Greetings from a wet and wintery Cape Town, South Africa.
I thought I would take a moment and tell you a bit about myself and how Origin Mommy came to be. I am a 38 (almost 39) year old first-time mommy to a fearfully and wonderfully made 9-monthold boy (who is currently going through sleep regression and teething … so your sympathies are welcome).
I spent about 17 years prior to joining the mommy-tribe in a job/career that was highly stressful and demanding. The last 7 years of that time I was fortunate enough to be an equity partner in my own company and, although I was able to find some joy and purpose in what I did, for the most part it was still a constant struggle to find harmony, unity and a shared vision. After years of prayer, God used what a friend intuitively referred to at the time as a sledgehammer to get me out of that space. Soon thereafter, I saw the indicator on a pregnancy test show positive.
My husband and I decided that I would take a sabbatical from the world of business – as I needed time to find a new passion. Also privilege of being able to stay home with my child during his developmental years was what I had always dreamed about. However, the unclear future was scary. I knew I could enjoy this season of mommy-hood, but that there would come a time when I would need to get back to work. I had no idea what my future career would look like, or if I would have the flexibility to still be the kind of mom that I wanted to me while pursuing it. If you know me, you know that I am a future-focussed planner and so this question about what awaited me one day was one that weighed heavily.
I continued to pray that God would show me what He would have me do next. I admit that my prayers were at times more out of fear than faith. Then one day, God took me to Genesis chapter one: The beginning. Let me just say that this does not happen often, but the moments when it does are unforgettable and profound. In reading that piece of scripture I was reminded that beginnings are without form, void and often dark (or unclear). However the Spirit of God hovers over even the darkest, most void spaces….and even there He speaks. I prayerfully unpacked what it meant to me and my circumstance.
God spoke and there was light;
there was creation;
there was life;
a gathering;
fruitfulness;
multiplication;
responsibility;
and then there was rest.
This was my revelation.
My heart soaked up a glorious promise! God was a God of order and He would help me create something, He would give me a purpose (responsibility) and I would find rest. I would just need to trust the process – step by step.
I love researching various topics. My Google search history is, well, interesting to say the least. I research often – lately it’s anything from pregnancy and birth; new-borns and breastfeeding; weaning and sleep schedules. I study the information, unpack what it means and how I can apply it to my life and my circumstance. Where I can, I share and encourage others. In doing so I have developed an every deepening well of understanding and respect for all mommies. Then the idea dropped into my heart. Start a blog – a creative way of journaling my own experiences, coupled with whatever information I have discovered.
Reflecting on what I believe God dropped into my heart a few weeks prior, I considered a name. Then it hit me: Origin Mommy. Those two words symbolise so much – the creator of a home; a fruitful vessel; the gatherer; the bearer of life. For me, in many ways – it starts with Mommy
I trust that God will continue to guide me on how Origin Mommy will grow and what her ultimate responsibility will be. I am open to wherever this journey may lead. My ultimate desire is that it would somehow evolve into a lucritive business pf sorts – one that allows me the flexibility to still be the mommy that I want to be for my little guy and any other little ones that may follow….. For now, Origin Mommy is about community – encouraging mommies, empowering mommies and enjoying being part of the mommy tribe.
awesome!