Mother

 aMazing

lOving

beauTiful

Humble

patiEnt

cReative

 

—Unknown Origin

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Mother’s Day, 2023

~ You May Be A Mother and Not Know It! ~

 

Introduction ~ Today there will be a wide variety of emotional responses to the celebration of Mother’s Day.

 

Sorrow for Many ~ Some ladies will grieve today because their mother is no longer alive. Some will think of their mother who never fulfilled the role of “mom” in the way they imagined. Others will regret the abusive woman who bore them. Still, others will grieve today because although they wanted to be a mom it was not in the providence of God.

 

Joy for Many ~ Some will reflect on their own mother today, and her precious role in their lives. Others will be so grateful for their children who are bringing honor to them and to their God.

 

Scripture ~ There is a remarkable statement by our Lord in the Gospel of Matthew: “But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:48-50).

 

Contemplate That! ~ There can be no barrenness in the life of a God-fearing obedient woman. Because of God’s grace, all women can choose to “bear fruit and multiply” and fill the earth.

 

Comment ~ I have a dear friend in my local church. She is an elderly woman who never bore any physical children – but she is very much a “mom” to a great many younger women. 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Mothers

 ~ All Women Are Called To Mother ~

 

Introduction ~ God has both masculine and feminine characteristics.  Consider how Jesus cried over Jerusalem: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her!  How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  See!  Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matthew 23:37-39, also Luke 13:34-35).

 

Scripture ~ “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.  Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:3-7).

 

Comment ~ As Christians we are all called to be more like Him.  Many who are Christians today were influenced mightily by one of their grandparents.  On this Mother’s Day it is good realize that all women (in fact all Christians) are called to mother the young that they are in contact with.    

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

 

* * * * *

Mothering

 ~ Not All Are Mothers, But All Should Mother! ~

Introduction  ~  Mother’s Day in the U.S.A. is a time to honor all the women in our lives.  While all women do not have children, all women have a role to play in the mothering of the young with whom they have ongoing contact. 

Roles  ~  All women are to love children.  This takes many forms including teaching, encouraging, and correcting.  These are vital roles which all adults have yet God has enabled women with special abilities in these areas. 

Scripture  ~  “The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among [among, not above] women!” (Luke 1:27b-28).

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

“Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies…  her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.’  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates” (Proverbs 31:10, 28-31).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Mom

~ Everyone Owes a Debt To Their Mom ~

Introduction  ~  Everyone of us have a Mother!  For most of us we have fond memories of our experiences with “Mom.”  Unfortunately, for some mom is not a good memory.  Perhaps they were abandoned, unloved, or other difficult issues to deal with.  But everyone owes the appreciation to the mom who brought them into this world full of anticipation and excitement. 

Reality  ~  Being a mom and tackling the related huge responsibilities is not only challenging but a God-given opportunity to have more effect on young person’s future than any other person.  Unfortunately, sometimes, regardless of best practices and best efforts results do not work out as planned. 

Mother’s Day  ~  Some will be with their moms.  Others have fond memories of their Mom who has passed on.  Some moms will be grieving a child who has wandered away or passed before their time.  Motherhood is a God-given opportunity and responsibility.  Leave the results with the sovereign God.  He knows your joy, and He knows your pain. 

Critical Difference  ~  There are many careers but a mom has a job that is unceasing and unending.  Reflect on the truth of the statement, “a mother’s job is never done.”

Action Step  ~  Not only enjoy your children but also reach out to those moms who are hurting.  Also, reach out to those who wanted to be a mom—but never saw it come to reality.  Also, how about reaching out to those children you may know who are missing out on a normal relationship with their mom.  If you are hurting, thank God for life and the blessings you do have. 

Normal (not necessarily average)  ~  “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.  She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:26-28).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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