PRAYERS FOR JANEL

I’ve received messages from a lot of people about the song “More Than Enough.” Every one of them has identified with the feeling of not doing enough, not being enough. But this is the message I can’t get off my mind: 

From Janel: 

“In the last 2 weeks, I was made aware that it is getting closer to my life’s end. I am planning my own funeral now.” 

I wish I had some profound words of comfort for Janel. She didn’t give a lot of details, but she gave enough for me to know she’s way too young to die. I can’t imagine what she and her family must be going through. 

Janel went on to share some of her feelings: “I’ve had this recurring theme my whole motherhood life of being a disappointment…that I’m not doing enough or being the mom my kids deserve.” 

Janel isn't alone. Since writing the song, I’ve had a surprising number of women contact me about their feelings of inadequacy. I’m sure there’s not a mother alive that feels like she’s doing everything – or even most things – well. I don’t know all the reasons we feel that way, but what I DO know is that most mothers are doing a great job of raising their children. 

In fact, Janel acknowledged that despite her feelings, her kids think she’s the best mom ever. And I’m sure she is. 

I keep thinking of her, and have been praying for her, and 

I’m asking you to pray for her also. 

*Shortly after I posted this, I received this beautiful message to Janel from my friend Michelle:

I pray that you will be able to feel heaven’s sweet peace at this difficult time. I think the most important healing of all is to know that because of the Savior, our heartfelt efforts really are enough…especially because we were never meant to do it all in the first place (whatever we think ‘it’ is). Whatever human frailties we have — and we all have them — make it possible for Him to fill the only role the Savior can fill. Not even the most earnest mother can do what only He can do. And that is why we are here. Simply to give it our hearts and especially give Him our hearts. It’s clear your momma heart loves your children. It is enough. He will continue to care for them and will enable you to extend your love to your children beyond the veil as well. I firmly believe that.

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And from me to Janel, who took the time to send me a very kind and heartfelt message at a time when she must be heartbroken: 

Thank you so much. You’ve reminded me of the inestimable value of the time I have with my loved ones. Thank you for helping me remember to savor every moment with them, and for reminding me to worry less about what isn’t right in my life and celebrate more what is. 

I pray the Lord will bless you and your family during this difficult time. And I pray you’ll have many more sweet moments to share with each other. 

And finally, from the words of the song – I know this: Your children will be blessed every step by your love. 

*If you would like to send a message of encouragement or hope or love to Janel, please leave your comment below. 

Thank you, and Happy Mother’s Day,

Shawna


1 comment


  • Michelle

    Janel,
    I pray that you will be able to feel heaven’s sweet peace at this difficult time. I think the most important healing of all is to know that because of the Savior, our heartfelt efforts really are enough…especially because we were never meant to do it all in the first place (whatever we think ‘it’ is). Whatever human frailties we have — and we all have them — make it possible for Him to fill the only role the Savior can fill. Not even the most earnest mother can do what only He can do. And that is why we are here. Simply to give it our hearts and especially give Him our hearts. It’s clear your momma heart loves your children. It is enough. He will continue to care for them and will enable you to extend your love to your children beyond the veil as well. I firmly believe that.

    President Joseph F. Smith said: “I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings. We are not separate from them. … We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors … who have preceded us into the spirit world. We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break. … If this is the case with us in our finite condition, surrounded by our mortal weaknesses, … how much more certain it is … to believe that those who have been faithful, who have gone beyond … can see us better than we can see them; that they know us better than we know them. … We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever. For now they see the dangers that beset us; … their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves.”

    God bless you all in this transition time.


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