Mothers Who Mentor Series

Video Introduction: “Just Like Me”

Today, we’re going to look at how a mother and a grandmother mentored a young boy who grew up to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. They did this by spending time with him and by modeling sincere spirituality.

Over one hundred years ago, by an act of Congress, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. He established it as a time for “public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

It’s certainly true that no nation is ever greater than its mothers, for they are the makers of the next generation. One popular poem, written almost 150 years ago, contains this line, “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” Actually, the hand that rocks the cradle is usually attached to a mother who isn’t getting enough sleep! And so, today we want to honor moms. We applaud not only your efforts, but who you are.

Having said that, some of you are probably tempted to turn this service off because your mother is no longer here, and you really miss her. Or maybe you have a rough relationship with your mom, and you struggle with all the syrupy sentiments in Hallmark cards. Some of you may have a mother who is very sick, and you wonder how much longer she’s going to be with you. Maybe you’re a single dad and you hurt for your kids as you watch them struggle. A number of you have experienced the devastating loss of a child’s death.

There are probably some mothers tuning in who wish they didn’t have kids and I know there are women who would give anything just to have a child. Others of you are grieving the direction your prodigal child is taking. Many moms are gripped with guilt and swimming in shame because they think they’re not doing a good job. And, a number of you moms are flying solo as you work hard to nurture your child’s faith without the support of the child’s dad.

Regardless of what kinds of feelings get stirred up on Mother’s Day, please keep listening because we’re going to discover truth which will apply to each of us individually. We’ll also find motivation to mentor others, whether or not they are our own children.

Let me be quick to say if you aren’t married or don’t have children you are not inferior. Womanhood is not only about marriage and children. Your worth as a woman goes far beyond your marital status or whether or not you have kids.

As we begin, I want to give a “shout-out” to those of you who are raising young children. Some of you are battling bedtimes and wondering when all the whining is going to stop. You’re juggling schedules and running on emotional “empty.” Many of you can relate to Proverbs 31:15 which says, “She rises while it is yet night…”

Would you take a deep breath right now and listen to these comforting words from the Good Shepherd in Isaiah 40:11? “He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in his arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” May you know the sweet gentleness of the Shepherd as He leads you to love the little lambs in your care.

Moms Matter

This is the first message in a new series we’re calling, “Family Matters.” Next week our topic will be, “Marriage as It’s Meant to Be” from Genesis 2. Other topics include, “Finding Security and Significance,” “Single and Satisfied?,” “What to Look for in a Mate,” “Gospel-Centered Parenting,” “Fathers Who Lead,” “Intentional Grandparenting,” “Rescued and Replanted” and a message focused on how God is using students who live on mission.

In her book The Missional Mom, author Helen Lee asks this question, “Why aren’t today’s women…discovering more joy and fulfillment in their journeys as mothers?” She believes the answer is for moms to become more missional: “Moms need to explore the idea of calling and understand both the specific part God has given them and also how the melody of motherhood fits into the grand symphony of God’s work.”

Our text for today is found in 2 Timothy 1:5: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” This mother/daughter team took their roles seriously. Paul gave a public shout out to these missional mothers in a time when women were rarely mentioned by name. We could say it like this: A mom can be a spiritual mentor to her children with or without the help of a dad.