This spring (and especially around this past Mother's Day- which also happened to be Maybelle Carter's birthday!) I've found myself reflecting on the role of “mothering” in a much more expansive way. As the divisiveness fueled by some leaders and media sources intensifies — encouraging us to see the “problem” as something or someone outside ourselves — I keep feeling that the deeper medicine we need is the uplift of pure, motherly compassion. A compassion that sees our shared humanity, that nurtures who we truly are beneath our misguided creations, our fears, and our immature beliefs.
I believe we are all children of God — like rays of the same sun — and therefore brothers and sisters in humanity. What would change if we treated each other that way? Instead of identifying with the clouds we’ve created that block the light, we could remember the light itself… and stop mistaking the clouds for something permanent or true.
Part of what has shaped these reflections is the year I’ve spent preparing to write "Mama Maybelle: Mother of Country Music". For me, Maybelle Carter represents a powerful mothering presence we can all learn from — far beyond her role in helping birth an entire genre of music. Those who knew her described her as the least judgmental person they’d ever met, and the most “fun and forgiving.” She drew troubled souls toward her and wrapped them in love, including a young, struggling Johnny Cash — whose life and legacy might have been very different without her steady, compassionate influence.
And that’s just one example.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help celebrate her life — not only for her contributions to country music, but for the quiet, transformative mothering she offered to those around her as a powerful example for all of us.
(When I was sharing these thoughts with my ex husband, John, he actually said to me that Maybelle sounded like she had very "Mother Mary" energy! I couldn't agree more. So I looked for an image to include here. . . was shocked to find most of them of are very white women who do not look happy AT ALL- boo)
I believe we are all children of God — like rays of the same sun — and therefore brothers and sisters in humanity. What would change if we treated each other that way? Instead of identifying with the clouds we’ve created that block the light, we could remember the light itself… and stop mistaking the clouds for something permanent or true.
Part of what has shaped these reflections is the year I’ve spent preparing to write "Mama Maybelle: Mother of Country Music". For me, Maybelle Carter represents a powerful mothering presence we can all learn from — far beyond her role in helping birth an entire genre of music. Those who knew her described her as the least judgmental person they’d ever met, and the most “fun and forgiving.” She drew troubled souls toward her and wrapped them in love, including a young, struggling Johnny Cash — whose life and legacy might have been very different without her steady, compassionate influence.
And that’s just one example.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help celebrate her life — not only for her contributions to country music, but for the quiet, transformative mothering she offered to those around her as a powerful example for all of us.
(When I was sharing these thoughts with my ex husband, John, he actually said to me that Maybelle sounded like she had very "Mother Mary" energy! I couldn't agree more. So I looked for an image to include here. . . was shocked to find most of them of are very white women who do not look happy AT ALL- boo)
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