Motherhood: A Redeemer Plan of God
God’s design for every woman is impeccable. When he created us in his image he gifted us the ability to manifest his glorious love through motherhood. Though people can become mothers in a variety of ways, I became a mother through pregnancy. From the first moment I found out I was going to be a mother, something in the depth of my heart was awakened. It’s a feeling only mothers can recognize; it is indescribable, but so present and palpable! The subtle fluttering movements of new life caressed my soul right from the beginning! The cradle of my womb made me truly realize the beauty of God’s creation, the amazing engravement of his name in every corner of my human body. Yet in the perfection of his creation we are so imperfect, so fragile. God’s promise of strength and assistance is what gives us a fresh start day after day, the resilience and courage we need to face the tribulations of motherhood.
Through a mother’s faithful works, the word of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is exalted. When we carry out our motherly blueprint, we manage to depict Jesus Christ’s doctrine in our lives. As mothers we participate in lifting a generation faithful to God. There is no job more important than this one! For this reason, we must take advantage of every second of the day to plant understanding of his works in our children. What a splendid plan God has for us!
In my journey I have learned that God does not show us the whole way, he shows us the next step. I often doubt and question at the end of my day what I could have done better. He witnesses my uncertainty and mysteriously guides me step by step. Will my motherly heart ever feel fully accomplished? There is always a task undone, a mess to clean, a hug to give and so much room for improvement! This is truly the beauty of motherhood! Growing, learning and gazing into the eyes of the perfect model of parenthood, God, is a tremendous blessing! He gives us so much, including his son Jesus as a true example so that through our journey we can also become healers, teachers and servants.
To be the mother God wants us to be requires constant work, discipline, sacrifice, effort and a whole lot of love! If there is something most mothers can relate to, it is our constant challenges. It is essential for us to know all of the effort we put into our days is worthwhile. As mothers we are faced with many trials, but when we can connect these sufferings with Jesus’ sufferings and recognize that this outpouring of sacrificial love that we give to our children is for a greater purpose, then we are able to understand our calling and draw closer to God.
How are we able to understand our purpose? Deepening our relationship with God, persevering in prayer and reflection, and finding time in our busy daily routines to allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify our hearts helps us to be the mothers God wants us to be. Following Mary, the greatest of all mothers, and learning from her exemplary, enduring love can surely help us!
Most of us remember praying for the magnificent gift of motherhood. Let’s now pray that we are able to live each day with faith, joy, love and the certainty that our motherhood is A Redeemer Plan of God!
Leiri Bocanegra was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico but now resides in Massachusetts with her Husband and four children. Leiri and her husband Gustavo met in their parish youth group, “Agape,” and have been serving together ever since! You can usually find them singing together at church events and retreats! Leiri works as the Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelization for St. Mary’s Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also has a nursing background in both Geriatrics and Pediatrics. She has been a member of the Holy Family Institute for six years and enjoys Family Ministry. Her biggest accomplishment has been becoming a mother. She enjoys being able to use social platforms to help other Catholic mothers connect and assist one another through the wonderful vocation of motherhood!
