Man cannot see the contents of another’s heart.
But what the outside displays is a map & mirror of what’s inside.
“Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart.”
Proverbs 27:19 MSG
Your face, smile, eyes and essence are the broadcast you release.
We must become aware that everyday we are releasing it to the most observant audience: our children.
As women, we map fine lines, chase youthful glow, & master the artistry of makeup.
But your heart is where the canvas is stretched.
Long before a child understands the concept of grace, the discipline of patience, or the weight of sacrifice, they read it on their mother’s face.
To a child, a mother’s countenance is the weather.
It is the horizon they check to see if their world is safe.
If they are welcome.
And, perhaps most crucially, if the life their mother is living is a joyful offering or a regretful burden.
Eyes of History
Over centuries, master painters have tried to capture the staggering depth found in the face of a mother.
They recognized that a mother’s face carries a gravity unlike anything else.
They didn’t just paint faces; they painted the essence of love and devotion.
Madonna della Seggiola by Raphael.
Mary holds the Christ child close, but it is her gaze that arrests the room.
She doesn’t look up to the heavens,
She looks directly out at us.
Her eyes are filled with an intensity—a maternal hyper-vigilance and profound peace.
Her face speaks of a woman who understands that her “little” hidden life is holding the light of the world, yet finds her ultimate rest in the simple act of holding her child.
Mourning Heart By Jessica McCain
This statue captures the reality of devastating grief and crushing resolve to protect the children she is holding.
It perfectly captures a woman who is weathering the storms of history within in her own family.
Every inch of her body is being used to comfort, protect and shelter her children.
Her face is the only thing free of touch, yet holds the heaviest weight- the knowledge behind her eyes, that she will have to overcome these impossible circumstances.
Just a “Little Life”
History is not built on a stage.
It is built in the nursery.
It is stitched in the kitchen, at the school table, and within the 4 walls of little, imperfect homes.
Your seemingly “little life” and the humans walking around your living room today are the womb of the future.
Will they will carry your peace, or they will carry your panic?
Will they will build on your joy, or they will spend decades healing from your resentment.
When you look at your children, you are looking at history in advance.
And when they look at you, they are seeing a blueprint of their own existence.
Countenance
It is our face which reads to a child that they are an interruption to a life we would rather be living OR that they are worth care, affection and devotion.
It is our eyes that reassure our children when they are offered the glance of forgiveness.
It is our lips that will become stained with encouragement and lifelong prayers of desperation.
A mother at times will be weary but she is projecting a countenance that says, “This work is hard, but it is glorious, and I am entirely here for it.”
The Royal and Priestly Calling
To stand in the presence of royalty meant waiting to see if the king would lift his countenance upon you.
If his face shone toward you, you had life, favor, and peace.
The Aaronic blessing prays for the ultimate authority to “make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.”
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’Numbers 6:24-26
When you lift your countenance upon your children—when you choose to let your face shine with grace, interest, and delight—you are mediating the very love of God..
Matriarch,
Reclaim the truth behind your eyes.
Resolve that your face will not reflect anxiety.
Put down the screens that dazzle your eyes, and look directly into the faces of your children with presence.
Your eyes hold power to look up when weary.
Look up often.
& stay happy.
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