It's that time of the year, ladies! Today, all around the US, sacrifices will be offered for the forgiveness of the past year's sins. No, I'm not talking about the Day of Atonement (though the similarities are uncanny). It's Mother's Day! And thankfully, instead of a bloody bull, it's candy, homemade cards, and flowers, flowers, flowers (So far, this morning, for me, it was a fresh pot of coffee, lovingly brewed by my husband.)!
The last few weeks, I spent some time thinking about what a godly, Jesus loving mom is supposed to look like in this day and age. I appreciate the biblical examples shared by pastors over the years but I'll be honest, I sometimes have a love/hate relationship with those women. And I suspect I'm not alone.
It's not that Mary's humility, the Proverbs 31 woman's diligence, or Hannah's selfless love isn't to be admired. It's just that moms are meant to be so much more. And so, while it's likely that many sermons today will leave our moms with this image:
I'd like to offer you the following visuals of what a 21st century, God-fearing, Christ following mother ought to be:
I can't emphasize enough the importance of studying your Bible. In our busy days of mothering, I know it's not easy to find time to deep dive into the pages of scripture. But as much as we love those pretty little 5 minute devotional books or Instagram posts, they just won't cut it when it comes to equipping ourselves and discipling our children.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (1 Peter 3:15)
Mamas, not only is important to study what we believe, it's equally important to know WHY. If your kids are anything like mine, they have questions. Lots and lots of questions. With mine, it started with a question about Genesis and, years later, the questions keep coming. But rather than dodge them or refer your kiddos to the pastor (or anyone else), take the time to learn the answers to as many of those questions as you possibly can. The benefits are many. It will help keep the lines of communication open with your children and it will prepare them (and you) for the questions and objections of others.
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Twice in Genesis 2, God calls the woman He has created Adam's "ezer". The term means "military ally", one who is essential for victory. Women, by God's design, are more than just "helpers". We are soldiers in an ongoing war against false and demonic ideologies. Apart from the Word of God itself (Eph. 6:17), our greatest weapon is PRAYER. I think it's pretty safe to assume that God has a soft spot for praying women (Gen. 21:15-19, Luke 2:36-38, Matt. 15:21-28). And though, at times, as moms, we may feel battle weary, we must continue to fight for the souls of our children 'til the fight is done.
This week, I read this quote from Billy Sunday:
