Mothering Sunday is an opportunity to thank our Mother's for everything they do - it's a chance to show our love and gratitude, to honour and elevate women who shape and nurture us. God's word gives us many examples of Mother's displaying the applauded characteristics we celebrate today.
Eve
In Genesis 3:20 Eve is named "...the mother of all living things" (NKJV). As the first mother - her significance is plain, yet we know very little about her life after her expulsion from the Garden. Three of her children are named Cain, Abel (who as we know didn't get along and were probably quite a challenge) and Seth but we know that she had a number whose names we don't know.
Jochebed
Moses mother placed her son in a basket amongst bulrushes to preserve his life - she trusted the life of her son to another in order that he should fulfill his purpose. Her trust in God is unfaltering as she watches her son carried away by the current of the water.
Hannah
Having been given the son she had wept and prayed for at the temple, once he was born Hannah returned Samuel to God by sending him to serve to the priests as she had promised as part of her prayer. Hannah kept her promise to God and was blessed with more children.
Naomi
It was a testament to Naomi that Ruth, when told to leave, to go and return to their mother's family, instead chose to remain with her mother-in-law. We then witness Naomi as she encourages her daughter-in-law to find new happiness.
Rebekah
Mother to Jacob and Esau - like Eve, the very first mother, Rebekah's sons don't get along - they fight from conception. She helps Jacob secure the better blessing from his father, offering to take any curse upon herself.
Mary
The Gospels detail her story along with that of her blessed Son - Jesus Christ, from her unwavering faith through to love that witnessed the death of her son upon the cross. Her character shines out from God's Word in both joy and sorrow.
Eunice
Timothy's mother had raised him in faith - Paul highlights her in his second letter to Timothy. He describes her faith as 'Genuine' and reminds Timothy not to forget that faith she nurtured in him.
Our Mother's
Our busy lives make it easy to overlook and dismiss many of the amazing things that a mother does - often we simply take for granted the little gestures of kindness and love. Those reminders 'just in time' of family birthdays - that favourite dish that's always on the menu when you visit. A quick phone call or visit just at the right moment, a gentle touch, sometimes a stern word to get us back on track.
Today is a gift to us all - an invitation to let our mother's know the impact they have made on our lives. Or to say a prayer thanking God for our mother's, some may no longer be here to hold our hands through difficulties but our lives bare witness to their nurture, teaching and love.
March 18th, 2012 - Posted & Written by Jo Pountney
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