Pope Francis and Lady Tremaine (Cinderella's Stepmom)
Lessons from the Pope for Every Stepmom's Heart
The world is swept away by the Pope’s passing. Pope Francis, an extraordinary shepherd whose kindness transcended many levels, reminded us that hearts beat for others. He gave us lessons beyond the Vatican, touching the quiet corners of the littlest of lives. This reminds me of my journey as a stepmother walking the path of quiet affection. His legacy is proof that even in roles that may be misunderstood, there is purpose, grace and hope.
Here are some of his quotes, helping a stepmother carry on with the journey.
“Love is the measure of faith.”
A stepmother’s life begins with choice, not biology. It grows through faith that is unseen. She chooses to be faithful that trust will come along, slowly. A stepmother’s love is not about grand gestures of love but a faithful, steady hand of showing up everyday for the children, knowing that there may be nothing for her in the end.
“Tenderness is the path of the strongest.”
It takes great courage and a strong will to lead a family with tenderness, especially when there is uncertainty in your place in a family. Though there are hurdles and walls along the way, choosing kindness and tenderness —- not losing it —- again and again is a show of quiet strength of a stepmother.
“The world tells us to seek success, money and power. God tells us to seek humility, service and love.”
It is natural for man to want acknowledgment and recognition, especially when you sacrifice. Praise is a natural craving. There is a scarcity of these things in a stepmother’s life. Pope Francis reminds that what matters most is to serve in love, not asking for anything in return. The unspeakable, muted joy of being a child’s steady hand and loving companion is remarkable in itself.
“Do not be afraid to dream of great things.”
There is no roadmap to a life of a stepmom. Often times, it is a matter of winging it. Even so, Pope Francis reminds a stepmother to dream, no matter what the situation. A stepmom can dream of love taking root. She can dream of laughters at the dinner table. She can dream of her stepchildren coming back to her even in their adult lives. She can dream of peace and real connection among all the children. She can dream of being a permanent figure in each child’s life.
“Hope is bold.”
Yes it is. And so is a stepmom. It all started with that bold choice to be part of the life of someone else’s offspring. By that alone, she is living the Pope’s message, hoping that good things will come out of this choice. Hope is not naive. It is the gentle yet powerful current beneath the surface that guides a stepmother everyday.
As the world bids goodbye to Pope Francis, let us hold his words close. May we feel encouraged, knowing we are never alone and invisible. May his voice endure in every brave, tender act of stepmotherly love.
That one hike in El Nido. Limestone mountains that nestled bird’s nests…
“Stepmoms tend to be the wounded warriors in their families. They need understanding, and a safe, non-judgmental space in which they can find support.” - Stepmom Sanity
Cheryl Shumake, is head of this space and she aims to “empower, equip and encourage stepmoms without losing theirs minds.” Visit the space here.
I always love your writing because it's heartfelt.