“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.” ~ Song of Solomon 2:1

I know this blog is all about hair but I wanted to share why Mother’s Day is so special to me :o)

I lost my mother February 1, 2009 when she suddenly became ill and peacefully passed away in the hospital. That day forever changed my life and most importantly me as a person. That was the day I truly, deeply knew the power of the Lord and how deep his love really is. After only a couple of days crying out of grief, I instantly became strengthened and knew I had a deeper purpose in life. I knew the Lord has a purpose for everything under the sun and this was the beginning of a new journey for me.

On Mother’s day 2009, honoring my mother, I finally decided to join a church, be baptized and fully give my life to Jesus Christ. It was crazy how it happened but I know God works in way we will never comprehend and orders our steps perfectly so they all come together for a bigger picture. To make it even more divinely ordered, I wasn’t actually baptized until Father’s Day :o)

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of that life-changing decision and I am confident in saying my mother would be proud of who I’ve grown to be. I really wish she could see how FAR I have come. I’ll just say, I wasn’t the wisest in my youth but through the grace and power of God, I have been transformed.

This day, I will always honor and celebrate the life she’s given me, the sacrifices she made and the foundation she set for my family and me to continue living in a righteous way. When I think of what love and grace are, I think of her. It is  solely because she had a heart of pure gold and Christ dwelling in her. Her light illuminated everything around her.

She was an amazing woman and I miss her dearly. There is never a day I don’t think of her and yes I have “moments” where I shed tears but I know she is at peace and that it had to happen. God has given me peace and understanding so I do not feel sad when I remind myself of these things. But I will not lie…no one can comprehend what the loss of a mother feels like until it actually happens. You don’t realize how important she is to you until she is gone. You don’t realize the things you would have done differently or bad decisions you made until she is gone. You don’t realize how much more you could have shown her love and appreciation until she is gone.

But this is my motivation. Although I am forgiven, I view life now as a chance to “redeem” myself by showing love to others more deeply, genuinely and humbly. My decision to live right in Christ is my reason….and The Way to be reunited with her for eternity. There is no other way, so my mind is made up. I made a promise to finish this race no matter what challenges I face. It really is that deep. It really is. I couldn’t have the faith, hope, strength or courage without Christ. I know in my heart that she died so that I may live and by live I mean be spiritually awakened and made whole. Ya’ll, there is so much more to life than you think. SO much more…I am thankful and blessed to have suffered such a loss to gain something WAY GREATER. I am not trying to preach or persuade, I am merely speaking my heart in the most honest way I know how. It is quite personal.

So this Mother’s day and every day for that matter, I honor Sharon Rainey Johnson and I pray that anyone reading this is reminded on how sincere a mother’s love is for her child—whether she is estranged, deceased, etc., she gave you life and that is enough to show her honor. If your mother is still in your life, tell her you love her often, forgive her every time, let go of any past hurts/pains right away because the opportunities to do so may slip away in an instant. You don’t know when her last day on this earth will be.

Live with no regrets. Be genuine. Be sincere. Forgive. Love.

Happy Mother’s Day :o))