I recognize, as my daughter’s mother, that part of my role is to serve as a bow. She is my arrow. With that said, in order to launch her off as far as possible, I have to continue to grow and move forward. Don’t misunderstand me, my Sweet Potato is not limited to my actions or inactions: God has proven time and time again His ability to help people well exceed the limitations of their parents and ancestors. Nevertheless, in the natural, parents play a crucial role in paving the way for their children. We can set up roadblocks and unnecessary obstacles for them to overcome, or we can position them to excel. I choose to conscientiously accept my role as BOW and position my Sweet Potato to excel.
Being a bow forces me to deal with my own fears, insecurities, and areas of growth. I realize that the further I go, the further along she will be when she springs forth from my bow. Now that I think about it, I felt similarly about my students. If I was going to tell my students to go after their dreams and fulfill their potential, I knew I must lead by example. I too had to go after my dreams and fulfill my potential. So it is with my daughter. I have to grow and go forward that she may be on the trajectory to do the same and more.
It’s my belief that children absorb into their subconscious what they see and experience. Words matter, but experiences and observations matter too. I want to make sure my words and actions are positive, productive and aligned. I don’t want to just tell my Sweet Potato that she is ENOUGH, STRONG, CONFIDENT, UNCONDITIONALLY LOVED, DESTINED FOR GREATNESS. I have to lead by example. I have to ever be growing in self-love, self-respect, boldness, confidence, etc. My daughter has to SEE me standing up for what’s right. She has to SEE me walking in integrity. She has to SEE me embrace my imperfect self while committing to continuously grow. She has to SEE me go after the things God puts in my heart to do. My words should be reiterations of the example I set.
My Sweet Girl will exceed my greatest feats. She will be better, more, greater than me. Since my growth and progress impacts the distance of her launch, I will position myself to propel her as far as she can possibly go.
In His Love & by His Grace,
AJM Ellis
