A sunny Portland morning is a powerful thing — leaves glowing new and drab things sparkling like jewels.
A sunny Portland morning can remind me of all I enjoy that is grace like glorious warmth and rays on skin. Dear mamas of our own to hold close. Cards and flowers and words that say I am loved, appreciated, seen. Unexpected hugs around my waist and flowers tucked above rounded ears.
A sunny Portland morning bubbles up prayers for treasured women in my life — mothers all, whether all the world knows it — who speak different languages of nurture. Those who abide in tears, affirm dreams, send and speak love words, smile and embrace, share coffee and truth, listen long. Women who speak for the voiceless, cup faces and pray and affirm that you are valuable.
This sunny morning, I am thanking God for all the women who touch child and grown-up lives, teaching and tending, guiding and giving, loving until it hurts, and then loving more, and are changed.
This morning as the sun hits full in my face, I am praying for all of you. That you would not only know the love you give, but the love that is yours — warm, full and unending — and so be changed.
If you haven’t read my post Mother labor, mother art from earlier in the year, maybe you’d want to receive those words this morning, too, as another tribute to the powerful love of mamas.
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
![Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: "And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart." The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e35/17934124_1877271335863004_8139172358331039744_n.jpg "Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: \"And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart.\" The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!")
what can I say! I love you more every day!
My precious auntie. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks for the tribute to mothers Ashley…I love you & hope you have a special Mothers Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to you, dear friend!
Love the tribute and Happy Mother’s Day to You.
Bless you, and Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!
Over and over and yet again, your words reflect the beauty in your heart. Thank you for this most beautiful tribute to mamas and mothers and all who offer nurturing care!! and happiest of mothers days to you dear one!
Thank you, Mama. Thank you for your words, your love and for bringing me into this world. (And thank you for our day!) I wouldn’t be a mama without you. :) I love you so.
Bless you on mothers day Ashley, especially for your godly woman example :). Xo
Bless you, Deb. Such a loving and faithful mama you are. I pray you had a great day and know how dearly you’re loved.
Such lovely and poetic words that describe a mother’s love perfectly:) Happy Mother’s Day, Ashley!!
ps.. are you on Twitter??
Thank you, Smidge! And Happy Mother’s Day to you too. I hope it was a great day. I am not on Twitter yet, but am thinking it would be a good idea. What are your thoughts?
Mothers, among many other things, provide us with love, warmth,comfort,smiles and security. Each one of these illuminates us with rays of love.
Isn’t that true?