Guest Writer: Sherysse Morris
I was gifted this T-shirt on Mother’s Day, and at first glance it seems like a cute gift. However, the person who gifted it did not do it with loving intent. On a day that is meant to celebrate moms, which is already tough as a mom doing it on her own, it was a gift that had a sting, designed to make me doubt who I was as a mother and person. Thankfully, Sir Norm preached a few days beforehand about forgiving the unforgivable. So as I removed myself from the room to cry and let the anger and hurt wash over me, I prayed without really knowing I asked for words from the Spirit as I looked at the shirt, a bright yellow that makes it hard for anyone to pull off. I read the words again. My hair is messy to match my life, and the Holy Spirit finished the sentence: God loves all of it. My mind drifted towards her, and just how much pain must reside in a person to give a gift of ill intent to a mother on Mother’s Day, and so I prayed for her and her healing and decided if God can love me in my mess, he also loves hers. So I forgave and put on the shirt.
The truth is this shirt did hit me hard, especially that day. I had mixed up times in my head about a particular event and was still giving myself a hard time for not doing a better job. Life is heavy and hard at times, and I don’t have it all figured out by any stretch of the imagination. I often feel like I’m struggling and failing. Trying desperately to keep my head above water as I manage my business, my home and my life. I often times carry the shame and guilt around for forgetting events, for letting things slip my mind and for not being able to keep up with all the demands of a household, as if it’s easy for 2 people to even manage. I struggle to feel like I’m winning at life, and it never seems to let up. But the message forced me to look a little closer. It came with a reminder that God loves me messy hair and all. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.
Life can get heavy when you are doing it on your own; it feels like a struggle day in and day out. Romans 8:28 is my constant reminder that even in the tough seasons, God is causing everything to work together for good. The tough moments forge me, and I’m so very thankful for them, but it’s still gloriously and unapologetically messy. I can be famously guilty of putting pressure on myself to be enough, to be everything my children need, my clients need, my friends need, and to figure it all out. I love to think of myself as beautifully broken, that maybe if I get better at praying or cleaning, or managing it all, God will reveal more and life won’t have to be so hard; maybe I’ll be worthy in his eyes. It’s extremely exhausting, and that’s the lie the enemy will try and have me believe.
Satan wants me to believe that I’m not ready yet, that I need to try harder, that if I maybe could just get it together, less mess, then I would be worthy, then God will have use for me, then I would be enough. The more the devil plays in my head, the more I hesitate, and the more it holds me back and keeps me separate. Keeps me thinking I have to do this all on my own. Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. The devil doesn’t show up in your strongest moments but when you are messy and doubting yourself. When you are most vulnerable, when you’re tired, when you’re stretched thin.
On Mother’s Day, a day you’re meant to be celebrated and honoured. To remind you are too messy to be loved. That is a complete lie! God loves you, mess and all. So I wore the shirt! I decided right then and there that it is my favourite shirt. I wore it all Mother’s Day and celebrated my messiness. I didn’t run from it, because if God can still love me in my mess and calls me in when I’m there, then so can I. I would rather stumble my way through this life than have it all figured out. Life is messy; that will never change. We grow in the mess. We learn in the mess. We are forged in the mess. The mess is where we find our message, and God wants all of it. He wants every messy part so that we can be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus.
Sherysse! I still remember when you shared this in our foundations class. Your vulnerability and faith is inspiring. Thank you for putting this out into the world. As a mom of 3, I just know so many will relate. BLESS this mess, and BLESS you!
Aww thank you Cassy, truly! Bless this mess for sure!
Hi Sherysse,
I want to thank you for writing this article and commend you for the strength it must have taken to wear the shirt despite its’ hurtful message. That says a lot about you. It kind of reminds me of Jesus’ words, ‘They shall take up serpents (or put on lying t-shirts) and it shall not harm them.’ Keep smiling, keep loving and keep writing, those lies can’t hurt you!
Blessings,
Doug
Thank you Doug for your kind words and encouragement!
This is so relatable! Thank you for sharing this beautifully written part of your heart.
It was my pleasure to share! I’m so glad it resonated with you.
Thank you, Miss Sherysse, for sharing your heart. It takes courage to keep the faith and offer grace when being mocked. You are a blessing.
Thank you Norm for sharing my words and for your encouragement, support and teaching.