A Mother’s Impact

   It is that time of year again. One day in 365 that all who are living should observe—Mother’s Day. Why not? Do not our mothers deserve a day in her honor? I believe so. I know so. In this mixed up world in which we live, a lot of people probably think there is nothing so special about Mother’s Day. But—all living human beings owe their earthly existence to mother. Many Christians owe their Christian life to their mothers.

A Mother’s Impact– A mother, human as she is, is that wonderful creature whose love knows no bounds is never wavering, never waning. A mother, perhaps, is the rarest of all of God’s creation. A University of Michigan survey reported 80% of 11-18 year-old girls desired to be just like their mothers. This suggests that one’s mother is a very strong force in a child’s life. The Scriptures recognize the power of a mother’s influence. Paul reminded Timothy of the vital role his mother Eunice had on his life and faith. “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” (2 Tim. 1:5, ESV). Timothy’s faith was genuine and unwavering. While Timothy’s biblical faith came from the Word of God (Rom. 10:17), his faith was deeply influenced by his mother Lois. That is the way it ought to be.

What Great Men Have Said about Their Mothers- Paul’s testimony of Eunice on Timothy’s faith is apparent. Famous men have spoken highly of their mothers. Consider.

• Napoleon said, “the future destiny of the child is always the work of the mother.”
• Theodore Roosevelt said, “She (mother) is more important by far than the successful statesman, businessman, artist, or scientist.”
• Jewish Talmud asks, “Who is best taught?” and then answers, “He that is taught by his mother.”
• Emerson said, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.”
• Abraham Lincoln said, “All that I am, or can be, I owe to my mother.”

Why Is a Mother’s Influence so Powerful? The more we learn about life the more we understand the importance of mothers and fathers. Mothers ought to encourage. Who does not remember their mother saying, “Go ahead you can do it?” Mothers expect their children to do the right thing. Mothers ought to give independence and self-confidence. Good mothers help as much as needed, but expects her child to learn to stand on his own two feet. Mothers ought to give us emotional stability. While life is a struggle in so many ways, and for so many, our mothers really ought to be a pattern of emotional stability.

A Mother’s Lasting Influence of Their Children. Most know of Sir Walter Scott’s great poetry and literature, many do not know of his mother’s deep love for poetry and literature. A good influence.

Lord Byron was greatly influenced by his mother. Byron’s mother had a horrible temper. She influenced Byron wrongly. Byron’s parents were morally unrestrained, unfaithful to their marriage vows, and devoid of spiritual values. Byron learned to indulge in the sins of his parents. He left great poetry, but he left us an example of what happens to children when parents are careless and sinful.

A young mother was reading the Bible to her baby. A friend asked, “Surely you do not think your baby understands what you are reading?” Mother replied, “No, he does not understand now. But I want his earliest memory to be that of seeing and hearing the Bible.” God bless good mothers.          Terry Varner (Harmar Hill Church of Christ)