“Mother's Day” By Brother Kennth Ray May 8th,
2011 Today is Mother’s Day. I have a few definitions, words I looked up for Mother’s Day: Motherhood—Character or qualities of a mother. Mothering—The work or skill of a mother in raising a child or children. Motherly—Having traits considered typical of mothers: Kind protective, nurturing, etc. Mother image—Person substituted in one’s mind for one’s mother and often the objects of emotions felt towards the mother. Motherhood is complicated. It’s integral to life; only a mother can have a baby, but just being pregnant is not the same as being a mother. If I were to ask, we could produce a list of things that mothers have supplied or provided. From care to cooking to correction, wisdom, and values. There are many facets to motherhood. We all play a role. This day (Mother’s Day) holds many memories: joy, glee, downright funny, but also embarrassing moments, hurt, shame, heartache. There are a range of reasons for these true emotions that we feel. We don’t all have the same relations with our mothers. Everything doesn’t always apply to your family. Mom is going to let you down sometimes. Particularly if she is a double-role person—sometimes mom is a single provider. She works, cooks, and cleans. She tries to make sure that you aren’t short-changed. My mother pressed and starched every stitch of my school clothes when I was a kid; there was not a wrinkle on me anywhere. I told her, “But, mom, wrinkles are in!” She said, “You’re my child and wrinkles are out!” I was the only kid at my school that looked like that. Of course, at parent-teacher conferences, the teachers always commented about how neat my appearance was. See, my mother worried that if I wasn’t presentable, people would think that she wasn’t taking good care of me. Mothers have needs. Need number 1: Sometimes, mothers need someone who understands her. How many times do you feel no one understands where you are coming from or how you feel? First let me say that God will meet your needs as they arise. Christian Fellowship cannot meet your needs. Are you shocked that I said that? A denomination cannot meet your needs. Only Jesus can meet your needs. Nothing is too small or too silly to take to God in prayer. He’s the one to go to if you have legitimate needs. Sometimes, mothers need time out. I don’t mean a time-out in the corner, just some quality time or quiet time. Remember that old Calgon commercial, where the mother would say, “Calgon, take me away!” Sometimes things just get to be moving too much at one time. How many of you mothers are morning people? How many are evening people? Maybe before the day starts, or at the end of the day, mom spends quality time in devotion, preparing for the day. Maybe reading a devotional book, a Bible verse, or a poem, or singing or humming a song; something that will help you to focus on God. God will encourage you in a special way, because there are no cookie-cutter moms—each of you are unique, and He will refresh you. Need number 3: Sometimes, mothers need help with solutions; answers to problems or questions. Moms don’t have all the answers to all the questions. They don’t have to. How will I pay bills, get the child to daycare, get to work, etc. Moms are not supposed to have all the answers. Prayer is often under-used. For the times when mom needs answers, and you are at the end of your rope, the knot has been tied, but you feel yourself slipping… Let go, see God’s hand will hold you. Need number 4: Sometimes, moms need to be loved, and they need to be forgiven. Forgiving is not for mom, it’s for you that need to forgive. Love, and the need to be loved, plays a very large part in the lives of all people. Mothers are no different. When mom makes the right choice, she is loved by all; we sing her praises and shout it from the mountain tops. What about when she says no? Do we get mad? Do we do that little pouty thing? Sometimes she will simply say, “Get used to it; there are more disappointments to come.” That’s hard to accept. What about when mom makes a really big mistake? Do we hold on to past reminders of mistakes? Mom should be loved and accepted unconditionally. We don’t always understand. Moms, are you haunted, not by ghosts, but by skeletons in the closet; past choices that you have made. Maybe you just aren’t ready for motherhood. You know what, though? There’s only one sin that’s not forgivable? Do you know what that is? It’s blaspheming the Holy Ghost. Any other sin can be forgiven by God. We may not forgive you, but you aren’t going to have to face us on Judgment Day. Jesus is there to carry you. Stand and see His glory, when all you can do is stand. Cast your cares upon Him, lay your burdens down. If you’ll believe, trust, and walk by faith, then Jesus will not let you down. Motherhood is complicated, but through Jesus the simplicity can come. Sermon notes by Pete Shepherd |
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