We are all called to be mothers, whether we can or want to bear children or not. This is the message of the Theotokos, the God-Bearer. It was through her that God became incarnate in the world, and so it must be for all of us. We all share her calling: to mother and nurture God within us, and God within others. For those of you feeling pain today, whether you long to have a child, have lost one, have lost a mother or mother-figure, or your mother was emotionally or physically abusive to you, my heart is with you today, and suggest that this not be so much a day of pain for you, but a day of reflection on your most noble calling to be a God-bearer, bringing Light and Life into the world.

-Kristin Abbott