Whenever I shop for Mother’s Day cards, I am amazed at how few of them capture the complexity and depth of emotion that I feel for my mother. Sometimes I think of writing my own. But what would I say? So many feelings pop into my head that I can’t begin to sort them all out, not even for a minute. So, I end up choosing ready-made cards that express what is most true about my relationship with my mother: I think about her all the time.
She instilled in me the humility that is described in Philippians 2:1-13, and the larger sense of faith as described in Hebrews 11, both of which point toward a bigger picture than self and a larger promise than one’s own personal goals (1 Cor 9:24; Phil 3:14).
People describe Hebrews 11 as a walk through the Hall of Faith, ending with what we should do right now (Heb 12:1-2). Only three women are mentioned: Sarah, Pharoah’s daughter, and Rahab. There is also a general mention of “women” in verse 35. Some people take offense that the Bible is so heavily slanted toward men. But the Bible is clear: both men and women come equally from God (1 Cor 11:12). And when I read Philippians 2:1-13 and Hebrews 11:1-12:2, I think of the women in my own life who labored in faith for a greater promise for themselves and their children.
Which is exactly what God wants for us.
I see moms as people made in God’s image to do His work, which is to bring us all a little bit closer to obtaining the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14). So, to biological moms, adoptive moms, stand-in moms, in-law moms, grieving moms and even moms who have died, thank you for having the faith to move mountains every day for the sake of a child. Or at least being willing to. Thanks to all of you.
Let’s Commit
Take measures to improve your relationship with:
- God – Phil 2:9-13
- Others – Phil 2:3, 4
- Self – Phil 2:5