Some moms are married to the father of their children, some are sailing through the seas of singleness, and others are in the midst of creating blended families. No matter how the family unit looks, all these women have one thing in common: the call to be a mother! Your marriage or lack thereof does not make you a mom. Having a godly husband versus the desire for one does not make you a mom. It is God alone who makes you a mom, and if you are in Christ, you can do great things for your children and for His Kingdom.
For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Psalm 139:13-14
God chose a woman to bear children. God chose a woman to bring forth the Messiah. God chose women to first see the empty tomb and hence be the first deliverers of this good news. Women! He used those who were often seen as less-than by society to do things of great magnitude for His glory. God places a high value on women and we, with humility and grace, should do the same.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.
Mark 16:1-7
There is a popular parenting mentality that says children are more of a burden than a blessing. Much focus is on the exhaustion of a mother—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. In fact, many moms are dreading summer and looking to ship their children off to every summer camp available because of this pervading desire to evade their children. Camps are not a bad thing, mind you—and I am a big proponent of having time to yourself, away from the kids. In fact, in the Christian life, we must have times of respite and refreshment. But when a mom is finding joy in getting away from her kids—not for her own spiritual growth or her children’s enjoyment—then it may mean mom has lost sight of her high calling and needs to spend time remembering that she alone is the one God chose to fulfill the role of mother to her children. It is not the cynics who will rise and call her blessed; it is her children!
She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and bless her.Proverbs 31:28
This cynicism pervading much of parenting is even touted on popular Christian blogs where everyone either nods in agreement or discards it for the sad mockery it is. But for those who rightfully dismiss these attacks on womanhood and mothering, perhaps we should see it as an opportunity to hold one another accountable—iron sharpening iron, if you will. Perhaps, if the Christian mother rose to the occasion like those who physically cared for and walked with Christ, we could, with joyful boldness, begin a counter-movement that encourages all parents, and especially moms, to promote family values—godly values—that show the worth of children and the priceless treasure and power of a parent who loves Jesus.
I recall your sincere faith that was alive first in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am sure is in you . . .
You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Your children are your primary mission field, not part of some quick checklist of things to do. So if you question the impact you, “just a mom,” can make, look at Timothy! He came to faith because of the sincere faith of his mother and grandmother. Do you have a sincere faith in Christ? If so, you can pass on a godly legacy to your children. Do not make the worn-out mom mask your daily gear. Instead, wear the reflection of a mom who is secure in the God she loves and teaches her children to find their strength in Him, as well.
Moms, you are loved and you are desired by your children and by the most high God, who formed even you in the womb of a woman! No matter your circumstances or frustrations, the masterful Potter is forming you into who He desires you to be (Isaiah 64:8). Remember: it is God alone who makes a mother, and He chose the children each will have in her care. What a woman does with that charge can be powerful. So today and always, know that if Jesus is within you, you can answer the charge to champion children toward Christ with all the love, grace, and strength possible, because He will never fail.
God is in the midst of her,
she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.Psalm 46:5
Trusting Him in the journey!
~Gabbie
