(Isn't that little girl dancing to it just precious?!)
I find myself singing it to Ethan throughout the day and, at times, I feel tears well up in my eyes as the words come out of my mouth. I don't know the reason behind the song, but I think Mindy should be prepared for it to become the Heart Mama's Anthem.
This song laid heavily on my heart as we took Ethan in for his cath last week. Not knowing what the outcome would be, I reminded myself of the words I had been singing and the truth behind them; I've loved my son since day one. And, as he has faced surgery upon surgery, it has been my prayer that we would let Ethan be Ethan, and not let his battle wounds define him. It doesn't matter that his scars aren't yet faded, or that surgeons will eventually add fresh ones. It's about loving his figurative heart; fostering the adventurous spirit I can already see, and teaching him respect for himself and those around him.
But I can't ignore the fact that his literal heart is special in its own way, right? It is ridden with scars and has been stitched up like an old, loved teddy bear. It is scary, and painful, and not something anyone would wish for their child. But, through all of that, we've experienced life and friendship on a whole different level. He's able to grow-up with other children who are just like him, in a lot of ways, and I get the deep, unspoken understanding that comes from a Mama who's been through it, too. In that case, it's about teaching him (and me!) it's OK to have a special heart, and helping him to love all the things that make him who he is.
Just think about the stories he can tell on the playground one day...
As all of this had been swirling around in my head late last week, we came home on Sunday afternoon and Jeramie and Ethan gave me my mother's day gifts. The song lyrics came to me again as Jeramie showed me this...
...and explained, "It's called Joye's Heart. I made a few mistakes on it, but I think it's still beautiful."
That's powerful stuff! It got me to thinking about the figurative scars that are on my own heart, and how we're all walking around with broken ones. Some require surgery, some require therapy, but we're all in need of someone to say, "it's not about the ugly scars".
I pray you'll listen to the words of this song and imagine someone singing it over you. Whether it's a spouse, a friend, a family member, or your Creator himself, hear the words...
I find myself singing it to Ethan throughout the day and, at times, I feel tears well up in my eyes as the words come out of my mouth. I don't know the reason behind the song, but I think Mindy should be prepared for it to become the Heart Mama's Anthem.
This song laid heavily on my heart as we took Ethan in for his cath last week. Not knowing what the outcome would be, I reminded myself of the words I had been singing and the truth behind them; I've loved my son since day one. And, as he has faced surgery upon surgery, it has been my prayer that we would let Ethan be Ethan, and not let his battle wounds define him. It doesn't matter that his scars aren't yet faded, or that surgeons will eventually add fresh ones. It's about loving his figurative heart; fostering the adventurous spirit I can already see, and teaching him respect for himself and those around him.
But I can't ignore the fact that his literal heart is special in its own way, right? It is ridden with scars and has been stitched up like an old, loved teddy bear. It is scary, and painful, and not something anyone would wish for their child. But, through all of that, we've experienced life and friendship on a whole different level. He's able to grow-up with other children who are just like him, in a lot of ways, and I get the deep, unspoken understanding that comes from a Mama who's been through it, too. In that case, it's about teaching him (and me!) it's OK to have a special heart, and helping him to love all the things that make him who he is.
Just think about the stories he can tell on the playground one day...As all of this had been swirling around in my head late last week, we came home on Sunday afternoon and Jeramie and Ethan gave me my mother's day gifts. The song lyrics came to me again as Jeramie showed me this...
...and explained, "It's called Joye's Heart. I made a few mistakes on it, but I think it's still beautiful."That's powerful stuff! It got me to thinking about the figurative scars that are on my own heart, and how we're all walking around with broken ones. Some require surgery, some require therapy, but we're all in need of someone to say, "it's not about the ugly scars".
I pray you'll listen to the words of this song and imagine someone singing it over you. Whether it's a spouse, a friend, a family member, or your Creator himself, hear the words...
It's not about your scars; it's all about your heart.
4 comments:
Beautiful - I LOVED that song from the moment I heard it and it will be bloggy inspiration over Torquil's way soon!
But more than that, your words are beautiful and inspirational and genuine. Thank you for capturing what it means to be a heart mama.
I absolutely ADORE this song. I have yet to listen to it without crying! Great post Joye!
You are such an inspiring women Joye! You have such a beautiful heart and soul! You made me cry.
What an awesome post Joye. I am truly blessed with being part of your's, Jeramie and Ethan's family.
It is all about the heart and you wrote it so perfect!!
Love Grandma A.
PS. the heart Jeramie made is awwwwwsomeeeee!
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