If my mother was in this picture it would be three women who have influenced my life the most. I got to spend time with @sheri_dew and @elainedalton when we spoke at @tofw_timeoutforwomenand it was pretty surreal.
My Mom
My mother taught me to first love. Love others, love yourself and when in doubt the answer is always love again. That’s been a hard lesson at times as it’s easier to judge others and ourselves.
Sheri Dew
I was very young when I first heard Sheri speak and I can still remember the powerful burning I felt within my chest when she said, make no mistake, you were born at this exact moment in time because you and your specific talents were needed. God loves and trusts his daughters to stand and change the world right now.
Elaine Dalton
And later in life when Elaine taught me that a virtuous woman was a woman who seeks out truth, was kind, honest, hard working and so on.
Who I Belong to
Three women most of all taught me that I was a beloved daughter of a sweet, gentle Heavenly Father. Not just a God of the universe, but my father who was more on my team, loved me perfectly, believed in me more than anyone else ever could.
I learned my worth.
Which I now feel has been so important living in a world where a week doesn’t go by that I don’t get DMs or emails telling me how awful I am or advice on clueing in because I’m so wrong about so much.
I raised my personal bar and standards even higher and vowed to continue to do so so that those who came in contact with me always left feeling higher and better about themselves and life because of three women.
Not celebrities.
Not self help speakers.
Three women. Because women are the greatest influence our world has right now, for good or bad.
I’m far from perfect, but I hope to one day have made an impact on at least three little lives the way these women did in mine. I hope my children will feel that I lived up to the things I know are true.
Ren
Dear, you are perfect. Something we forget trying to live up to someone else’s (And sometimes our own) beliefs, standards, conceptions, misconceptions, and on. Think we all get caught up in who or what or energy that is going on around us, at times in our life. I read your series when you found out you were pregnant. You knew, your husband knew and your family knew what to do and you did it. So happy for you all! You have strong faith and love! What many people lack today. I read some of the unkind comments and felt sorry for those people or possibly trolls that left them. Because they don’t have the faith, the heart, knowing, understanding? And, actually I was kind of pissed because I was like “Yes, you go girl, you KNOW what you are doing, though you were very ill, the love and the faith and more was beautiful.” I still don’t understand how people could have been so heartless! I wrote a comment, it was too long, I deleted it. Trying to keep this one short. Keep being you! in all your you-ness! Forget the nay sayers, you don’t know them and probably wouldn’t want to know them anyway. Think you are doing great! Love your articles, love your recipes, sending love and blessings~
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much Ren! I appreciate the support so much! And don’t worry, I’ve been doing this long enough that I’ve developed a pretty thick skin! We will just keep doing our thing over here and trying to do what’s right! Thank you again!
Shawnae
The person that has changed me the most is my Mom. She was a strong, independent, and beautiful woman in the world, and she is the reason why I am who I am today. My Mom was a warrior, and she always stood up for what was right, and did not hesitate to tell people the truth, even if they didn’t want to hear it. My Mom was also a talented baker which was her passion. She loved baking cakes for people as well as her family, and they always turn out delicious every time.
My Mom passed away on July 21, 2017 of a heart attack at the age of 54. Not only did I lose my Mom; I lost my best friend. She is the reason why I’m here today. Even though she is gone, I still look up to her and worship the ground that she walked on. All of the values that she taught me made me an even better person, and she would always tell me to count my blessings no matter what.
The Lord needed her to come home, and as much as I miss her, she is resting peacefully. My Mom taught me everything but to live without her. Life goes on for the living, and I know that I will see my Mom again. I thank God everyday that I had such a beautiful and strong woman that I call my Mom.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your story with us Shawnae! Your mom sounds so incredible and I’m so sorry for your loss! You will definitely see her again and it sounds like you are honoring her everyday with the woman that you are! Xoxo!
Nilza Brito
Wow!! Love this post of the women who had an impact on your life!!
Very encouraging ….thanks for sharing 🙂
Sweet Basil
Thank you Nilza!