This one goes out to all the mamas in the trenches.

To the mamas in the kitchen stirring dinner with a baby on their hip. To the ones waking up an hour earlier than the rest of the house to pump after waking up countless times throughout the night to attend to both your toddler and baby.

The ones who must take care of business from lobbies, bathroom floors, lunch breaks, and the carpool line. To the mamas who pass on their own birthday presents so their kid’s medical bills can be covered.

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The ones who have been waiting all day to watch their show but decide to hand the remote over to their child who had a rough day and just needs to cuddle on the couch while watching something familiar. To the mamas who feel like if they take a day off, their whole family would collapse.

I see you. You have to be on 24/7. Your job is never-ending.

It may not feel like it, but your dreams still matter. You still matter. Showing up every day is heroic. Sacrificing for your kids is honorable. Showing up with grit, dedication, resiliency, and enthusiasm speaks volumes to your kids. You are teaching them great and big things! They may not realize it now, but one day when they are in the trenches themselves, they will. They will remember.

But until then, know that it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to wonder if it’s supposed to be this hard. It’s okay to feel all alone. It’s okay to not feel okay. It’s okay to ask for help.

Being in the trenches is a hard place to be.

But please know, mama, you are not alone. You have a group of women right there with you. I am there with you.

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You also have a Savior who has been in the trenches himself. He can relate to everything you are going through. And He is always listening, ready to catch your tears, available to carry your burden.

You are definitely not alone.

You, mama, are doing a great job. Keep going. Keep changing the world. Keep seeking comfort in Jesus. And keep reminding yourself that you won’t be in the trenches forever.

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Megan Kewaza

Megan Kewaza has been a missionary in Russia, India, and Uganda. She has written curricula, blogs, and articles that highlight trauma-competent caregiving, living out the Christian faith, and motherhood. Her heart is for her readers to feel understood, represented, and accepted. Megan and her Ugandan husband, Emmanuel, share their home in Knoxville, Tennessee with their two children, Josiah and Rebecca. Together, they have founded an organization that seeks to empower Ugandan parents so they can provide for the children in their care. You can learn more at causeuganda.org.

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