Mothers of the Bible - Pt. 3

 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:28-30 ESV).

 

I hope each of the moms reading today’s devotional will be blessed with the joy of family and the peace of God’s enormous grace. I’ve chosen to use the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as our last example for this Mother’s Day. She certainly is the most famous woman of the Bible. However, with all of the fame and countless stories written and told in her name, I wonder if we really understand who she was. I often wonder just how Mary felt when the angel Gabriel appeared before her to tell her that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. The Bible tells us that she was afraid and asked how it could be because she was a virgin, a legitimate question. Even through her fear and wondering, she accepted the overwhelming task to carry the Savior of the world, risking whispers behind her back, criticism, and judgment. Mary was real about her emotions, but she pushed through how she was feeling because she had an awareness about laying down her life. She knew the risk and the uncomfortable stares were worth being obedient to God.

 

I’m sure she struggled with perfectionism in the face of this perfect child. I’m sure she struggled with His mission and understanding of who He was. I’m sure she struggled with the dangerous life He had chosen. Yet, even though she did not understand all of what God was doing through Jesus, she was faithful and loving.

 

There is an incredible message her for all parents.  As we struggle to be the perfect parent, especially with so many “perfect snapshots” on social media. We ought to remember that today is a day that ought to celebrate who we are, not merely what we have done. If Mary proves anything to us, it is that God is interested in position not performance. Our position is never in question with God. We are His beloved children.

 

So, if you find yourself struggling to be the “perfect” Mom (or Dad), remember you’re your children need you to be present emotionally as much as physically. They are looking for a parent who will love them right where they’re at. They are watching and observing the way we handle the difficult situations of life and learning invaluable lessons. Being real and not trying to create a perfect facade is what brings us closer to them. As our reading reminds us, this is why our “children will rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). Happy Mother’s Day!