Supermoms are human too
Yesterday while braving the EDSA traffic, I came across a
reminder, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be
kind.” I tried to make use of the time and reflect. I tuned in to Joel Osteen’s
podcast, and there it hit me where it hurts the most. It was like HE knew what
I needed to hear. Right then and there I broke down. For once, I was thankful
for the traffic, because just like any other mom, together with the pressure, I
get tired, frustrated, and feel taken for granted – not once, not twice, but a
lot of times. Yes, each of us has a battle to face every waking day whether you’re
single, married, employed, or unemployed. And though we try to shove it off,
sometimes when our guards are down, we remember that supermoms are human, too.
Browsing through the podcast, there it was: “Beating Bitterness.”
I knew I needed to hear this. We’ve all
been hurt, wronged and confused. There comes a point when so many questions run
through our minds, “Why did this have to happen? Have I not been kind enough?
Have I done something wrong to deserve this? Why me?”
It may come in different forms, persons or experiences.
Bitterness is actually holding on to that hurt- from a missed promotion,
mistreatment from our loved ones, unaccepted illness, or any untoward incident.
Personally, I’ve been nursing an aching heart, not due to an unhappy marriage,
but from the hurt caused by the people I love. Those who know me pretty well would
know how I'd give my all to a friend, a dear sorority sister, an idol, or family
member. Growing up, I always believed that a cruel world would not be as cruel
if each of us would extend love and pay kindness forward. During my younger
days, we’ve been constantly reminded to do a good turn daily. So I tried. And yet, I am
wronged. I get hurt time and time again, not just by random people, but those
who I least expected it from – which makes it hurt even more. I feel remorse,
hate, anger, resentment. Let’s face it, it’s hard to forgive, lest forget. And
so those feelings mature into bitterness. It clouds our judgement, affects our
relationships and how we respond. It prevents us from becoming whole, it
prevents us from moving forward and fulfilling our destiny. We search
for answers. We become desperate for clarity. What to do?
I’m no bible expert, so it’s pretty astonishing to hear the
story of Naomi from the old testament of Ruth. This woman, whose name means “pleasant,”
lost everything- her home, husband, and 2 sons. Devastated and distraught, she returns to Bethlehem from
Moab with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, and changes her name to Mara, meaning “bitter.”
Amidst her struggle, God’s plans unfold. As she was filled with remorse, she
became a blessing to others, enabling Ruth to re-marry and bear a son, Obed,
who she eventually cared for and treated like her own. This got me thinking that sometimes, when we feel
that we are unheard, it’s not because we aren’t blessed. Perhaps, we are meant
to move (so-to-speak) because we are destined for greater things elsewhere. If we let bitterness prevent us from moving on, we get stuck with the pain and stun our own growth. That's why it's important to keep moving forward. Hurting makes us
appreciate more. It strikes us down so we can propel ourselves higher. Like a
blacksmith that uses fire in creating the most beautiful pieces, HE molds us
and polishes us so we become works of art for others.
So does this mean that I have healed or I have forgiven? I am admittedly a sinner, and not perfect. I still keep the lock and key to this hurting heart. But deep down I know I am told to open up and let go. Like my child, I'm learning progressively through baby steps. All I know for now is that moving forward means offering yourself as a blessing to others especially in this time of giving.
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