in the TRUTH of our identity in Christ. And within that theme, I'm excited to share the “Greater” flower essence blend with you. It draws inspiration from John 3:30 - He must become greater; I must become less. 

This is the very 1st flower essence blend I’ve created with a specific Christ-centered theme!

It’s pretty curious stuff, right?!? 

You can answer a lot of questions at the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio!

Follow the link you find there ⤴️ & get to both of these places ⤵️⤵️

1️⃣ the YOUTUBE button for a quick video on how it all works together!

2️⃣ if you’re ready to jump in, you can SUBSCRIBE from this page, too. { Sign up & I’ll send you a 7-day free trial plus 40% off if you decide to stay. ❤️🙏🏼❤️}

#christianmeditation #christianfloweressences #christcentered #christcenteredlife #healingwithflowers #floweressencepractitioner #findinggodinnature
Having fun designing the studio set for the May se Having fun designing the studio set for the May series, Unfolding Your Identity in Christ!

It will kick off this weekend with a special communion practice on YouTube! 

{Wine & bread optional but I’ll have mine. I only wish we could break bread together in real life!}

Then in the Membership, we will carry on throughout the month looking at this subject the holistic faith way – including God in our mind, body, spirit, emotions, and relationships. 

See you there!

Just follow the link in my @holisticfaithlifestyle profile & choose Membership. 
💙💛💙
In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about be In the last few HFL emails, I’ve talked about being mindful of “little resurrections” - or new life coming from unexpected places and letting them draw your attention toward God.

And so this single dewberry was for me! Nature is such an easy place to find God just hanging out. Doing God stuff.

And an easy prompt to say thanks for reminding me 
you’re always doing a new thing. 
On the ground. 
In the thorny overgrowth. 
And in my heart!

Not getting the emails? It’s easy to sign up. 
Just go to the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle profile, 
& click the Sign Up For Emails button!
New to the HFL YouTube ~ 3-min Retreats. ❤️🧘🏽❤️

Join me there to enjoy the next 2 minutes. 

Follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle profile 
& click the 3-minute Retreats button. 

#holisticfaithlifestyle #holisticfaithmeditation #godwithin #godwithinus #godwithme #godwithyou #godspromise #godsblessing #thisisholyground
It’s really a breath of fresh air to be moving c It’s really a breath of fresh air to be moving closer to Easter, enjoying some beautiful weather, and be almost a full week into the new bundled series, “the I am Statements of Jesus”. Such life-giving content & perfect in this season!

to learn more about what’s included in the bundle and to join me in prayer over the month:
Follow the link in the @holisticfaithlifestyle bio.

And find the YouTube Meditations button. 💻🧘🏽
A Sabbath prayer that just so happens to be perfec A Sabbath prayer that just so happens to be perfect for the halfway point of Lent. 

Especially if Lent feels like an extended version of hot potato. You put it down. Picked it up. Dropped it quick before anyone noticed. Repeatedly. For 19 days…and counting.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’.”
2 Cor. 12:9

I’m still learning to Sabbath. And this month’s series on Redeeming the Time has helped me see that rest is far more than pausing work. 

So whatever the “thing” is for you invite God right into the middle of it. Ask for instruction on how to create Sabbath margin and find breathing room. 

And be blessed!

#prayerforlent #lentprayers #lent2022 #sabbathmargin #sabbathprayer #sabbathday #breathingroom
Do you know this one? While I know these words are Do you know this one? While I know these words are true & good in all seasons, they’re resonating deep & fresh & new on this first day of spring. 🌿

“Why did I waste so much time worrying
You've had a plan all along, I'm listening
You made a way out of deserts & rivers just yesterday, so today

If I hear You speak, I don't need an explanation
If You tell me move, I don't need the destination
If what's promised, I never see, I'm still walking with You, You're still walking with me

You will redeem all the time I spent wandering
You've been the fire & the cloud, 
I'm following
You made a way out of bondage & darkness just yesterday

And if I know one thing
Our God is a deliverer
If I know one thing
Our God is gonna see us through

Never alone in the battle (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the desert,(He'll see us through)
Never alone in the fire (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the water (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the depression (He'll see us through)
Never alone in the addiction (He'll see us through)
In all our anxiety, He'll see us through
In our darkest thoughts, I know Jesus, He'll see us through
In every circumstance, I know, He'll see us through
If I know one thing
Our God is a deliverer
If I know one thing
Our God is gonna see us through

That is what He does, it's in His name.

- Deliverer, by North Point Worship

#everydayworship #sabbathworship #neverleavenorforsake #springequinox #worshipinallseasons #lentenseason #easterseason

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