Although actual dates differ, many countries around the world now celebrate Mother’s Day. Just as diverse as the countries is how each individual perceives what constitutes a mother. Therefore, in honor of this special holiday, we will explore how Scripture illuminates God’s view on the many roles of a mother’s love, a true blessing from God.
What God Values in His Child’s Mother
More than two millennia ago through archangel Gabriel, God made known His plan for who would bear His One and Only Son, Jesus. Appearing to Mary, a young virgin, Gabriel declared, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis). The first words of God’s messenger teach us what He values in His Child’s mother. We learn He chose Mary because of her righteous living.
Answering Mary as to how she could bear a child as a virgin, Gabriel ends by saying, “For no word from God will ever fail” (Luke 1:37, NIV). As a faithful follower of God, Mary accepts this explanation and declares, “I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38, NIV). Mary’s humble response to the miraculous news she heard demonstrates her unwavering faith in God and His divinity.
Who Can Also Fill the Role of Mother?
As an adoptive mom to two young men, I know firsthand motherhood is not solely based upon biology. Therefore, this begs the question, “Who can also fill the role of mother?” Arguably, I would venture to say any woman to whom the younger individual seeks for guidance, wisdom, comfort, support, caring, and love. Following this description, a mother can include a biological mother, an adoptive mother, a church elder, a mentor, a close family friend, or other close relative.
The unique dynamic of adults, surrounding me during my childhood, has never been lost on me. In truth, until my grandmother’s passing, I used to joke about having two mothers. You see, I had the rare privilege of living next door to my grandparents from first grade until my senior year of college!
Living next door to my grandparents afforded me with a rare opportunity to experience a quasi, multi-generational household. As such, when I grew defiant or obstinate with my parents, I would head over to my grandparents’ house. Unbeknownst to me until years later (Thanks, mom!), my mother would call ahead and inform them of what had transpired at home. Then, upon my arrival, I would unload the weight of what had happened. Without fail and much to my astonishment, they never seemed a bit surprised. In fact, my grandparents always listened attentively and then imparted their wisdom, mixed with generous helpings of love and support.
Through my most formative years, I was extremely blessed to have two mothers, my biological mom and my granny. Saying this in no way diminishes the value I place on my mom. Instead, I gained a unique vantage point in how other women in our lives can also fill the precious role of an “adopted” mother. Can you relate? Scripture surely does!
Examples from Scripture of “Adopted” Mothers
The Daughter of Pharaoh
Scripture tells the story of how the Israelites found themselves living in Egypt. Two years into a seven-year famine, Joseph called for his brothers and all of his father, Jacob’s, household to relocate from Canaan to Egypt, which they did. In fact, true to his word, Joseph “settled his father and his brothers in Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the district of Rameses…” (Genesis 47:11, NIV).
Fast forward about 300 years, and life for the Israelites has changed dramatically. In fact, they have become enslaved to Pharaoh, a king who had no ties to Joseph. Subsequently, the longer the Israelites “were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread [them]” (Exodus 1:12, NIV). As a result, the king of Egypt decreed, “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live” (Exodus 1:22, NIV). Fortunately, Pharaoh did not have the last word because God had other plans!
During this time of oppression, a Hebrew woman, Jochebed, from the tribe of Levi gave birth to a son. With the king’s orders looming large, this mother, sensing her child was special, did the only thing she could. She attempted to protect him. After hiding him for three months, she bravely placed him in a small basket, or ark, and set it afloat in the Nile.
Through a divine course of events, Pharaoh’s daughter spotted the precious baby boy and, eventually, adopted him (Exodus 2:1-10, NIV). His name was Moses, the very one whom God chose to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and to the Promised Land.
Jesus’s Mother, Mary
When God’s children are in doubt about anything, they should look to the Greatest Role Model of All Time, Jesus. In fact, Scripture shows Jesus believed in adopted mothers. How do we know? Well, we must look no further than what He says during His crucifixion.
Once nailed to the cross, Jesus looks to those whom He loved during His earthly life. Standing near Him (along with others) was His mother, Mary, and the disciple believed to be John. Addressing each of them separately, He tells Mary, “Woman, here is your son” (John 19:26, NIV). Then, demonstrating great trust in His disciple, Jesus declares, “Here is your mother” (John 19:27, NIV). Scripture tells us, “From that time on, [John] took her into his home” as his adopted mother (John19:27, NIV).
How Scripture Describes the Roles of Mothers
In all his wisdom, King Solomon describes the values and, arguably, roles of a noble wife (and mother) by saying:
“25She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness” (Proverbs 23:25-27, NIV) (bold and italics added for emphasis).
King Solomon’s words carry a lot of weight, so let us take a moment and unpack them.
Serves as a Source of Strength and Dignity
Looking back on a lifetime of memories with my mom, I recall an abundance of times when she served as a pillar of strength and dignity for my family and me. However, there is one period of time which resonates above the rest.
As I have shared previously (see post titled “Appreciation for Diversity Discovered in a Most Unique Way”), my younger sister (and only sibling), Becky, lived valiantly with spina bifida until returning to her eternal home at the age of 33 years. Until her death, she lived at home with our parents. Throughout Becky’s life, I witnessed the depth and power of the outpouring of strength and dignity she received at the hands of our parents, especially our mother.
As a college freshman, Becky underwent a life-altering surgery. Prior to her fourteen-hour operation, my sister struggled with diminishing strength and dexterity in her hands. She frequently fell because her once unsurpassed grip could no longer support her walking with crutches. The surgeon cautioned the procedure was my sister’s last remaining hope of ever walking. Why? All of the specialists had reached the extent of their medical knowledge. Unfortunately, the operation proved unsuccessful, and Becky spent the last years of her life confined to a wheelchair.
Now, I do not profess to understand what it must have been like for Becky to go through all she did. However, I have undergone surgeries of my own, and, perhaps, you have, too. In short order, I discovered how even the simplest of self-care tasks proved challenging. During those moments of frustration, I realized how much I needed to depend upon someone else to shower, get dressed, and use the restroom. And to think… Becky lived like this for about a decade before her passing, leaving her no room for modesty or dignity. Right? Wrong, thanks to our mother!
Provides Laughter
Some believe the phrase “laughter is the best medicine” has origins in Scripture. Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine….” Honestly, I say this not because I am partial to her, but simply because it is true. My mother genuinely possesses the most cheerful heart I know!
Although my mom shares her joyful nature with everyone she encounters, her family has, and will aways remain, the primary recipient of her joy. In fact, from my earliest memories, my mom has found unique and creative ways to bring levity to otherwise sad moments. Perhaps your mother, or some other special woman in your life, has exemplified a cheerful heart and served as a source of laughter for you, too!
Wisely Teaches Her Children (and Others) about Her Faith
While speaking to all of Israel, Moses took great care articulating God’s commandments for His children. In his message, Moses says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV).
Woven into Moses’s words is the importance God places on His children’s faith. Nurturing one’s own faith is not sufficient. Not at all. In fact, God wants His children to teach their children, too. We know He values when His children exercise strong faith and strive for righteous living. After all, that is why He chose Mary as the mother of His One and Only Son!
Cares and Comforts Those in Her Household
Mothers and “adopted” mothers, alike, long to provide care and comfort for their children. Many desire to serve as “a soft place to land” for their children during difficult moments. No matter what. Just think, Mary remained by Jesus’s side until the very end. She did this despite the horrific images of pain and torture inflicted upon her child. How could any mother handle witnessing their child suffer such pain and anguish? Mothers around the globe do this every day! My own mom is an example of unconditional love and selfless caring. Who comes to mind in your own life?
Closing Thoughts and a Call to Action
Mothers serve as one of their children’s first teachers. The Creator in all of His infinite, divine wisdom created mothers to serve as a child’s first example of selfless, unconditional love. This mimics, on a smaller scale, the profound, immense outpouring of love our Father in Heaven has for His children, including you. With this in mind, do not hesitate and wait for one day a year to celebrate the value of the mother(s) in your life. Let your own mother(s) know what a true blessing from God they really are! Why not make every day a Mother’s Day?!
Special Acknowledgments:
Thank You, God, for richly blessing me with my mom. Throughout my life, she has continued to faithfully serve You by exemplifying the embodiment of all you have called her, as a mother, to be.
Also, thank you, Mom, for authentically living out your faith in all you do. I continue to learn so much from you. I love you, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!