Mother's Day, 2019

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (Proverbs 31:28 ESV). Today Mary and I are in Washington DC visiting with our youngest son, Aaron. It also happens to be Mother’s Day! I have written s devotional on special days many times before; however, today I want us to look into the heart and mind of the Apostle Paul as he writes something of a farewell letter to Timothy. Timothy is his beloved son in the faith and loyal companion in ministry. As Paul faces death, contemplates the end of his ministry, and wrestles with abandonment by many of his friends we are able to see some of his last impressions of life. It is a beautifully picture of motherhood.

In a dark and destitute prison cell, Paul’s heart is warmed by the memories of Timothy’s affectionate spirit and his sincere faith, a faith that was instilled in him by two godly women, his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice cf. 2 Timothy 1:3-5). These two women of virtue were spiritual pillars in Timothy’s life. They grounded him in his service for the Lord, a service that refreshed Paul time and time again. Paul encouraged Timothy to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). A godly heritage is a wonderful gift to be treasured. It isn’t to be lightly esteemed or taken for granted. Lois and Eunice gave the world an infectious servant-leader in their rearing of Timothy, a homegrown disciple. They didn’t outsource Timothy’s discipleship; they took ownership of his spiritual cultivation. In essence Paul said: “Timothy, I know your grandmother, and her faith is authentic. I know your mother, and her faith is the real deal, and after watching you all this time I am convinced of the sincerity of your faith also.” To describe that faith, Paul used a word, which literally means, “without hypocrisy.” In word and deed, Lois and Eunice showed Timothy what it looks like to flesh out a living faith. Washington Irving, writing about mothers, said: “A father may turn his back on his child; brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies; husbands may desert their wives and wives their husbands. But a mother’s love endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world’s condemnation, a mother still loves on, and still hopes that her child may turn from his evil ways, and repent; still she remembers the infant smiles that once filled her bosom with rapture, the merry laugh, the joyful shout of … childhood, the opening promise of youth; and she can never be brought to think (her child) all unworthy.” It’s been said that when a man succeeds, he does so by climbing a ladder steadied by a woman who believes in him. On this Mother’s Day, take time to honor those women who have nurtured our lives and held steady the ladder of our success. Who believed in you when others didn’t? Who stuck with you when others gave up on you? More than likely this is a she. I know Mary has been such a woman in the life of our children and grandchildren. Take some time to thank her as you abide in His grace this week. Happy Mother’s Day!