In Hawaii, the word “‘Ohana” means family. But its meaning isn’t limited to a biological or adopted family.
Your ‘Ohana can also be someone that’s willing to just speak into your life and love on you – to be a part of your life in a meaningful way.
The women and young women that have joined my ‘Ohana Mother & Daughter Experience are on a journey to deepen and strengthen the relationships in their own ‘Ohana. I’m incredibly proud of the teens and moms (or mother figures) that are investing their time and resources in creating a bond that will last a lifetime.
The ‘Ohana Experience is about mentorship and, as I shared with the girls on a recent call, I really think that the teen years are a special time for you to dream and hope for your future.
I don’t know where you’re at in your life but, if there’s one thing I do know it’s that we all go through hard times and we all have challenges.
I really believe that my teenage years, even with the difficulties I faced, were some of the best years of my life as far as decision-making. I’m confident that who I am now has a lot to do with the choices I made in my teenage years.
During that season of my life, my mom was right by my side to guide me and show me that God’s plans for my life were full of purpose and love. She taught me early on that following Him doesn’t mean perfect circumstances, but that He would be with me through all of life’s storms.
So it’s only fitting that my mom would join me as I met with my ‘Ohana mothers and daughters during a recent live event. I had the privilege of playing interviewer as my mom shared her wisdom and parenting advice on raising teenagers.
My mom was born in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and then grew up in California. She followed her love of surfing to Hawaii where she met my dad, got married, and eventually had me and my two older brothers.
Check out the clips below as my beautiful mom shares about my growing up years:
“There’s ups and downs and storms in life but the amazing thing is to see His hand in your life. It is so amazing to see how He watches over you and and leads you into places that you would have never gone” ~Cheri Hamilton
Ladies, I want for you what my mom helped to give to me. To show you that you can overcome any challenges that come your way, to inspire you to choose your future wisely and to help you become confident adults.
I’m encouraging you to press into your own mother-daughter relationship, your ‘Ohana. Listen to the positive things your mom has to say about you and remember that she has been there before. Soak up her love and her guidance as you navigate these bumpy years.
I’m cheering you on!
