It has been 10 months since my last blog post. So much has transpired since.

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I gave birth to an adorable baby :). We moved cross-continents. It has been six months since we moved back to our hometown.

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On Wednesday, February 12, I received heartbreaking news. Last night, I listened intently to a speech given by the most inspiring person I know.

Her sacrificial and unconditional love for her child touched me deeply. The way she lived out her belief that her children are an undeniable gift from God to her.

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It made me reflect about my role as a mother. I recounted my reaction to my child’s medical diagnosis. And how I responded to the subsequent and ongoing struggles.

Did I truly believe my child, in all her “imperfections” in the eyes of the world, was 100% God’s gift to me?

If so, did I bear the medical challenges with grace?

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I considered myself a circumstantial stay-at-home-mum (SAHM) in Atlanta from 2016 to 2019. I was determined to rejoin the workforce once I returned to my hometown.

My baby’s medical diagnosis changed everything.

My husband and I agreed that I should support my child at home, until such time she is able to thrive in spite of her medical diagnosis.

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The last six months have been challenging physically, financially and psychologically.

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On October 20, my baby’s godmother invited me to attend her faith community’s family group. She led the group reflection:

Is my family a treasure?

Do my actions convey my belief that my family is God’s gift to me?

Listening to yesterday night’s speech caused these questions to reemerge.

The many times I was disheartened by the unforeseen medical challenges.

The times when I lose my cool with my toddler for being dramatic or a contrarian.

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Knowing full well the doubts I have been having of late, God presented this (via Scott Hahn’s Facebook page) as a reassurance being a SAHM is a purposeful way of serving Him.

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I yearn to be life-giving like the Proverbs 31:25-30 woman:

“She is clothed with strength and
dignity, and laughs at the days to come.

She opens her mouth in wisdom;
kindly instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her:

Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”