A Mother’s Soul: Wonder Woman Style

Wonder Woman and Batman

I’m sure I don’t need to point out that mothers are not defined as women who have birthed a child, but rather women who have tended to and reared a child. On Mother’s Day, we honor the women who have felt the joy and heartache associated with motherhood. Although I believe men and women should play a nearly equal role in parenthood, I think women have something men do not. We are biologically and culturally geared to raise children with a certain amount of love and compassion that comes more naturally to most women. Men are capable of this expression of parenthood—but the truth of parenthood is written on a mother’s soul; it is so natural.

Not every woman is called to motherhood, just as every male is not called to fatherhood. And some of these men and women continue to follow their biological impulses to reproduce before they are ready, or in spite of their lack of capability. It happens all the time, and in that instance, it is on the capable men and women of the world to nurture and bless those children with love. It’s the social responsibility of those who have motherhood written in their very bodies, as some women do, to cradle the abandoned and abused. These are the mothers.

Mothers are heroes. They are the Wonder Woman in a child’s life. They rush to the rescue when their child has skinned their knee, been called a mean name, or left their favorite doll in the stands of a gymnasium…. They rush to the rescue when their baby has been dumped by their partner, gotten a bad grade, or been diagnosed with bipolar disorder…

I have a pretty great mom. I know she isn’t perfect, but she was born to motherhood—it’s written on her soul. And because I think she’s done such a good job, I’m going to narrow down 3 important traits of heroic mothers based on her example. <3 you mama.

1.  Heroic mothers really listen. Sometimes in imperfect moments a mother will tune their child out. They get a little tired of the empty chatter—especially talkative ladies like me. But a mother knows when she needs to listen. She knows when her baby is on the verge of tears or when her baby has done something they aren’t proud of and has worked up the courage to confess. She knows, by listening, the time to scold and the time to hold. She knows that unconditional love is often expressed in the ability to sense a child’s need to speak to her. She listens for a crack in her child’s voice upon an ending statement. She listens for the music they want to present her—for the smile they want her to wear. A mother hears any story a child does or does not want to tell. It is written on her soul, the directions to hear what is unsaid. She has supersonic hearing.   
2.  Heroic mothers can see beauty. In imperfect moments, a mother will tell their daughter she looks like a hooker when she’s just playing dress up. But a mother knows that beauty is more than a brand of makeup or a style of clothes. She knows that beauty is the talents their child has been blessed with. She knows that every child has a purpose; sometimes a little coaching is required to find it. She knows that beauty is the way in which her child treats a person who can do nothing for them. She knows that beauty is in the genuine smile of every child, no matter how many teeth have fallen out. She knows that beauty is the list of values her child has inherited from her rearing. Values of selflessness, compassion, intelligence, and resilience… She can see beauty where others can only see a face. She has X-ray vision.
3. Heroic mothers love with a strength that can vanquish evil—from one of the most badass fictional mothers ever: Lily Potter. I’m speaking directly to you now, mothers. A woman born to motherhood—a woman with motherhood written on her soul, whether or not she has given birth to a child or not—knows what I mean. You feel such inexplicable love for a person that you are willing to give your life for them. You prize the life of a child so greatly that your love becomes magic; greater than magic. Your magic can stamp out the most powerful evils. Your love is capable of strength your powerful, womanly body cannot exert. Your love is stronger than an unforgivable curse. That’s some pretty impressive stuff ladies. Hats off. You have Lily Potter charm

Motherhood can be taught to women who were born to women who were not mothers. And motherhood is not a requirement. It is a calling. Women are called to artistry and to writing in the same way. For some women it just feels right. And for the best mothers: whether they are adoptive, foster, surrogate, or biological—I salute you. I honor you and I respect you. I thank you for your contributions to making the “good guys.” You are Wonderful Women.

*A hand for the heroes.*