Mothers Are Human
Genesis 1:26 states:
“That God created man in His image, and this makes us human”.
I don’t have a cape today. You see, I love illustrated sermons. Most people are visual first. Even what I am wearing is part of our story as Mothers. We are a work in progress, and God is still working on me.
I stand before you as a woman of God, humble, broken as a child of God. I have had a lot of losses in my life lately and I feel I am in mourning. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
My message today is to say Mothers Are Human. My hat says, “That’s What I Do- I Fix Stuff and I Know Things”. As mothers, we are doctors, lawyers, cooks, therapist, negotiators, bankers, scientists—and the list goes on. I’ve had to fix a lot of stuff this week but let me say this: I have had to ask God for all kinds of wisdom. “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver.”
Sometimes we are put on pedestals we did not ask to be on. Any of you that thought mothers were not human and you mocked them behind their backs—apologize or ask God for forgiveness. I found out that a person is working with the best they can do and with the knowledge that they have. We hurt and sometimes feel like failures because of children’s actions. We sometimes think “where did they get that from?”
I got pregnant when I was 15 years old, and my mother told me “I was messed up”. I carried that hurt and shame for a long number of years. Sidebar—Don’t judge that naïve little girl by the women you see before you today. I have ministered to a lot of women whose daughters were pregnant, and I can relate from both sides. I can relate to the mother and to the daughter. I was ostracized by the women I loved most in life. She told me no one had ever done this in my family. I said to myself, “Yeah, right”, as there was probably a big shotgun involved. Mothers Are Human…
We make all kinds of sacrifices so that our children can have a better life than we did. When I go through the drive thru, I do not leave the window until I check and make sure everything we ordered is in there. Or else, when we’d get home, one of them is going to say, “I didn’t get my fries!”. Mothers, what do we do? My children ate like truck drivers. The other one is going to say, “Mama, I’m still hungry. Are you going to eat that?”. Mothers what do we do? Give them the rest of your food. So, I wind up eating a bowl of cereal. Mothers Are Human…
Traits of a Godly Mother
- A Godly Mother Apologizes Often.
Let’s face it. Motherhood is messy. We are going to make mistakes. And that’s OK! One of the best ways we can model humility to our kids is by confessing our sins and apologizing for our bad attitudes and behaviors. This shows them that we can rely on Jesus and the forgiveness we have received from Him.
- A Godly Mother Has Integrity.
Integrity is the hallmark of a Godly mother. Whether in relationships, finances, or her daily tasks—she conducts herself with honesty. You want people to trust you, but most importantly, you want God to trust you. She lives with transparency and moral uprightness.
- A Godly Mother Trusts in God
Her trust in God is most evident during the most trying and depleting seasons of her life. Like the widow of Zarephath, she lives by faith and not by sight. She trusts that God will provide her for family’s needs. When it seems like she’s drowning in despair, she keeps her eyes on God and claims His promises each day.
- A Godly Mother Has Self-Control
A Godly mother has self-control. Self-Control is often an ignored virtue in our society, but crucial one. Lack of self-control can have adverse effects on your self-esteem, education, career, finances, relationships, and overall health and well-being.
- A Godly Mother is Humble and Trusting Towards God.
Mothers are humble. Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” Mothers that are humbled before God realize that they need the help of the Lord in their lives. It is important for mothers to submit their children to God as He is the only one that truly knows their hearts. The heart is a place that God can see and that He can pour His abundant love.
- A Godly Mother Prays
The Bible commands us to pray. As a mother it is needful for us to pray according to the leading of the Spirit. Our prayers have the opportunity to impact the here and now and eternity for our children. Your prayers matter. God is accomplishing His plans and purposes through you and the prayers you are praying for your children.
- Godly Mothers Forgive
She has a gracious spirit. She extends grace and forgiveness to others reflecting the mercy and compassion of God. Forgiveness frees you from the control of the person who harmed you. Forgiveness can lead to feelings of understanding, empathy, and compassion for the one who hurt you. Mothers know that withholding forgiveness can open a door to bitterness, insecurity, and even barricading yourself from blessings. Forgiveness can heal wounds and bring peace and love that only God can give.
God defines a mother according to purpose. Her purpose is one who “binds” the family together, holding them together individually and collectively though her love and actions. The journey of motherhood- becoming a Godly mother doesn’t start when you give birth or adopt a child. It begins knowing your identity in Jesus.