Mom Monday — Learning From My Daughter’s Light

Something that really touched my heart this week was my daughter asking for a Bible.

Not because I suggested it.

Not because I told her she needed one.

But because she wanted one all on her own.

After church one weekend, she started talking about wanting her own Bible, and watching her pick it out was such a special moment for me. It may seem like a small thing, but as a mom, moments like that speak directly to your heart.

My oldest daughter was actually baptized before I was, and ever since she was little, she has carried a light about her that people naturally gravitate toward.

I see it inside our home.

I see it in how she loves her little sister.

I see it in how she checks on her, plays with her, and wants to be there for her.

Now don’t get me wrong—I never want my oldest to feel like she has to take on a parenting role. That’s not her responsibility.

But she has such a caring heart and naturally shows up for the people she loves.

Watching my girls laugh together, chase each other around the house, and build their own little bond is one of the greatest blessings God has given me.

My youngest absolutely lights up when her big sister comes home.

It’s like her entire mood shifts.

And seeing that makes me realize just how much influence my oldest has on the people around her.

It makes me believe she has such a beautiful future ahead of her.

Outside of our home, I see that same light shining.

Teachers love her.

Friends enjoy being around her.

Adults constantly tell me how respectful, kind, and joyful she is.

My girl has always been a light.

And honestly, I’m not sure I’ve told her that enough.

This week before I left for work, we spent a little time reading Scripture together.

The verse we read was Matthew 5:16:

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

After we read it, I told her something I’ve been thinking for a long time.

I told her that her light shines everywhere she goes.

It shines in our home.

It shines at school.

It shines through the way she treats her sister.

It shines through the way she treats other people.

There was more to the conversation, but that’s what I wanted her to remember.

That her kindness matters.

That her presence matters.

That God can use her in ways she doesn’t even realize.

But after reflecting on that conversation, I realized something surprising.

My daughter wasn’t the only one learning that day.

I was too.

Because what she reminded me is that being a light isn’t just something we’re called to encourage in our children.

It’s something we’re called to live ourselves.

I’ve always had a tendency to keep to myself unless someone speaks to me first.

I’ve never been the person who naturally walks into a room and starts conversations.

I stay in my little bubble.

I stay comfortable.

But watching my daughter has challenged me.

She shows up.

She engages.

She makes people feel seen.

And I realized that maybe I need to do more of that too.

Maybe being a light starts with something simple.

Saying hello.

Giving a compliment.

Smiling at a stranger.

Telling someone they have a beautiful spirit.

Because the truth is, we all want to be seen.

Not just for how we look.

But for who we are.

I’ve met people whose presence felt warm, comforting, and uplifting, and I never told them.

Maybe I was caught up in my own thoughts.

Maybe I was nervous.

Maybe I was afraid of how they’d respond.

But what if that small moment could have encouraged them?

What if that was God giving me an opportunity to be a light?

I think part of building community is being willing to put yourself out there.

To connect.

To encourage.

To speak life into others.

And maybe that’s why my daughter has more friends than I do.

She’s already figured out something I’m still learning.

A light isn’t meant to stay hidden.

It’s meant to shine.

With love,

Momma Riah 💜