A Matriarchal Blessing

Soren(A written prayer, a sort of love letter.)

Dear Søren,

I bless you with the love I have for you as your mother, my faith in Jesus, and the hints of priestesshood that are within me.

My son, you were born in a room in our home, surrounded by brave words written on white pendants, and pictures of brave women, painted by my brave friend, Ash Mae. You were also surrounded by the loveliest, gentlest Mormon midwife, her assistant, your father who loves you, and me, your mother, who carried you. The sun was new, like you. Your sister was present for a few moments just before and just after your entrance.

I want every good thing for you, and I bless you with the best things that I know. I bless you with kindness, both that you may be kind, and that you may see and receive the kindness in others. I bless you with wisdom, and a love of knowledge and truth. I bless you that you may have a love of stories, and of history, and remembering, and that those stories, and history, and remembering may help carry you both in the present and towards the future.

I bless you that you may feel loved and welcome, in your family, your church, and in any other community of which you wish to be a part, as I bless you that you may love and welcome. I bless you to have a strong relationship with your sister, Cora. She is among the best of humans. I bless you to feel the presence and care of your Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, who also love you. I bless you and I thank you for coming to me, and being mine. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

With all of the love that I possess,
Mama

Rachel

Rachel is a PhD student in Philosophy of Religion and Theology at Claremont Graduate University. She co-edited _Mormon Feminism: Essential Writings_ with Joanna Brooks and Hannah Wheelwright. She is also a lover of all things books and bikes.

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13 Responses

  1. Eric Canfield says:

    So very beautiful!

  2. Kathy says:

    So lovely. Thank you for sharing.

  3. Mraynes says:

    This blessing is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

  4. Emily says:

    Blessings on you, your son, and your family. This was beautiful.

  5. Ziff says:

    I love this, Rachel! Just beautiful!

  6. Melody says:

    A perfect Mother’s Blessing. A gift to Soren and to the rest of us. Thank you for sharing.

  7. Violadiva says:

    Perfect. So eloquent, with beautiful priorities for him and you! Xoxo

  8. Jason K. says:

    A lovely emanation from a good heart. May Søren rise to his blessing.

  9. Libby says:

    Oh, I’m crying. Thank you, Rachel.

  10. Andrew R. says:

    Lovely words. I hope that you are able to bring those blessings to be in your son’s life.

    I do have a question. Why “Matriarchal Blessing”? Generally we call blessings given by fathers A Father’s Blessing. A Patriarchal Blessing, although technically can be given by a father, is a specific ordinance given by someone who has been ordained to a specific priesthood office. Do you think of yourself as a Matriarch, or a Mother?

  11. Ashley Groesbeck says:

    Oh, how lovely. I am so glad you posted this.

  12. Chairoscuro says:

    beautiful <3 i hope all mothers feel empowered to bless their children in this way.

  13. Barb says:

    This is stunning and beautiful and right.

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