“When I recall 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.” (II Timothy 1.5)
Mother’s Day is almost here! It is the third most popular holiday after Christmas and Easter, and why not? Mothers have a great influence on the life of a child. She carries her child for nine months. She is the main person who feeds him/her; who bathes him/her; who changes him/her; who puts him/her to bed; plus she may be working inside or outside the home. No offense men, but we’re not as strong as we think we are. Mothers have a strength and grit that men don’t.
I remember when my mother and father separated and then divorced. My Mom resolved to care for my brother and me. She got up early and did a newspaper route from her car and worked at her regular job for twelve hours just to make ends meet. Unfortunately, I have not always grasped the sacrifice that she made for us. As she got older, this took a toll on her body, but her influence taught me the importance of providing for one’s family.
As my brother and I got older, Mom made sure that we were attending our local church every opportunity that presented itself. Her openness made it possible for me to hear the Gospel and respond to it when I was 12 years old. Later, when I was 19 and had the opportunity to do a missions project which then led to service in a Baptist mission center in Connecticut, Mom encouraged me to do it. Her influence and encouragement were important to the growth of my Christian faith.
All of us can think of those moms who have a negative influence upon their children. Most psychologists agree that this influence affects a child even more than a positive one. They are the ones who practice over/under or uninvolvement; who practice little or no discipline; who practice strict or rigid discipline; who withdraw affection and attention; and who practice shaming them.
As we see in the life of Timothy, his mother and grandmother led him to faith in Christ. He was not “drug” to Christ, he was led to Him by their influence. Moms, I’m grateful for what you do for us!
William Ross Wallace penned the poem, “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle”. This is one of the stanzas:
‘Women, how divine is your mission Here upon our natal sod;
Keep, O keep the young heart open Always to the breath of God!…
For the hand that Rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.”
Mothers, may you continue to be a positive, Christian influence on your children!
Until Next Month,
Bro. Lyle