Honoring Mothers

As the calendar moves through May, and we approach the upcoming Mother’s Day, I would like to dedicate this blog to mothers.  So, how do we define who is a mother? The dictionary lists a mother as this…

Mother, (noun);

1.      A woman who conceives, gives birth to, or raises and nurtures a child.

2.      A woman who holds a position of authority or responsibility similar to that of a mother.

3.      A woman who creates, originates, or founds something.

4.      Maternal love and tenderness

Clearly mothers are important, in fact they are essential. In order to grow as children, as adults, and as fellow Christians, we are to take very seriously the way in which we acknowledge and honor our mothers.  When the Bible declares “honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12), it isn’t referring to simply honoring with words or with memories. Rather honoring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action and having an inward attitude of esteem for their position (see Mark 7:6). In fact, the Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value. Although not all reading this will have great experiences with their mothers, or perhaps not have had the benefit of having a biological mother in their life. But most likely, all of us have been positively impacted by someone in this world who has been a symbol and a model of mothering. So what are personal practical ways to honor your mothers, not just on mother’s day with a card or flowers, but rather on a regular and purposeful basis?

You could consider any one of the following:

o   Write her a heartfelt letter

o   Call her, just to say hello

o   Visit her, in person or in memory

o   Send flowers to her "just because"

o   Create a sentimental keepsake

o   Take her out on “a date” with activities you know she enjoys

o   Look at the family albums and scrapbooks together

o   Share with her your favorite memories of her

o   Make a collage with words describing the type of character she has helped you develop

I wish all mothers, those who play a motherly role, and those who have been blessed by a mother, a very happy and honoring Mother’s Day!

Justin

Famous Quotes About Mothers:

"Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children".  ~ Billy Graham

              
Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.
 ~ Author Unknown

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~ Sophia Loren

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. ~ Abraham Lincoln

A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking. ~ Ann Rice

A mother understands what a child does not say. ~ Author Unknown