After long days and nights and days again, and at the end of long weeks, I often wish I could reach through these words and give each of you a medal.
You there on the other side of the screen.
I would give you a medal if I could.
I would give you a medal for all the 5:00 am wake up calls after you got only a couple hours sleep after nursing the baby.
I would give you a medal for sitting through all those hours of basketball practice.
I would give you a medal for sweating over that meal that everyone instantly declared “disgusting.”
You over there — you get a medal for keeping your cool while your kid raged the whole way through the grocery store.
You get a medal for remembering to buy milk. When you’d already checked out and unloaded all the groceries into the car. You get a medal for going back when it was the last thing you wanted to do.
You get a medal for making it through homework. Again.
You single parents, you get a medal for faithfully showing up over and over again with no respite, no down time, no break.
You get a medal for modeling heroic, anonymous sacrifice. For being the safe place, the chaser-away-of-bad-dreams as well as the coach, the make-up artist, the hairdresser, and the Monday Night Football guru. For answering the hard questions that have no answers and looking truth in the eye and teaching your children by what they see in your eyes, your life, your nine-to-five that they’re going to be okay.
You working moms, you get a medal for the long hours you will commute before the rest of us get up.
You get a medal for the courage it takes to keep home a place of food and warmth and security. You get a medal for bravely bundling sleepy kids up against cold and homesickness, for the trust it takes to share your children with someone elseβs care. You get the hard won reward of trusting that the God who built our kids will parent them in our absence, will grow them in courage, and teach them over time that this is what love looks like — to lay down our wants for the needs of our families.
You stay-at-home mamas, you get a medal for your over-touched, over-tugged, over-stimulated, over-worked, under-appreciated day in and day out of pouring out and answering the question, “What did you do today?”
You get a medal for showing up at work 24/7 without a business card or a title or a bonus. For finding creative ways to respond when your husband’s colleagues, the pediatrician’s receptionist, or the insurance salesman ask, “Do you work?” For never getting to go to the bathroom alone and forgetting when last you ate a meal hot.
You grandmas, you get a medal for loving from scratch again.
For loving your children by encouraging their parenting, giving them room to fail, and even more room to succeed. For babysitting, for arriving with chocolate chip cookies, for showing up because you heard the desperation in her voice. For loving those grand-babies so hard it spills out of you and makes them irresistible again to their parents.
You dads, you get a medal for listening to the hundred thousand words that your wifeΒ pours out after a day of kids and chaos, commutes and over commitments.
You get a medal for listening even when you don’t understand, for loving even when you’re confused, for changing that diaper, taking the midnight shift, rubbing tired backs, muscles and whispering the words, “beautiful and beloved” into exhausted ears.
You family and friends, you kin and churches and support groups. You women who remember what it was like to live on four hours of sleep and don’t try and pretend it was pretty.
You bakers and bringers-over of meals. You who know to leave when the baby falls asleep, to fold the laundry that’s sitting out, to stack the dishwasher while she’s stacking time-outs and bottles.
I give you a medal too.
I give you thanks and gratitude.
I give you a standing ovation and a whispered hallelujah chorus. I give you our tired hearts and our humble appreciation.
I give you our sense of humor restored and our ability to get out of bed tomorrow.
You.
You all who build with people, patience, and the cement of faithfully showing up.
I give you a medal.
You and you and you. Each one. An invisible essential medal.
That you can see when the light’s just right, reflected in grateful eyes.
Leave a Comment
Camille says
Mother of 3 babes- Just had one of these days, weeks, years! THANKS for the recognition π
Love,
Camille
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Your medal is made of chocolate. Enjoy!
Camille says
Made brownies today
Marla says
Thanks!! Needed this more then you will ever know.
Tara Royer Steele says
Amen sister!! What a great read for everyone today!!! Rock on Brave girls! Rock on!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Amen to that! Rock on!
Mary says
Thank you. And to you as well. I really needed your message today.
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Lisa-Jo,
I don’t know a single person who would read this and not say “Thank you, thank you” with heartfelt gratitude. We ALL long to acknowledged, recognized, appreciated, and loved. Thank you for being God’s mouthpiece today!
Many blessings and a medal back to YOU for making this a safe and loving place to be,
Bev xx
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Bev! Funnily enough when the post popped up this morning for a second I forgot I’d written it and I was encouraged too π We all need us a medal some days!
Deborah says
I literally just cried through that whole thing…no one is really speaking those words into my heart in real time….so thank you….
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Sweet Deborah, Jesus sees you and sings over you and you are beloved.
George Sinnema says
Once again, stay at home dads get nothing. Oh wait, they get to watch the stay at home moms, working moms, and working dads get their medals. I guess that’s kind of cool.
Pearl @ Look Up Sometimes says
It might be impossible to acknowledge every category we could fit into, but for sure stay-at-home-dads get a medal. π
Penny says
George,
I think you deserve a medal. Don’t short change yourself, you were probably included in there somewhere.
Have a good day,
Penny
S.Bridges says
George, to You a Medal for taking your children lives into your hands. For nurturing them, helping them with homework, cooking and cleaning and bringing up those babies to know that not only do they have a heavenly father that loves them, but an earthly one as well. Kudos to you for being there for your children!
Ms. LAW says
George,
You get a medal and ALL the appreciation that goes with it!
In your response I could feel the same pain and neglect that women speak about regularly, and on a human level and a Godly level…that is NOT cool!
Your role in your child(ren)’s world is purposeful and you ARE making a difference so please don’t seek approval from anyone else, just know that God is pleased with your dedication to family.
All the best…BE encouraged!
Arica says
Thank you George for making the sacrifice to stay at home with your children. I hope you know you are appreciated.
Melody Christensen says
George,
I think stay-at-home dads rock! My sons have been blessed by a friend who’s sons go to school with mine. He hosts them after school, cooks amazing food, gives them rides and blesses our family in many ways. His kids are growing up to be fine young men. Your kids are bessed by your care!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Couldn’t have said it better myself – joining the generous chorus of acknowledgment and medals for stay-at-home dads expressed above!
(in)courage says
Hey George,
Isn’t the (in)courage community all kinds of awesome? We serve as a home for the hearts of women, but here you are and here are our friends giving you kudos. We love it!
We did a little looking around and found several websites/groups just for dads that may be uplifting places for you:
– SAHDs Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wearesahds/
– One Christian Dad blog: https://onechristiandad.com/
– A big list of faithbased sites for dads: http://daddyblogger.com/faith/christian-dad-bloggers/
Hope that’s a good start to help you to find a great community where you can affirm each other and the good, hard work you’re all doing in raising your kids. And hand out the {virtual} medals, of course π
Beth Williams says
George,
These medals are for stay-at-home dads too. They have it somewhat rougher than the moms. Everyone expects moms to stay home, but men are supposed to be the bread earners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring for you little ones. God sees your daily struggles and gives you a great big Hallelujah! Your kids will be ever blessed to have a dad home to teach them!
Blessings π
Amanda Snodgrass says
I get a medal! I remembered to buy milk yesterday!
Lisa-Jo Baker says
TWO medals for that!! π
Mary Haynie says
Lisa-Jo,
Today’s lesson was great. I was a single Mom and worked hard to provide for my kids. The days when I was so tired, I worked till 6, then picked up my kids, made dinner supervised homework, baths, stories, prayers, and then bed.
I am now a grandmother in waiting. I can’t wait to spoil my new grandbaby when he is born in February.
Mary
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Oh Mary – how exciting! Congrats on the new grand!
Tammy Wagner says
Thank you. I would like to also give a medal to you. For your encouraging words and reminding us all that each and everyone of us is special and important.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Awww thanks Tammy. I’ll take it! π
Laura Thomas says
Lisa-Jo, you just made so many people smile today! And reminded us of our unique, special place in this world. Thank you for this…
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks Laura. Now if only all these medals were chocolate. And, you know, real π
Penny says
Thank-you Lisa Jo,
I would also like to give you a medal for your inspiration, apart from all else that you do.
It’s amazing when you think of all the daily tasks that keep things running.
I learned the other day at parent group that ties in with this: Be kind to yourself by saying good things to yourself. Personally I found this to be hard, but by doing so it helps boost confidence, and leaves you feeling more positive.
Have a good day everyone,
Penny
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Thanks for that word Penny! That’s a good one.
Angela says
Thank you for your post. You made my heart (and face) smileβΊ. May God continue to bless you as you encourage others.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Reading these comments made mine smile too. So thank YOU π
maryfay says
Thank you– from a former single mom to a grandma of 12- a 4 year b cancer survivor- that cant “do too much housework anymore” — you brought a smile to my heart and a tear in my eye that somewhere- someone actually might care. God bless YOU– You deserve the medal.
Kelli McKnight says
As an almost empty nester, I want to spread this post to all my little mama friends far and wide. Your words are generous grace-filled seeds of hope and I give you the million ditto thumbs up! LOVE!
Shay says
Ugly cry. Mascara running, red-nosed, heaving chest ugly cry. Thank you… I’m gonna take that medal and stand like an Olympian…running the race of three teenagers and a tween and a kindergartner and homeschool and co op and ministry and being a supportive wife and a messy house and all the piles of laundry and so much failure and trying again…I needed somebody to acknowledge that it matters. I’m gonna wear that medal proudly then I’m gonna pass this on to some other Mamas who I’m sure will ugly cry too because they need it too. Seriously… I love you Lisa-Jo.
Leigh P says
Thank you. Thank you. And thank you again, a million times over for this! I so needed these words today, as a mom of three little boys, 5 and under, with an hour commute to work each way. I am crying at work right now as I am reading this, and I want to read it over and over again so I don’t ever forget it. I hope someone gives you a medal today too, Lisa Jo
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Leigh! I wish your medal was made of milk and cookies today. Because even moms (especially moms) need to be reminded how significant they are and how their work is appreciated. You are a wonder!
Melody Christensen says
Thank you, I so need this reminder! No one is saying thank you over here for the homework help, the calls to the school on their behalf, the patient ear during the late night tantrum…sigh. It will bear fruit one day.
Donna says
Thank you Lisa-Jo, needed that more than I can say. Age 70 this Nov., step-mom to 3 grown children (hard stuff); grandmother to 9 yr old boy who has been with us (along with his mom) since birth….he is a wonderful precious blessing to our lives….helping his mom bring him up in the Lord….an overworked husband….caring for 2 elderly sick pets…..trying to keep home & hearth while battling something I’ve been suffering for several years. But through it all, every day as I sometimes struggle just to get out of bed and do it all over again…..there is hope…..and His Name is Jesus! Thank You Lord Jesus for Your amazing grace and strength…..for Your grace IS sufficient and Your strength is made perfect in weakness. Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!!!
Nancy Ruegg says
The power of your virtual medals, Lisa-Jo, is demonstrated by the heartfelt gratitude of all these comments. Too many people are feeling under-appreciated! You’ve inspired me to watch for medal-worthy actions, then share words of commendation and encouragement. Lord, help me be mindful of the selfless, thoughtful, and generous folks around me–family members, friends, and strangers alike.
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Amen to that!
Aimee Walker says
I just have to say thank you! Baby is teething and the big kids have dance exams coming up so more rehearsals to sit through than usual and I just felt so tired this morning and then I read this! Thank you for putting the courage back into me today!
P.S. I brought myself a chocolate medal
Theresa says
Thanks Lisa-Jo. Sometimes we find it hard to accept a thank you for something that is supposed to come so naturally (LOL) to us, something we are supposed to enjoy and find delight in doing and being (a momma), but we still need to hear a thank you and realize the great job and big job we are doing. My dad started thanking me for being a good wife and daughter and for making dinners for the family and such about five years before he died. At first I was a little surprised. He wasn’t thanking me for something I had done for him. Finally one night during our phone calls I asked him why he was thanking me. He said, “Theresa I grew up working hard on the farm and doing things for the family and I don’t remember ever hearing a thank you. And one day I got to thinking that few people hear a thank you for doing what everyone thinks they should do. And yet we all want to be noticed and appreciated.” Boy was he right.
Leslie says
This is so sweet! I was reading through, amen-ing and planning to share it with the young mamas in my life, then I got to the grandma shout-out and just about burst into tears! Thanks for my medal!
judy says
I.m a sahgm raising my teen grandkids since birth. What r those yrs called empty nesters. Well i.m being blessed everyday just to consistently tell them God loves them. Us gramms do get once in a while a God Bless which makes our day. But its not about us but Jesus first n wat he gave us. N still gives. He came to serve n if were to b like Him then we serve. Thanks so much Lisa. But some gramms are older n tired n need help but go on by His Grace. I.m 60 n get tired but i move on towards the prize. Someday i hope 2 write a book. To share the journey an also how we have a child who went to be with God. So i move i give i Love cuz He Loved me n Loves me thru it all.blessings have a wonderful weekend.
Kerstin says
Thank you so much. I stand in the kitchen right now and read and tears run over my face. I am so hurt and the children too. So it is so good to read these words. And I now God sees everything every single thing I do. And he is here in the midst of this hard time.
Hope says
Love this. I needed to read this. I’m full of gratitude for your words, not just for me but for all the people out there who are living the messy thing called life. So, thank you.
Jo says
Judy, you are a LEGEND. What a champion, raising your grandkids and pushing on.
I am a mum of 3, part time university student ( finally decided to “get qualified” after I had three kids, what was I thinking?!) and my youngest is special needs (2 y.o).
Thanks Lisa Jo for your encouragement.
Diane Bailey says
And thank you to the mom who writes, in the car pool line or while waiting for the bus in all kinds of weather, so she can give an encouraging words to those who need lifting-up as much as she.
You are amazing Lisa-jo. Love you girl!
Beth Williams says
Lisa-Jo,
Medals all around to stay at home moms and dads. Anyone raising children deserves a medal! I never had children, but have found myself “raising” my aging parent. Talk about tough. Hard to become the parent to your own parent. God handed me the job and I did my best to see him through all his trials. I even had to quit my job to be more available for him! Thanks for making us feel appreciated!
Blessings π
Lisa-Jo Baker says
Amen to that Beth! Medals for all those brave folks!
Zoe says
Thumbs up and golden medals for all of us who have been enduring terrible PMS pains each month since a long time. We could never use the pains as excuses, could not take sick leaves or days off even if they were really unbearable at times. Works still had to be done, we could not stay in bed, food had to be cooked, houses to be cleaned and so on… Medals to us for being so brave all the way through!!
Cathy says
I am back to working full time helping moms with breastfeeding at an overseas location with the military. I see the hard times they all have and boy do I want to wrap these sweet things and their babies up in my arms and love them through this journey. I am so thankful for friends who supported me when I struggled with my little and pray each day that I am a place for these moms to find comfort and understanding during the early days of feeding babies, lack of sleep an generally wondering what in the world they got into to! I know these mommies are doing God’s work and in my current job I can’t profess these ideals but I do pray for each and everyone of them each and every day.
Jana says
I had tears running down my face half way through reading this. Encouragement like this is priceless! Thank you for these precious truth-filled words!
Daisy says
Just came across this and many tears came!! I’ve been struggling with feeling like I’ve messed up so bad in parenting and I know His grace is sufficient for me, for my strength is made perfect in weakness! I also love the comment about saying nice things to yourself, Penny! Thanks to all the “parents” out there in whatever place you find yourselves! God is with us and for us and He delights in us always and forever!!
Pallua Ackerman says
Lisa-Jo, I just hope you know how incredibly much you bless us all by your heartfelt, loving, humbling posts! You spill out the Love of Jesus by your vulnerable writing and it really, really encourages me and makes me love Jesus more. You are a warrior for God’s kingdom – may you always know that!