The Strength of a Mother: A Brave, Bold Living Tribute
- Chrislene Terilus
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 23
A heartfelt reflection on the women who mothered me, the power of legacy, and the brave love that shapes generations.
By Chrislene – Brave Bold Living

I didn’t grow up with my mom.
My father brought me to America when I was six, while my mother remained in Haiti. Though I longed for her, God still ensured my life was filled with people who would play important roles in raising, guiding, and helping me become who I am today.
I was raised by my dad’s wife, a woman who took me into her home and became part of my journey. Our relationship wasn’t always easy. We had our share of ups and downs, challenging moments, and growing pains. But through it all, being under her roof taught me valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and finding strength in unexpected places. Her role in my life, in its way, shaped the woman I’ve become today.
But my grandmother? She’s been my constant. My prayer warrior. My haven. Since I was a baby, she’s loved me fiercely and unwaveringly. She knew my mom couldn’t be there, so she mothered me in every way that mattered—filling the gap with strength, grace, and endless prayers. Our bond runs so deep that people often pause and wonder, but love like that speaks for itself.
Today, my mom is here with me. She may have missed my early years, but she’s shown up in my adulthood in ways I never imagined. She’s been my help, encourager, and anchor as I navigate motherhood and marriage. I honestly don’t know if I would have made it without her.
My kids adore her. So much so that there were moments they called her “mom,” while I felt like… well, chopped liver. But honestly, that’s a blessing. That’s the kind of love that multiplies. That’s the kind of love that builds legacies.
To Every Woman Who’s Poured Into Me — Thank You.
To the mothers, grandmothers, stepmoms, godmothers, aunties, and spiritual mamas—thank you for loving me, teaching me, praying for me, and standing in the gap.
Each of you is part of my story. Your sacrifices, your hugs, your words of wisdom, your silent prayers—I carry them all. You embody what it means to live Brave Bold Lives: to show up, love fiercely, and build the next generation one child, one moment, one prayer at a time.
To All the Mothers Out There:

Thank you for the work you do in the shadows and the spotlight.
Thank you for raising the next wave of Brave Bold hearts.
Thank you for helping make the world better—one child being mothered at a time.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 31:25-28:
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come... Her children arise and call her blessed."
That’s you. That’s us. That’s the legacy of a mother who loves with purpose and leads with courage.
Let’s Start Brave Conversations:
I want to hear from YOU.
Who is a woman who mothered you in a way you’ll never forget?
What’s one lesson from your mother, grandmother, or a mother-figure that you still carry today?
How has your understanding of motherhood evolved over the years?
What Scripture reminds you of a mother’s strength and love?
Drop your answers in the comments, share your story, and let’s encourage each other. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Let’s celebrate the women who made us who we are.
Final Word
This Mother’s Day, let’s go beyond the flowers and cards.
Let’s thank the women who built, believed in, and prayed for us.
Let’s be present. Let’s be grateful. And if no one has told you today—
You are brave. You are bold. You are loved.
Happy Mother’s Day. Stay Brave. Stay Bold. Keep Shining. ✨
The person who mothered me in a way I'll never forget, is my grandmother. From the time I was a baby, she loved me with a depth that can’t be put into words. She didn’t just fill in the gap—she stood in it with prayer, strength, and unwavering love. She mothered me in ways I didn’t even realize I needed until I became a mother myself.