(This tribute may be read any year on Mother's Day, or even shared via snail mail or e-mail)
Here we are on this special day in which we honor our Mothers in the congregation once again, and we would like to take a few moments to share the following tribute of appreciation and recognition.
Our focus will primarily be on some of the aspects of Godly Motherhood. We recognize that these characteristics may seem to difficult to maintain, yet there should always be examples we all strive for, regardless of what role we may have in our own families, or even the family of God.
Only heaven will reveal the full effects that a praying Mother has on the direction of both her family, as well as society in general, and yes, even the church. When a Mother prays all of Heaven rejoices while the forces of evil tremble at the realization that someone of so much influence in the family unit desires to touch God on the behalf of her family.
James 5:16b says; “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Of course, this scripture is referring to the prayers of both man and woman as accomplishing much in the spirit realm.
Moms, keep on praying!
The tender and compassionate care of a Godly Mother is unmatched, other than the amazing love God has for humanity which required the ultimate sacrifice. However, we also realize so many Mothers would lay their very lives down for their Children if that challenge ever presented itself.
Yet, most Mothers simply live their lives in sacrifice on a daily basis as their time is invested in the lives of their children and families in a myriad of ways. From waking up in the morning with the needs of her children foremost in her mind, to falling off to sleep at night with thanksgiving for making it through another day with God's help.
We live in a day when the lines are seemingly blurred in what makes a woman be the woman God intended her to be, yet a visit to Proverbs 31 is a powerful reminder of some of the things which define a Godly woman. While there is probably no woman alive now, or ever been that meets each and every one of these characteristics, it is certainly worthy of careful examination. One verse I love in particular in this chapter is: Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Moms, keep on fearing the Lord!
Another area so desperately appreciated and needed in this day and age is to provide loving and Godly mentor-ship to the children God has placed in your care.
Dictionary.com defines a mentor as “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher”.
The only way we can teach something is to know it first of all ourselves, as well as live it out in practice at every opportunity until it becomes not only “what we do”, but “who we are”. In other words, it becomes part of our character the more we do it. This applies to good things, as well as things that aren't traits we would like to have our children emulate.
Fearing, or honoring the Lord is often not something that simply comes naturally to a child, but they are taught this by mentors such as teachers, adults, and of course, parents.
We become good at what we practice. I want to encourage you today to continue to practice Godly principles and disciplines in your life, realizing this is being projected to those precious ones God has placed in your care. They may not appreciate it now, but one day they will. Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) 6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Training speaks of mentoring, so Moms, keep on mentoring!
Finally today, one of the verses in Proverbs 31 speaks so powerfully to the reward one can enjoy while functioning in this of Godly Mother. Again, there are exceptions to this as I know there are widows, or single Mothers, and even at this moment, children who may be away from the Lord, yet listen to the beauty of this verse found in Proverbs 31:28 (NIV) 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Let me just say that those things don't just happen automatically! Husbands, it would be great if you would make it a point to bless and appreciate your wife, and yes, even praise her!
Moms, we could stand and go on and on about what it means to be a Godly Mother, yet, I want to encourage each and every one of you not to simply look to others, or even ministry leaders as your source of inspiration. Take time out of each and every day to look to the Lord in prayer and His Word to become the amazing woman God intended for you to be. This will impact our world for the good more than any other program from our Government or ministry within our Church.
Moms, we love you!