Warrior

Warrior (noun)
1. a person engaged or experienced in warfare; soldier.
2. a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage

The other day my husband took me by the shoulders, after I was having a hard day and said to me, “Melissa, you are a warrior.” This of course brought more tears to my eyes.

In motherhood, this is true, we are warriors. We have war wounds on our bodies and in our souls. We wage war against the lies that the enemy brings as we grieve for our children that are with Jesus and as we raise the ones that are still here on earth with us.

We put on courage over the pain when someone asks us, “How many children do you have?” and when we face Mother’s Day, birthdays and holidays with arms longing for one that is not here with us.

In war, a soldier does not face his enemy alone. A warrior is a part of a regiment, their team and community. They do not leave anyone behind. They fight for one another.

Grief often pushes us into loneliness. It can push us to retreat into the darkest parts of our soul alone. Yet, this is not how God created us.  This is why Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

My first Hope Mommies retreat was one year to the day after Izaak past away. That first year, I grieved and pushed a bunch of emotions to the side and refused to deal with them. At that retreat, I was surrounded by these beautiful women that had all said goodbye to their children, and that’s when I was finally able to deal with some of the hurt and anger that I was holding on to. I cried messy, messy tears.

Being a part of this community has allowed me to become a better warrior as I continue this journey, because I know that there are women around the world warring on my behalf. Fighting on my behalf. Praying on my behalf.

As a Hope Mom, I get to do the same for other grieving mommas out there. You and I have the privilege of helping other Hope Mommies carry their burdens. We get to pray; we bring comfort and the hope of Jesus.

Never forget that you are warrior!

This post originally appeared on the Hope Mommies blog on July 2, 2013

Melissa has had the amazing blessing of being a part of Hope Mommies since the first retreat in 2011. Attending that retreat bonded her and the other beautiful women that were there for life. She has four children; Layla, Izaak (who is with Jesus), and her twins Julian and Mckenzie.

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