Tribute to Mothers
5/12/07
Read Proverbs 6:20-23
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%206:20-23;&version=31;
Without our mothers, none of us would be here. What memories do you have of your mother when you were growing up? Perhaps you came from a broken home or you were abused. Maybe you were adopted and never met your birth mother. Whatever your situation, I trust there is something special that you will always remember about her.
I read this Scripture passage in a devotional this week and it touched my heart. Before I make a few observations, I want to tell you about my Mom. I was very fortunate to be raised in a Christian home and my Mom instilled in me her godly values. In our present day in age, most parents have to work away from home. But my Mom chose to stay at home, where she did babysitting for many children through the years. From as young as I can remember, she would read Bible stories to me.
It says in the last part of vs. 20 not to forsake our mother’s teaching. In vs. 21, it tells us to bind them, her teachings, upon our hearts forever. Then in vs. 22, we see why those teachings are so important to us day or night. They are to guide us, watch over us, and speak to us. When we think about what we learned from our mothers, there is a great benefit to that, in the way we teach our own children. Finally the last verse indicates that those teachings are a light and the corrections of discipline are the way to life. If you have ever been in a dark room, it is very hard to see. In the same way, what we were taught by our mother shaped us into who we are today. Also, children need discipline or they will never learn right from wrong.
My Mom is now in heaven, but what I have shared with you is how my Mom has touched my life and things I will always remember. I know I would not be where I am at today if it were not for my Mom. When I was nine years old, my Mom was the one that prayed with me when I asked Jesus to come into my heart.
I would encourage all the mothers who are reading this to reflect on the legacy you are leaving your children. You only have a short time with them to make an impact on their lives. Always show your love for them, no matter how many times they disappoint you. Until next week, remember God loves you and have a wonderful Mother’s Day. I will be going back to where I left off in Genesis and briefly reintroduce the life of Abram, a great man of faith.
