Divine Motherhood of Mary

It is no wonder the spectacular fragrant flower, the Ave Maria Peony, was named after the Blessed Mother. The vivid white of the flower symbolizes her purity. The profuse double bloom reminds us of her many graces that draw us in and hold us, bringing with them a sense of comfort, wonder and awe.

Related: Finding the Light When all Seems Lost

The red streaks tell us of her own sword-struck, broken heart that is able to sympathize with us in our misery and soothe the ills that this world so often has to offer.

The golden aura radiates from deep within, because at its very core, it is pregnant with a hidden treasure of pure gold. And lastly, the intense intoxicating sweetness that one cannot help but notice, even in this fast-paced world, fills the space between us and it, bridging the gap even if the bloom goes unnoticed.

Growing up non-Catholic, I never appreciated the gift of the Blessed Mother. Now that I am one, I cannot imagine life without her.

Have you ever found yourself so broken-hearted that you cannot even pray? Have you ever felt so dry that no matter how hard you tried, there was nothing left inside? Have you ever felt a loss so deep that it seemed even the doors of heaven were closed to your cries? Where you were calling from was so dark and so deep, you weren’t quite sure your despairing whimper would reach the surface of the pit, much less all the way to heaven.

I have.

In this time of darkness, the one grace left to me was being able to pray the rosary. Somehow I knew that my sweet mother would take all and lift it to heaven, when I could not. And that her tender earthly spouse, St. Joseph, would be there to watch over and keep me and those I love, as he did for her and baby Jesus.

Even if you can’t utter any words, rest assured that you are greatly loved and that all will be well. The Blessed Mother will cover you with her tender care, hear your prayers, and take them straight to Jesus and God the Father.

I say this in faith (and encourage you to do the same) not out of feeling — because God is not a feeling.

God is God. His attributes include that He is eternal (always was and always will be), immortal (everlasting from age to age), omniscient (infinite in knowledge), omnipotent (unlimited in power), omnipresent (present everywhere), omnibenevolent (perfectly good), and all loving (even if circumstances may say differently).

Blessed be His name forever.

Related: Understanding God in Silence

But sometimes … I need a mama.

“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43)

So let us pray this perfect prayer: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.

Melissa Overmyer is founder of  Something Greater Ministries in Washington, D.C., and has taught the Bible for more than 30 years.