The Influence of a Godly Mother
The Influence of a Godly Mother
Happy Mother’s Day!
Apostle Paul was deeply impressed by the faith that was so vibrant in the life of his Spiritual Son, Timothy. Behind Timothy’s strong faith, his deep convictions, his solid doctrinal foundation was two WOMEN, his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.
2 Tim. 1:5 “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
Mothers have a God-given opportunity to imprint upon their children an indelible influence for God and his purposes.
The godly influence of Jochebed on little Moses and Hannah on little Samuel caused these men to be great in the sight of the Lord and be used of Him in changing the course of entire nations.
Augustine, John Newton, and the zealous Wesley brothers were deeply influenced by their godly mothers. Their godly mothers raised them in homes where the law of love and a Christian witness were their daily guide and inspiration.
Susannah Wesley, for example, spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters. No wonder two of her sons, Charles and John, were used of God to bring blessing to all of England and much of America.
James A. Garfield’s father died when he was just two years old, leaving his mother all alone to raise him. On the day he was sworn in as the 20th President of the United States, President Garfield leaned over and kissed his mother and said, “Mother, you have brought me to this.”
Abraham Lincoln’s mother used to sit Abe on her knee every day and read to him from the Bible. She said, “I would rather Abe be able to read the Bible than to own a farm, if he could have but just one.”
Nancy Todd Lincoln died when Abe was just nine years old. Here were the last words she spoke to young Abraham Lincoln, “Abe, I am going to leave you now, and I shall not return. I want you to be kind to your father and live as I have taught you. Love your heavenly Father and keep His commandments.”
Some mothers don't know when their job is finished. They figure the longer their children hang around with them, the better parents they are.
I love what Erma Bombeck wrote about children in Reader’s Digest (March 1997). She mentions “I see children as kites. You spend a lifetime trying to get them off the ground. You run with them until you're both breathless...they crash...you add a longer tail. You patch and comfort, adjust and teach-and assure them that someday they will fly.
Finally they are airborne, but they need more string, and you keep letting it out. With each twist of the ball of twine, the kite becomes more distant. You know it won't be long before that beautiful creature will snap the lifeline that bound you together and soar-free and alone. Only then do you know you did your job.”