When a Mother Prays

I’m a beggar and a mother, interchangeable. Spare these hearts of mine! Spare these hearts of mine! These hearts outside of me—spare them please!

But I know it. Have lived it. They won’t escape pain, tragedies. By the tens or hundreds. But let them be. Let them breathe. Let them laugh and love, be healed, be held, be fearlessly here for all the days of their life.

And bear them up when they grieve, or ask questions like, but where was God when…?

And give them peace to face, endure whatever will hollow their hearts.

And help them laugh again—themselves freely to it when happiness lifts their spirit.

And God—

Let me know. Let this mother know! Even when they aren’t safe here, even when they can’t escape! My children—my very heartbeat—are ever safe with You.

But I am weeping and asking for a spine tall, strong with hope. My mind built in the truth. My eyes fixed on You.

And here You remind me I can fall apart. I can fracture, shatter. Because even a mother. Even here. Is safe with You too.

-S.V.F., Motherhood Prayer