As we prepare for Mother’s Day this coming Sunday, it is appropriate to reflect on the importance of Moms. Through many counseling sessions with both men and women over the years, I have learned much about the positive and negative effects of Mothers. George Washington also seemed to grasp of how important Mothers are. He once said,
“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.”
Moms have the important role of helping us feel loved and cared for. Sure Dads can help, but in my experience there is something special, in these regards, when it comes from Mom. Dads have their areas of important expertise as well, but this is about Mother’s Day, so they will have to wait.
The Bible shows many examples of the important roles Mom plays in our lives. While we do not have a story about a perfect Mom (since there are no perfect people), we do have examples of very special women. Here are a few with their extra special super hero name included:
Jochobed the Defender: The great Mother of Moses and Aaron risked her life to save the lives of her sons during a time when Israeli male children were killed by the Egyptian Government in an attempt to keep the slaves in check. Today’s circumstances may be different but there are still a lot of great Moms who put their lives on the line for their children.
Sarah the Senior: Sarah should be a special inspiration to all those Grandmothers bravely taking on the responsibility of raising their Grandkids instead of kicking back and taking life easy. Sarah was ninety when she found out she was pregnant with Isaac.
Ruth the Loyal: Ruth refused to leave her Mother-in-law and return to her homeland even after her husband and Father-in-law died. God rewarded her faithfulness by giving her a rich husband and much more. She not only became a Mom, but also the fore-mother of King David and Jesus.
Mary the Trusting: There are a lot of names we could give to Mary the Mother of Jesus. She trusted God in the most trying of circumstances, she obeyed when it was difficult and embarrassing to do so, and she was faithful and loving even when she was forced to watch her son die on a cross.
Eunice & Lois the Modelers: The Mother and Grandmother of Pastor Timothy, are celebrated by the Apostle Paul for their influence in raising this great Man of God to be who he was. They serve as wonderful inspiration to Moms today to never grow weary in doing – and teaching – what is good.
So who is your favorite Mother from the Bible and why?
May God’s Peace be upon all our Mom’s!
Rodney