Mother’s Day is the result of one woman’s unrelenting commitment to honor her mother. I bring this up because, now more than ever, the challenge—and pressure—of being a (good and righteous) mother is more difficult than ever.
The Proverbs 31 woman takes care of her husband, home, family, business, as well as herself. Today, it seems, you only need to take care of yourself, be your children’s best friend, be understanding in the decisions they make, and support them no matter what they do.
Of course, you need to come alongside your children; of course, it is important to listen to them, finding out what is important to them; and of course supporting them as they learn life lessons, especially the hard ones.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs says that mothers are to teach their children according to family customs and beliefs like being righteous, thoughtful of others, and respectful to elders, not indulge them. It says that disciplining children may well save them from something worse than death.
The emerging culture of today seems to suggest that any correction of a child is wrong, and will damage them. It seems to suggest that history is wrong, and will taint them. It seems to suggest that children know how to handle life without the intrusion of parents. If that is the case, perhaps children should be abandoned soon after birth, as certain animals do with their young.
Human beings, made in the image and likeness of God, are meant to be nurtured, trained, and disciplined by righteous, loving, caring parents. Mothers have always been at the forefront of that charge. The Catholic church has elevated Mary, the mother of Jesus, to such a high place of honor because she is the mother of Christ.
So, this Mother’s day is about swimming against the tide of self-indulgence, the popular opinions of destructive parenting, and the many screaming voices towards any who oppose, to steadfastly draw a line in the sand, encircling her children while boldly saying, You will not have them!
I applauded you righteous mothers who are willing to take such a stand. I pray the blessing of the Lord overtakes you, as the angels of our God surround and protect you in your unrelenting stand.
History shows us that society is only changed when the children are indoctrinated with the seeds of that change. When change is needed, so be it, but when change means abandoning righteous principles for self-righteous indulgence, it cannot be allowed to win.
God’s speed to you mothers on this Mother’s Day. May it be filled with the grace of our God, the goodness of Jesus, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the love of your children.