Fabulous Friday - 9 Valuable Lessons We Learned From Our Mothers
Some of my close friends and I reflect on the most valuable lessons our mothers taught us. These lessons have proved to be vital in our recent venture into womanhood. Our way of saying, "Yes Mother, you were right" :). Happy Mothers' Day to all the Wonderful Mothers instilling valuable lessons!
1) "God is first and foremost." - Tracy Caldwell-Gore
My Mother is an incredible woman who has endured much. She makes it no secret that her saving grace, was her relationship with God. All throughout my childhood, she made my sisters and I a top priority, but nothing was ever more important than her relationship with God. She faithfully wakes each morning, and spends hours praying, seeking His face, and reading His word. She taught us at a very young age that while we may achieve much, our gifts are God-given. It is only because of God's grace, mercy, and favor that we are able to live that life that we do. For this, I am forever reminded that I am being used to give Him honor and that all honor and glory is due to Him. This lesson has taught me to remain humble and forever grateful!
2) "Jesus forgave me, and that has made all the difference" - Daisy Greene
There are so many lessons that my mother has taught me that it is very hard to just pick one. However, the lesson from my mom that has mattered the most and rises above all the rest, is the lesson of forgiveness. I'm not talking about the whole "to err is human, to forgive, divine" nonsense. No, I'm talking about how my mother IS forgiveness. She embodies the concept, and leads her life in a manner that shows that she is always willing to give people a second chance. Whether it be her students, her teachers, her family members, or random people she encounters, my mother has always forgiven those who many people cannot bring themselves to forgive. My mom has often said, "I cannot hold a grudge, because it does more damage to me than to the person I am angry at." I try to live by that attitude; the attitude that forgiveness is not for the other person, but for me and my personal sanity.
I couldn't be an effective teacher, daughter, sister, or friend if I did not practice forgiveness.
3) "Family is essential to the soul" - Lori Jackson
The lesson I found most valuable from my mother was putting family first. Unfortunately, I come from a family where our extended members are not close, but in my household we make sure to place emphasis on staying in contact with each other. It's funny because my Line Sister called me the "bulldog" of my line and even at times my friends say that I am overprotective. I can truthfully say that I get these characteristics from my mother. Don't you let nothing happen to her babies. Family is essential to the soul. My overprotectiveness is how I show that I love and that I care. Family is what rejuvenates you and makes you grateful for being alive. Though we fuss and fight I will always love my family, we are all that we have. This mother's day, I realize the importance of this and even more the importance of not holding grudges.
4) "Calladita se ve mas bonita" - Victoria Langeslay
This rhymes cleverly in Spanish, but in English simply translate to, "You look much cuter when you're silent." It sounds aggressive but the implication is akin to, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" or "Think before you speak." What is more critical to me nowadays, especially in the advent of social media and open thread commentary, is that sometimes the best response to a disagreement or gossip item is none at all. Inevitably, someone with too much free time on their hands will try to twist your words or malign your character and if you don't provide them with material, they have no ammunition.
5) "No One Owes You Anything" - Yvonne Curry
The most important lesson my mother taught me is to never have a sense of entitlement. I can remember back to my childhood, she would tell me, "nobody owes you anything, so go out and do well for yourself." Be it academic, career, or life goals I set out to achieve. I always keep in my mind that success is in my hands.
6) "Geninune Happiness over Materiality" - Audrey Villines
My mom has taught me the true meaning and value of genuine happiness. Her goals and major decisions in life have never been centered around money or material things. She is all about immeasurable experiences and enjoying life. She would much rather spontaneously book a flight to Paris than have the latest pair of Louboutins on her feet and that's what I admire about her.
7) "Never Lose Your Voice" - Esther Kuangu
The greatest lesson that my mother taught me is a concept that is so simple but yet often taken for granted. She taught me how to speak. Being a black woman in this society can be challenging but we must never lose our voices. If you like what's going on in your life, speak on it. If you don't like what's going on in your life, speak even louder. You can control your happiness don't allow anyone suppress your voice.
8) "Freedom comes in letting go" - Cathy Lynn Trimble
I have learned so much from my mother, but the most important thing she has ever taught me is the power in forgiveness. I spent so much time being angry at others who had hurt me (and her) and I ended up doing more damage to myself than they could have ever accomplished. Through the process of forgiving, I realized the freedom that comes in letting go. You do not forget, but in letting go, you know longer allow that person to have a hold on you. It is not an easy process and it is not a one time decision. You have to work towards it, but it is the most liberating feeling.
