“Mama was my greatest teacher, a teacher of compassion, love and fearlessness.  If love is sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love.”

– Stevie Wonder

I know what you’re going to say.  Mother’s Day is over.  I do know that, because only this morning I gathered up my collection of cards that thanked me for my endurance, gave recognition to all the cooking and cleaning I’ve done, and apologized for the special events my children provided for my entertainment during their younger years.  It’s nice that my children care enough to celebrate Mom on a special day each year; but the view from my side is that Mother’s Day goes on far beyond a Hallmark holiday.  When I read what Stevie Wonder had to say about his mama, it touched my heart.  Isn’t this what being a mother is all about?

Compassion, love, and fearlessness.  Is it any wonder that Mr. Wonder, born blind and into a life of poverty, has made such an impact on his world?  Think about it!  If we leave our children with no more than these three traits, is there anything in their lives that they can’t handle? Compassion stirs the heart of the child who sees that a bird has fallen out of its nest.  Love calls the child to want to help.  Fearlessness tells him that he will be able to find a way to help.  Compassion sees a new classmate looking lonely.  Love leads the child to want to ease the pain.  Fearlessness takes the first step toward making a friend.  Compassion sees the need that exists in the world.  Love wants to be part of meeting the need.  Fearlessness says, “I have something to offer,” and trusts that what we have will play a part.

We are born with these traits — I truly believe it.  There are so many people I’ve known in my life who develop this three-fold strength without the guidance of Stevie Wonder’s mama.  Some people have great moms who set good examples.  Some have moms who have lost their way and raise their children with anger, criticism, and abuse.  Still, in the midst of the contrast, these kids look all around until they find the examples of compassion and love that allow them to find their courage and step fearlessly into their place in the world.  If you were lucky enough to have a wise mother who showed you these things and taught you that you could use them, be thankful.  If you found your way to your inner strength through the examples of people who were not your mother, be thankful.

If you are a woman who carries these traits, be thankful.  Whether or not you have given birth, you just might find yourself being someone’s mother as they journey toward discovering the beauty that lies within them.  Practice compassion, respond with love — and do it fearlessly!  You never know who might be watching!