Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take a look at how God’s Word views motherhood. 

Maybe it’s because I am a grandmother that I view these biblical portraits more personally. Watching my daughter-in-law with my new grandson brings back so many memories of my son as an infant.

The Holy Scripture attributes motherly qualities to God in many passages. The ancient prophets often used metaphors of mothers to portray God’s fidelity and love. Isaiah describes God as a loving mother who had carried Israel from their infancy. Isaiah 66:13 states, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”  As Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, claiming that the prophets were killed for exposing evil, He exclaimed, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” Our Lord displayed moments of great emotion and tenderness, which were often compared to a devoted mother’s love.

So what does Biblical motherhood look like? Here are 3 things we can learn from Scripture:

1.  God is the one who defined motherhood

Genesis chapters 3 and 4 introduce us to Eve, the first mother. Adam called her name Eve, because she was the mother of all the living. She conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” Cain worked in the fields and tilled the earth which yielded crops of which he presented his sacrifice to the Lord God. She then bore Abel, the son who was loving and responsible, tending the flocks in the meadows. After Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage over what appeared to him to be God’s favoritism, Cain was banished by God for shedding his brother’s blood, never to return to his family.

Adam and Eve then conceived Seth, whose lineage began to “call on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 5).  We can only imagine how Eve must have heard the Lord God’s words ringing in her ears, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children.” That sorrow and pain were evidenced in the heartbreak Eve experienced as the first mother on earth, mourning one son who was dead, and the other who was never to be seen again. But, in God’s great mercy, their third son, Seth, would provide the path to mankind’s salvation over generations which culminated in the Lord Jesus Himself (Luke 3).

2.  God is the one who defended motherhood

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt. She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses. Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of the Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child. She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River. As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently. Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly instruction and loving example to that little Hebrew child. Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s palace?

3.  God is the one who revered motherhood

In the gospels of Matthew and Luke we see details of young Mary’s introduction to the angel Gabriel and his startling revelation about her heaven ordained pregnancy. The angel had come vested with a divine commission – “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS.” As Mary questioned the angel about the particulars of conception, the angel answered that the body of Jesus would be created by an act of Divine power, and that the Holy One who would be born would be called the Son of God. She displayed complete resignation and surrender of her heart to God.

After Jesus was born, we can imagine many nights nursing the baby and pondering all that lay ahead for the special Child. When she and Joseph journeyed to Jerusalem, obeying Jewish law for her purification, they offered two turtle doves and later presented Jesus to the priest for his blessing. Mary and Joseph marveled as Simeon proclaimed the baby “the salvation of Israel”, and Anna, the prophetess confirmed his prophetic words. But Mary also heard Simeon proclaim, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against, (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 

In the years to come, Mary would indeed suffer the pangs of sorrow as her heart was pierced, even at the Lord’s excruciating death.  But what comfort she heard coming from her Son, even at death’s door, giving instruction to John regarding her care! What love and devotion to her in that moment! (John 19:25-27)

There are times we wonder if what we are doing is really having any impact on our children. 

Sometimes we imagine that we fall woefully short of the mandate we have to nurture and train up our sons and daughters in the ways of the Lord. Do not despair - you have a greater sphere of influence than you might think. Here is a past post on this very subject:

Mom - you DO have influence

We will certainly experience joy, sorrow, pride, grief, and all other range of emotions during our God ordained roles as mothers and caregivers of our children. Thank God for motherhood. We are the better for it!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  
Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Motherhood - 3 things we can learn from Scripture

What Does a Spiritual Mom Look Like?

We all have a sphere of influence.  It might be at home, at work, or in our neighborhood. 

As Christian women, we often encounter people and situations that beckon us to interact as Godly examples and mentors.

The Apostle Paul was writing to Titus (his true son in the faith) to remind him to appoint elders (overseers) in every town. The growing church needed leadership and direction. It needed mature believers to mentor and train-up fellow believers in their day to day walk with God.

How does that apply to us - women of faith - Moms, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters, and Wives...

Titus 2:3-5 says this: "...They [older women] are to teach what is good, so they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, homemakers, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered."



Part of the charge to women in particular is to love their husbands and be submissive to them, so that God's message and His name would not be slandered.  Submission is a word that many women run from - but that is not necessary.  Find out why in a blog post I wrote about submission here:

Oh No... Not the "S" Word

For those of us who have children and grandchildren, being MOM to our adult kids never really ends.Our influence might evolve and morph into more of a "support" role. If you are like most Moms, you still give unsolicited advice and occasionally do one of those irritating Mom things. However, our adult children are no less needy and deserving of our time, energy and wisdom than when they were young. Now, more than ever, we need to mentor them and guide them into greater spiritual truth. They will make their own choices and live with those consequences. We are to pray for them and their walk with God.

If you are a mature Christian - both in years and experience - you have something to offer younger women! 

Not every woman will teach Sunday School or lead a Bible study at church, but you can reach a new generation with the powerful message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can you be involved in mentoring a young woman?  What practical steps can you take?

You can devote your time, energy and encouragement to her. You can be available to talk and offer Biblical counsel. You can offer assistance with child care, errands, and life skills. You can meet for Bible study, devotions, and prayer time. The list is endless... be creative!

My former daughter-in-law recently gave her life to Jesus and was baptized with my granddaughter. She is truly a new creation in Christ. This was a young lady that had absolutely no interest in living a Christian lifestyle when she met and married our son (who was not walking with the Lord). Growing up, she had been raised in church and attended a Catholic school - but as many young people do - she wandered away from God's truth.

I now have the honor and privilege of being a mentor and a spiritual Mom to her. It has been exhilarating and exhausting - all at the same time. Our emotions peak and fall like a ride on a roller-coaster at times, but I know deep in my heart God can get us through it together. We are family, and we always will be...

For those of you who are in an unequally-yoked marriage and still have young children living in your home - here is the link to a wonderful resource by Lynn Donovan and Dineen Miller titled:

Not Alone: Trusting God to Help You Raise Godly Kids in a Spiritually Mismatched Home

On a personal side note - since my Dad passed away two years ago, my mother and I make it a point to meet for dinner every Thursday night after she gets her hair done.  She still drives (for now) and relishes her liberty. I'm so thankful we can enjoy each other's company and can be a spiritual support for each other.

Enjoy your Mom if you still have her. Thank God for His Word and Biblical pattern for being a spiritual Mom to someone special in your life.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

What Does a Spiritual Mom Look Like?

Calling All Mothers...

Image credit: 123RF Stock Photo

Famous Quotes:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." 
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." 

-George Washington 

 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." 
-Author Unknown 

Suzanna Wesley had seventeen children, but is said to have given each of them one day of special attention and training per month. Both John and brother Charles Wesley viewed their mother as a vital source of inspiration and encouragement for their ministries. They are the founders of the Methodist church. Susanna prayed this powerful prayer on behalf of her family...

A PRAYER OF SUSANNA WESLEY

You, O Lord, have called us to watch and pray.
Therefore, whatever may be the sin against which we pray,
make us careful to watch against it,
and so have reason to expect that our prayers will be answered.
In order to perform this duty aright,
grant us grace to preserve a sober, equal temper,
and sincerity to pray for your assistance. Amen.

How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their kids?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  Let’s face it – we all need help; one way or another!

One of my favorite examples in Scripture of motherhood is in I Samuel 1:1-28. We see Elkanah, an Ephraimite who had two wives.  Peninnah had given him children, but Hannah was barren. Peninnah ridiculed her every year when they journeyed to Shiloh to worship and offer their sacrifices to God. 

Hannah cried out to the Lord in anguish and prayed for a son to dedicate to His service. God heard her petitions and granted her wish. After the child was weaned, plans were made to take him to Shiloh to leave with Eli the priest. 

When Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord, it must have been difficult for her to hold him and gaze into his little face, knowing that she would leave him in Eli's care to serve the Lord in the temple. What mother could possibly make such a promise?  

We see from the text that Hannah referred to her son's lifelong commitment to God in this way: "Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD."  This same Samuel would one day anoint the future King of Israel. Throughout his life David would be consecrated, confronted and consoled by the godly prophet Samuel.

Today Mothers Day is celebrated in many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, Mexico, Canada, China, Japan and Belgium. People take the day as an opportunity to pay tribute to their mothers and thank them for all their love and support. The day has become one of the busiest during the year according to the phone companies. There is also a tradition of giving flowers, cards and other gifts to mothers on the Mothers Day.  

You might also enjoy this past Mother's Day post:

 How Would You Rate Yourself As A Mom?

A Mother's Love 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can understand our tears,
Can soothe our disappoints
And calm all of our fears. 
There are times when only a Mother's love
Can share the joy we feel
When something we've dreamed about
Quite suddenly is real. 
There are times when only a Mother's faith
Can help us on life's way
And inspire in us the confidence
We need from day to day. 
For a Mother's heart and a Mother's faith
And a Mother's steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God above. 
Author Unknown 

Happy Mothers Day! 

Enjoy your special day... Spend time with your Mom.  Enjoy your children and grandchildren. Leave a legacy that God can use for His glory!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Calling All Mothers...

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Image credit: 123rf.com

It is true that we judge ourselves harsher than others would.  We often use unfair parameters and unrealistic comparisons while we do it.

It is not uncommon to critique our mothering abilities – especially when we see our children stray from the faith they grew up with.  However, don’t be deceived into thinking you have no further influence or reach in their lives. 

Once your children have left the “nest” rest assured you can still pour Godly advice, comfort and wisdom into them on a regular basis.  The key to doing it successfully is – moderation and discernment.

How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their children – both young and adult?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  None of us are beyond the help of those who have blazed the trail before us…

As a tribute to Mothers – below are three famous Moms and their sons…

Billy Graham:

[Excerpt from his biography]

Billy Graham said,“Jesus’ word picture of a hen gathering her brood under her wing fits my mother. She saw to it that we gathered frequently and regularly—and not just around the dinner table or in front of the radio for favorite broadcasts. She gathered us around herself and my father to listen to Bible stories, to join in family prayers, and to share a sense of the presence of God."

On August 14, 1981, Morrow Graham quietly left this earth in her sleep and entered Heaven.

"When word came," said Billy, "I wept and yet rejoiced at the same time. Of all the people I have ever known, she had the greatest influence on me.  She and my father didn’t have much education … But my mother was a woman of God. She always had devotions with us, she always prayed with us, she always loved us, and did so many things, as I look back now, out of the way. And she and my father, when I was in Bible school, they would go up to a room upstairs and kneel down every morning at 10 o’clock to pray for their son in Bible school."

John Wesley and Charles Wesley:

Susanna Wesley was the mother of 19 children, including John and Charles Wesley. Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each of her children.  Her children went on to change the world. Susanna Wesley believed that for a child to grow into a self-disciplined adult, they must first be a disciplined child. To her, the stubborn flesh was the hardest battle for Christians to fight, and Godly parents would do well to equip their children to overcome it early. Susanna Wesley wrote:

"When the will of a child is totally subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of the parents, then a great many childish follies ... may be passed by…I insist on the conquering of the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education ...  when this is thoroughly done, then a child is capable of being governed by reason and piety."

Moses - the Prince of Egypt

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi - born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

 I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.   She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies. 

God’s Word tells us the following:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.  (Proverbs 29:15

The Apostle Paul recalled Timothy's spiritual heritage when he said, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also." (II Timothy 1:3-5)

This Mother's Day give yourself permission to ease your grading scale when you look in the mirror.  Be less critical and more thankful as you open that Mother's Day card to read it.  Your children want someone to admire, emulate and trust.  Let that Someone be Jesus in you...  

You most likely have more to do with your children's successes than their failures.  The time you invested in their spiritual upbringing is not wasted.  What you've poured into their souls is waiting to spring forth. Your prayers and petitions have been heard.

Trust that God will use it all to bring many sons unto the faith and to bring Him the Glory He is due...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today

Mother's Day is a holiday with an interesting history.

Mother's Day began nearly 150 years ago in the United States, when Anna Jarvis, a homemaker from Appalachia, organized a day (Mother's Work Day) to raise awareness of something mothers hold near and dear to them:  poor health conditions in her community.

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. Julia was a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers.  In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day.  In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

Mother's Day was first observed by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed greed and profit was overtaking the original intent of the holiday. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

However, the holiday of Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. The second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to celebrate and show appreciation to their mothers. Telephone calls, cards, and flowers break all records for Mother's Day.

 A Biblical Portrait of Motherhood:

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.  She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth.  We are to “watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle” – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time.  May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.

Famous Quotes:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." 

-George Washington 

 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-Author Unknown 

Do you have a special event or family tradition that you observe on 

Mother's Day?  Share with me your memories or plans 

for this special holiday...

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today