Napoleon said, “Let France have good mothers, and she will have good sons.” We might modify that and say, “Let America have good mothers and she will have good sons and daughters.” Or let the world have good mothers….
Since today is Mother’s day, we wanted to share our word of the week, Mother, a day early.
Mother’s Day is not a holy day, or a religious holiday. It is a day that we honor Christ. But the Lord we serve said, through the apostle Paul in Ephesians. 6:2, “honor your mother.” And so, as we give honor to our mothers, we are giving honor to the Lord.
There are many great tributes given to their mothers by Presidents, writers, religious leaders and common folks, like you and me.
“Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall, A mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes
“I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” –Abraham Lincoln
“My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart – a heart so large that everybody’s joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” –Mark Twain
“All that I am, my mother made me.” —John Q. Adams
“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.” –Henry Ward Beecher
The phrase “working mother” is redundant.” —Jane Sellman
“Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.” Lin Yutang, Chinese writer
“Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to ‘jump at de sun.’ We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.” —Zora Neale Hurston, Folklorist and Writer
My mother, Mattie Weliever, passed from this life December 29, 2009. But her memory burns bright in my heart. She was a role model of godliness, virtue and devotion. In childhood, she instructed me. In life she encouraged me. In death she continues to motivate me to be a better man.
Over 200 verses in the Bible speak about mothers. Their role. Their responsibility And the respect they deserve. The Bible is filled with specific stories about godly mothers and the example they serve for us.
Some of the most popular mothers of the Bible are Eve, the first mother. Sarah, the mother of Issac. Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Jochebed, the mother of Moses. Eunice, the mother of Timothy. And, of course, Mary, the mother of Jesus.
These great Bible mothers teach young mothers today lessons of love, patience, perseverance, persistence, humility, kindness, commitment and devotion. They all are worthy examples of the power of a spiritual influence in the life of a child.
The wise man has a good bit to say about the role and respect children should give to their mothers.
“My son, keep your father’s command, And do not forsake the law of your mother. ” —Prov 6:20
“Let your father and your mother be glad, And let her who bore you rejoice.” —Prov 23:25
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” –Prov. 23:22
The two most influential women in my life have been my mother, Mattie Weliever, and my wife, Norma Jean, the mother of our children. My life is better, stronger, and richer because of their profound influence in my ministry.
Being a disciple of Christ requires that we render “honour unto whom honour “is due” (Rom. 13:7). Christians mothers deserve every honour and accolade we can accord them.
Happy Mother’s Day, ladies. And God bless you all.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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