DEAR MOM

“Her children stand and bless her….” – Proverbs 31:28

There was a mother in the news that went on strike.  She didn’t walk a picket line or protest outside her home, she just stopped doing the things she does as a mother daily.  For six days the mother of three did no “picking up, tidying, washing, cleaning, clearing, reminding or nagging.” The results were predictable. Absolute chaos ensued. The house was a wreck.  It became painfully obvious to the family just how much moms do on a daily basis.

Mothers play such a vital role in our society. Not only do they impact their children, but they also impact their grandchildren and maybe even their great-grandchildren. They influence the next generation by passing on their values, understanding, wisdom, and faith.

On Mother’s Day each year, we acknowledge the unique contributions that mothers make in the lives of their children. We certainly want to show our appreciation and gratitude more often than once a year, but on Mother’s Day specifically, we recognize the behind-the-scenes sacrifices and struggles every mother makes. We recognize that too often the contributions of mothers are undervalued, misunderstood, and overlooked because so much that moms do is unseen. Most people will never see you as a mom cleaning spit-up, cooking another meal, responding to another tantrum, picking up the legos before someone steps on them, listening to a teenager’s concerns, or stopping an argument amongst siblings; all while trying to find time to work on that online marketing class. Moms simply don’t get their due. You sacrifice and struggle because of love, and selfless sacrificial love is worthy of recognition.

The apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy about the impact of Timothy’s mother and grandmother on his life: “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5). This shows us the importance of a godly heritage. For Timothy, it started with his grandmother, Lois, went to his mother, Eunice, and next to Timothy. And then Timothy passed that faith on.

Scripture says of the godly woman, “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” (Proverbs 31:28–29.

To all the mothers out there: We thank you and honor you this Mother’s Day weekend.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you appreciate most about your mom? 
2. What can we do this week to honor and respect your mother?