Faith of Our Mothers

Good Morning:          

Chuckle: "All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys don't go for it." --Antonio, age 9

Quote: "A godly mother will point her children to God by the force of her example as much as by the power of her words." --Unknown source

FAITH OF OUR MOTHERS

Paul said to young Timothy: "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first was lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5 NIV).

Parenting a child is an awesome responsibility, but one filled with unspeakable joy and fulfillment. The home is the place where children learn who they are, what they are capable of doing, and what is expected of them. The first step in building strong families for our Lord is to have a deep and abiding faith to impart to our children and grandchildren.

For parents who release their children into the Lord's care and will for their lives, it requires great faith and love. We watch our children grow up and recognize our inadequacies in rearing them in a way pleasing to God if we depend upon our own strength. But when we come to the point of prayerfully entrusting them into God's care, great peace and joy will come over us. This is because we know that God loves them even more than we do. They are in good hands when mothers and dads entrust them into God's care.

This beautiful passage, penned by the apostle Paul, reminds us of the importance of godly parents -- in this case godly grandmothers and mothers. When Paul exhorts Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God which is in you" (verse 6), he also acknowledges the role his mother and grandmother had in developing young Timothy's faith. It's a reminder for us to give thanks for the roles our parents or grandparents have played in shaping our faith.

God uses the role of a parent to teach about Himself. Not only do parents get a new perspective on God's love for them when they have children of their own, but they are put in a position of need. We will never know that God can provide for us until we have a need. Therefore, concerns for the future of our children can be the tool God uses to teach us to rely on Him.

God has given mothers a unique capacity for showing gentleness and compassion, and for influencing the spiritual direction of children. There is only one thing children need more than a mother who is devoted to them -- and that's a mother who's even more devoted to God. Let us be thankful for our mothers and for those who have been like a mother to us!

"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. Their are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised" (Proverbs 31:28-30 NLT).

Love, Jerry & Dotse