Mother's Day

Mother's Day is soon approaching which gives us a chance to reflect on our thankfulness for mothers and the influential part they play in our lives. A Godly mother is someone to be especially thankful for and someone who certainly deserves to be celebrated and honored! The following are 10 mothers from Bible times up through the present who took their work as a mother and as a follower of Jesus very seriously. Perhaps you will be able to see some attributes of your own mother in them or will be inspired by them in your own journey in motherhood.

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With the miracle of creating new life also comes the weight of responsibility, the potential for heartbreak and the constant call to pray and surrender. The biblical tradition provides unique examples of motherhood that we would do well to follow regardless of our personal beliefs.

Here’s the good news for mothers and their children (that’s all of us): we have a Father who loves us unconditionally and whose word shows us how to encourage our mothers in empowering and transforming ways.

A large majority of Americans say their mother’s faith impacted their own faith, with more than six in 10 saying their own religion is the same as their mom’s religion was when they were a child, according to a new survey.

My prayer is that everyone reading this would feel compelled to make this Mother’s Day bright by lending a hand to a struggling mom. If we each reach beyond ourselves to help some of these in their plight, we’ll make someone’s Mother’s Day so much brighter.

Loving a mother is forever, from the first moment you become aware of her presence to the last breath you yourself take on this planet. The most difficult time to love her is, of course, at the time of her demise and death. Honoring your mother while she is alive and vibrant, providing thoughtful gifts, phone calls, shared meals, and loving cards, is important.

Mother’s Day is one that is joyous for some and painful for others. I know the responsibilities are heavy, and sometimes it must seem overwhelming to be a mom amidst violence, fear and sickness. Your love and your leadership in your family and your community is invaluable. You are shaping this generation and the generations to come. Your hearts, mothers, make all the difference.

Many wonderful mothers and fathers spend sleepless nights worrying that their mistakes will have long-term effects on their children. But does your broken marriage guarantee that your child will one day divorce or be divorced by their spouse? No. Are your present financial struggles an indicator of your child's future poverty? Of course not. Why? Because Jesus has broken every curse.

Scripture says Esther was raised “for such a time as this.” Her story is especially encouraging in these uncertain days when we are tempted to give up.

Christians know that praying for others is both biblically commanded (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17) and the pathway to experiencing God’s best (Matthew 7:7-11). But we also know that our Lord often calls us to be the answer to the prayers we offer.