Because “just a mom” doesn’t work two jobs so that her daughter can afford ballet camp.
“Just a mom” doesn’t get up at 5am to make it to wrestling tournament in time for his weigh in on a Saturday.
“Just a mom” doesn’t sleep on the floor next to the baby’s crib when the baby’s been up four nights in a row with croup.
“Just a mom” doesn’t ask that teacher, that coach, that counselor how she can help, encourage, prepare her children for what’s next.
“Just a mom” doesn’t ride out the storm with her own arms as the sails and her words as the bucket that bails water out when everyone thinks they’re sinking.
“Just a mom” doesn’t always make room for one more around the table.
“Just a mom” doesn’t wake up at 1am and remember that soccer jersey that hasn’t been moved to the dryer yet.
“Just a mom” doesn’t say “no” and stick to it. “Just a mom” doesn’t say “yes” and wildly believe it.
And “just a mom” absolutely and 100% does not join arms with other moms to raise $10,000 in 1 day for orphans in South Africa who would tell you that there. is. no. such. thing. as “just a mom.”
This is the human blue print of a future community center in Maubane, South Africa. And on Friday hundreds of women who are certainly not “just a mom” helped fully fund the first phase. A vegetable garden that will be self sustaining as well as a source of income for the community.
And then you all went on to Phase 2. The Community Kitchen and Welcome Center. Just a couple days in and we’re already at $8,345 of the $40,000 goal.
Don’t tell me that you’re not in ministry.
Don’t tell me you don’t make a difference. Don’t tell me that your life is small; that the sun sets and rises on the same day in and day out and that you don’t make a difference.
Don’t tell me that Pulpits are only found in churches and speeches only come from stages. Don’t tell me that microphones are necessary to be heard.
Don’t tell me for a single second that you need a passport to save lives. When I know just as well what your words can do. Because over 40 women wrote brave and wildly stepped to the microphone of their own lives and changed me and a community of 400 people in South Africa on Valentine’s Day.
Here are a few in case you missed them:
This is not my cause or my passion because South Africa is a bit too far south of my heart and these orphans and vulnerable children were not MY orphans and vulnerable children. But then God told me some stuff.Like for real. He said He’s not about brands or sides or NGO’s or this country or that country or causes or companies.
He said he’s about his people.
Loving them well. Whatever and wherever that is. However you’re able. In whatever way God gifted you.
When God tells you stuff like that, you best shut up and listen.
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She’s building more than buildings and gardens and community centers – it’s in these very necessary and valuable projects that roots are forming. A sense of place, belonging, education, joy, hope. It’s her home and she’s inviting us in, making herself a bridge from our homes to her homeland, and it’s terrifying and beautiful and I’ve never been more proud.
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Jesus says to love our neighbors as ourselves, and I’m finding that my neighbor lives in the nursing home, in a South Dakota prison cell, at the end of thorny path in Haiti, and around the globe in Maubane, South Africa.
I don’t want to settle for BEING in love. I want to LIVE in love.
{And then she offers this beautiful giveaway to anyone who donates}.
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{Sometimes your friends take your breath away with their generosity. Don’t miss this one:}
1. Give a donation of any amount and you’ll get the free downloadable print above emailed to you after you donate.
2. Give a donation of at least $20 and you’ll get the free downloadable print above, plus I’ll send you a copy of my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode. Just forward the email you receive after you donate to crystal@moneysavingmom.com and include the amount you donated and your mailing address and I’ll send you a copy.
3. Give a donation of at least $40 and you’ll get the free downloadable print above, plus I’ll send you a copy of my book, Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and I’ll pre-order you a copy of Lisa-Jo’s book, Surprised By Motherhood. Just forward the email you receive after you donate to crystal@moneysavingmom.com and include the amount you donated and your mailing address and I’ll send you a copy of my book and pre-order you a copy of Lisa-Jo’s book.
***
My husband has spent the last 26 years gathering the most amazing bouquet [of kids] for me. He tends it ever so carefully. He shelters it in life’s raging storms. He tenderly tucks warmth around it on cold nights and he offers it nourishment and refreshment on hot days. He blows gentle breezes onto its faces and smiles sunshine at how beautifully it blooms.
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She’s extended her offer on these necklaces through Mother’s Day! Buy one of these beautiful necklaces for $24 and $12 of your purchase will be donated to this project!
When your friends rally around? When a community catches a vision? When women who aren’t moms and moms who aren’t ordinary all decide together to change the world for their sisters a world away?
That’s how you know that ministry lives in your kitchen. Mighty wonders in through your back door.
And love thrives between the loads of laundry.
I receive so much joy from watching this generosity unfold. Thank you for being brave, Lisa Jo.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!
And to all the mothers, to quote Lisa Jo: YOU ARE MIGHTY!
Now THAT… is what love looks like. So beautiful it’s leaking out of my eyes.
That’s such a great testament that to all the things that make Moms great. I love it! I also feel your campaigns are great too.