Better Than I Was Back Then
By Cindy Beall
This week's topic: Mothers
I'm a better mother today than I was 10 years ago. I'm a better wife than I was 17 years ago. I'm a better friend than I was in 1987.
I've been reading a book about parenting children. It's chock full of information and quite frankly, I can only take the book in doses. Not only does it make my brain spin with great ideas and advice, but I've felt a few guilty pangs make their way to my insecure, parenting heart.
If I'm being honest, y'all...
But then something dawned on me just last night. I am training my sons. Training them in life, in godliness, in preparation for not only handling the things of this world, but also preparing them for eternity. They are making many mistakes along the way, but at the same time, they are also making strides.
My oldest, Noah, is brilliant. I might have mentioned that a time or twenty before. Well, he is and he takes after his dad on that. I cannot even begin to think that I contributed to his wit and intelligence. But, his looks?
Well, that's another story. He is the spittin' image of me.
Just the other day he made a comment about something he didn't have. He was comparing himself to his friends and said that they all had this thing he wanted. He had a minor pity party for himself and I said very calmly, "Where's your thankfulness for what you have?" I then left it at that and moved on. Within a couple of minutes he said, "I'm sorry for saying that."
He's growing. He's becoming the man of God I always believed he'd become. He's taking ownership for his actions. He is becoming a young man who actually thinks of others. Not always, mind you, but he is on his way.
But it's taken a lot of effort. A lot. Just like my parenting does.
I mentioned that I'm a better parent now than I was before his birth. It's true. I realize so much more now. And in 10 more years, I will realize so much more. I'll be a better parent in 10 more years.
As I train my sons to be who God wants them to be, I am also being trained by the hand of God to be a better parent. Sometimes I expect myself to be the perfect parent. But after last night, I am just praying that God would make me better and better, day by day, year by year.
Join me in that prayer, will you?
Scripture Of The Day: "And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." - Philippians 1:6 (AMP)
Cindy Beall is a Christ follower who uses her gift of exhortation by writing and mentoring women. She uses her past experiences, including the near death of her marriage, to encourage people that God truly does redeem. For more information about Cindy, log onto http://www.cindybeall
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
That Kind Of Mother
That Kind Of Mother
By Aqualyn Toi Jones
This week's topic: Mothers
I'm not supposed to be here. Well, at least not according to the doctor who told my mother that she would have problems conceiving. Obviously, and thankfully, God had other plans for both my mother and me.
If anyone deserved to have kids, in my humble opinion, it's my Mommy (yes, I still call her that as a grown woman). She is a lovely, intelligent, sweet and godly woman. She prayed, despite what the doctors said, for children. And she told God that she would give her children back to Him if He granted that request. Sounds very similar to a woman named Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Hannah's womb was closed. For years she lived in anguish because of her barrenness. In 1 Samuel, she made a vow to God. "...If You will remember me and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..."
Hannah made good on her vow. She literally gave her son to Eli, the priest. Samuel grew to become one of the great prophets and judges of Israel. I wonder if Hannah knew what her son would become. I wonder if Samuel knew the kind of mother he had.
W.E. Biederwolf once said, "Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet and a ruler for His people. Precisely by those weeks and months and years, there came a woman with a vision like God's, with a gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of man God knew the nation needed."
My mother spent years in prayer to be able to have children. And once we got here, the prayers didn't stop. They intensified. She's the kind of mother who raised us to love and fear the Lord. To trust Him. She's the kind of mother who taught us how to pray. She exemplified a grateful spirit and heart. She's the kind of woman who writes, "Thank You, Jesus" in her check book register every time she pays a bill.
I don't have children yet, but when that time comes I want to be like Hannah and my mother. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Every blessing, relationship, opportunity and reward comes from God. It's only fitting that we offer back to Him the very things and lives that He has given us. Perhaps if we asked of Him from this perspective, we would see more of our prayers answered.
What destiny lies in your children? What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure their salvation? What lengths would you go to for your child to fulfill his or her purpose? We need more Hannahs. More women who are prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of children God knows the world needs.
Scripture Of The Day: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)
Toi Jones is a writer and an advocate for youth, underdogs, and all things (and people) that are broken and overlooked. Compassionate at her core, Toi is also an educator, a mentor, and a supporter of multiple initiatives for South Africa. For more information about Toi, log onto http://www.bewrite-livewrite.typepad.com.…
By Aqualyn Toi Jones
This week's topic: Mothers
I'm not supposed to be here. Well, at least not according to the doctor who told my mother that she would have problems conceiving. Obviously, and thankfully, God had other plans for both my mother and me.
If anyone deserved to have kids, in my humble opinion, it's my Mommy (yes, I still call her that as a grown woman). She is a lovely, intelligent, sweet and godly woman. She prayed, despite what the doctors said, for children. And she told God that she would give her children back to Him if He granted that request. Sounds very similar to a woman named Hannah in the first chapter of 1 Samuel.
Hannah's womb was closed. For years she lived in anguish because of her barrenness. In 1 Samuel, she made a vow to God. "...If You will remember me and not forget your maidservant, but will give your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..."
Hannah made good on her vow. She literally gave her son to Eli, the priest. Samuel grew to become one of the great prophets and judges of Israel. I wonder if Hannah knew what her son would become. I wonder if Samuel knew the kind of mother he had.
W.E. Biederwolf once said, "Hannah wanted only a son, but God wanted more. He wanted a prophet and a ruler for His people. Precisely by those weeks and months and years, there came a woman with a vision like God's, with a gentle spirit and a seasoned will, prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of man God knew the nation needed."
My mother spent years in prayer to be able to have children. And once we got here, the prayers didn't stop. They intensified. She's the kind of mother who raised us to love and fear the Lord. To trust Him. She's the kind of mother who taught us how to pray. She exemplified a grateful spirit and heart. She's the kind of woman who writes, "Thank You, Jesus" in her check book register every time she pays a bill.
I don't have children yet, but when that time comes I want to be like Hannah and my mother. Every good and perfect gift comes from above. Every blessing, relationship, opportunity and reward comes from God. It's only fitting that we offer back to Him the very things and lives that He has given us. Perhaps if we asked of Him from this perspective, we would see more of our prayers answered.
What destiny lies in your children? What sacrifices are you willing to make to ensure their salvation? What lengths would you go to for your child to fulfill his or her purpose? We need more Hannahs. More women who are prepared to be the kind of mother for the kind of children God knows the world needs.
Scripture Of The Day: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD . For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (NIV)
Toi Jones is a writer and an advocate for youth, underdogs, and all things (and people) that are broken and overlooked. Compassionate at her core, Toi is also an educator, a mentor, and a supporter of multiple initiatives for South Africa. For more information about Toi, log onto http://www.bewrite-livewrite.typepad.com.…
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Celebrate Mothers Today
Celebrate Mothers Today
By Bishop Jim Swilley
This week's topic: Mothers
“Happy Mother’s Day!” to you great and awesome women who have fulfilled God’s very first commandment: “Be fruitful and multiply.”
As we honor those formed from the feminine/maternal side of God’s heart—who carried us in the womb, nurtured us, fed us, walked the floor with us through feverish nights, clothed us, taught us, corrected us, worried over us, prayed for us, and loved us unconditionally—we command a collective blessing on all of you, offering up thanks and praise for your contribution to our lives and to the world! Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, Step-Mothers, Mothers-In-Law, and women who have been supernaturally placed in our lives as Mother-Figures (“Treat the older women as mothers…” – 1 Timothy 5:2)…you’re all important, and we celebrate you today!
Creativity’s finest moment was when the Creator created creators. Instead of making all the people who would ever live on this planet at once (which He certainly could have done), He started with one man and one woman, giving human beings the ability to make more human beings! The Law of Genesis is re-enacted every time the miracle of birth takes place.
Of course, birth is just the beginning—mothering goes on and on, even on some level, after the children “rise up and call her blessed.” But babies don’t come with instructions; parenting is basically on-the-job training, and each child arrives with his or her own individual personality and needs, so there really is no perfect standard of what is a “good” mother, other than the obvious.
To be sure, our heavenly Father is the ultimate model of parenting, and we have seen other great examples of what we believe to be good mothers. But in reality, even the best mother is only a steward of her child’s life. She doesn’t own him or her, and in the big picture she must seek God’s will for her children, even above her own hopes and desires for them.
Usually, when Proverb 22:6 is quoted, it is used to express the idea that if you raise children the right way, you will set the course for their whole life. The Amplified Bible more accurately captures the true essence of that verse, as in “Train up a child in the way HE should go...” in the way that is “in keeping with HIS individual gift or bent....” The “right way” is unique to each child. Part of a mother’s responsibility is to instill morals, values and spiritual heritage into her children, but the Proverb is really talking about helping a child become the best version of who he/she is meant to be…to guide them on their personal journey toward their personal destiny…to give them both roots and wings.
So, at the end of the day, the best thing a mother can do for her children is what moms do best…just to love them…because love never fails!
Scripture Of The Day: “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)
Bishop Jim Swilley is the founder and senior pastor of Church In The Now, located in Conyers, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. For more information about Bishop Swilley, visit http://www.churchinthenow.org or his personal blog at http://www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com.…
By Bishop Jim Swilley
This week's topic: Mothers
“Happy Mother’s Day!” to you great and awesome women who have fulfilled God’s very first commandment: “Be fruitful and multiply.”
As we honor those formed from the feminine/maternal side of God’s heart—who carried us in the womb, nurtured us, fed us, walked the floor with us through feverish nights, clothed us, taught us, corrected us, worried over us, prayed for us, and loved us unconditionally—we command a collective blessing on all of you, offering up thanks and praise for your contribution to our lives and to the world! Mothers, Grandmothers, Great-Grandmothers, Step-Mothers, Mothers-In-Law, and women who have been supernaturally placed in our lives as Mother-Figures (“Treat the older women as mothers…” – 1 Timothy 5:2)…you’re all important, and we celebrate you today!
Creativity’s finest moment was when the Creator created creators. Instead of making all the people who would ever live on this planet at once (which He certainly could have done), He started with one man and one woman, giving human beings the ability to make more human beings! The Law of Genesis is re-enacted every time the miracle of birth takes place.
Of course, birth is just the beginning—mothering goes on and on, even on some level, after the children “rise up and call her blessed.” But babies don’t come with instructions; parenting is basically on-the-job training, and each child arrives with his or her own individual personality and needs, so there really is no perfect standard of what is a “good” mother, other than the obvious.
To be sure, our heavenly Father is the ultimate model of parenting, and we have seen other great examples of what we believe to be good mothers. But in reality, even the best mother is only a steward of her child’s life. She doesn’t own him or her, and in the big picture she must seek God’s will for her children, even above her own hopes and desires for them.
Usually, when Proverb 22:6 is quoted, it is used to express the idea that if you raise children the right way, you will set the course for their whole life. The Amplified Bible more accurately captures the true essence of that verse, as in “Train up a child in the way HE should go...” in the way that is “in keeping with HIS individual gift or bent....” The “right way” is unique to each child. Part of a mother’s responsibility is to instill morals, values and spiritual heritage into her children, but the Proverb is really talking about helping a child become the best version of who he/she is meant to be…to guide them on their personal journey toward their personal destiny…to give them both roots and wings.
So, at the end of the day, the best thing a mother can do for her children is what moms do best…just to love them…because love never fails!
Scripture Of The Day: “Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)
Bishop Jim Swilley is the founder and senior pastor of Church In The Now, located in Conyers, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. For more information about Bishop Swilley, visit http://www.churchinthenow.org or his personal blog at http://www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com.…
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Mother's Letter
A Mother’s Letter
By Pastor Marquis Boone
This week's topic: Mothers
Late one night my mother sent out an e-mail that captured my attention. In this email she began to pour out wisdom; and in the email I could hear and feel her heart. In this letter, she began by saying this:
"As a mother, sister, daughter, auntie, cousin, friend and woman, I'm asking and praying that you all find peace with any situation that is bringing unnecessary stress into your life. Sometimes the situation is just what it is. There is nothing you can do about it. Burger King's slogan doesn't work on everything -- you can't always "have it your way." You have to free your mind, heart and body, or you could internally cause your body to develop an illness you really don't want. I challenge you all to take better care of your bodies. Sit down, learn to do less and relax, or your body will shut you down and you will have no choice in the matter!"
My mother continued on in the email to say..."your job does not dictate your happiness. A failed relationship does not dictate your happiness. You have to make life what you want as God leads, but also remember nothing comes easy. Make the best of a situation, but if it becomes too much, it's time to let go."
You solve nothing by sending yourself in circles for someone or something that is not reciprocating your worth. Something better is bound to happen, remember when you learn to close a door another one is ready to be opened. Be willing to open that door, it may be the one that sets everything in order!
There is nothing like a mother; wisdom drips from her lips, and kings and queens are birthed from her womb. Mothers are blessed by God and without them we would not be here. I challenge you today -- regardless of the problem or issue -- make an effort to call your mother and say thank you or I love you. Life is too short. Close a door and get ready to open a new one. I leave you with this poem:
My Tears Don't Come Cheap Anymore (By: C. `Tillery Banks)
I don't want to cry anymore about something that ain't nothing
The price of my tears comes high now;
They come from a deeper well than before.
A well filled with knowledge I didn't have before
Filled with visions I have never seen before
Filled with emotions I have never felt before
secrets I've never known before.
Filled with children I have yet to birth
Joys I have yet to live and give
Magic I have yet to perform
Dreams yet to dream
Songs to sing that have not been sung
Dances to dance
And words to rhyme.
The well is deep.
No, my tears don't come cheap anymore
Scripture Of The Day: "And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." - Genesis 17:16 (NJKV)
Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log onto http://www.myfreshstartchurch.org or http://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…
By Pastor Marquis Boone
This week's topic: Mothers
Late one night my mother sent out an e-mail that captured my attention. In this email she began to pour out wisdom; and in the email I could hear and feel her heart. In this letter, she began by saying this:
"As a mother, sister, daughter, auntie, cousin, friend and woman, I'm asking and praying that you all find peace with any situation that is bringing unnecessary stress into your life. Sometimes the situation is just what it is. There is nothing you can do about it. Burger King's slogan doesn't work on everything -- you can't always "have it your way." You have to free your mind, heart and body, or you could internally cause your body to develop an illness you really don't want. I challenge you all to take better care of your bodies. Sit down, learn to do less and relax, or your body will shut you down and you will have no choice in the matter!"
My mother continued on in the email to say..."your job does not dictate your happiness. A failed relationship does not dictate your happiness. You have to make life what you want as God leads, but also remember nothing comes easy. Make the best of a situation, but if it becomes too much, it's time to let go."
You solve nothing by sending yourself in circles for someone or something that is not reciprocating your worth. Something better is bound to happen, remember when you learn to close a door another one is ready to be opened. Be willing to open that door, it may be the one that sets everything in order!
There is nothing like a mother; wisdom drips from her lips, and kings and queens are birthed from her womb. Mothers are blessed by God and without them we would not be here. I challenge you today -- regardless of the problem or issue -- make an effort to call your mother and say thank you or I love you. Life is too short. Close a door and get ready to open a new one. I leave you with this poem:
My Tears Don't Come Cheap Anymore (By: C. `Tillery Banks)
I don't want to cry anymore about something that ain't nothing
The price of my tears comes high now;
They come from a deeper well than before.
A well filled with knowledge I didn't have before
Filled with visions I have never seen before
Filled with emotions I have never felt before
secrets I've never known before.
Filled with children I have yet to birth
Joys I have yet to live and give
Magic I have yet to perform
Dreams yet to dream
Songs to sing that have not been sung
Dances to dance
And words to rhyme.
The well is deep.
No, my tears don't come cheap anymore
Scripture Of The Day: "And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." - Genesis 17:16 (NJKV)
Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log onto http://www.myfreshstartchurch.org or http://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Two Sides Of Motherhood
Two Sides of Motherhood
By Dr. Cynthia James
This week's topic: Mothers
Motherhood has been enthroned with apple pie for centuries. Consequently, we should be able to bear a brief discussion of both the objective and subjective sides of motherhood as an institution. Motherhood can be a self-fulfilling, rewarding, all-loving venture but it has another side which is seldom discussed but which should render it all the more revered.
We relish the image of perfect mothers – larger than life, but recently a 19-year-old mother was arrested as a suspect in the death of her 2-year-old. This youthful mother had a younger child in the crib and is expecting a third child in a matter of months. I wonder what she would tell us about motherhood. Motherhood that is characterized by isolation can be dangerous and destructive. Yes, motherhood is to be celebrated but let’s be courageous enough to look at the system of patriarchy and economics that is sometimes an underpinning to motherhood. Motherhood has its own politics and may be surrounded by power relationships. The presence or absence of adequate resources and supportive people are additional features shaping the experience of motherhood.
Despite the fact that we socialize our young girls to become mothers, we lack adequate structures to prepare and train them for motherhood and marriage. One of the inherent contradictions in our traditional socialization practices is that girls are often socialized to be dependent and when they marry they are expected to function independently as caregivers. This model has happily been adjusted to some extent. High school curriculums recognize that preparation for motherhood and marriage involves more than a home economics class. Today girls are encouraged to prepare academically and financially in the event that they need to be self-supporting .
There isn’t total agreement about this shift in values. Some feel that working mothers have contributed to the problem of poor achieving youth. Because motherhood is a role uniquely reserved for women, daughters tend to imitate the practices of their mothers. This means that good practices as well as dysfunctional ones tend to be passed on readily. Our society needs to focus more on making motherhood a protected and well supported institution. It should be observed, studied and funded in order to enjoy the legal protections common to other institutions in our society.
The Scriptures do a better job of presenting the realities of motherhood than our idealized clichés. The strength of mothers like Jochebed and Lemuel’s mother is not lost because of the revealing look into the lives of mothers like Lot’s wife who was disobedient, Rachel who was a thief, and Rebekah who was conniving. The point is that when the institution of motherhood is viewed objectively and subjectively the role may be filled with contradictions, conflict and delights. Like every other significant endeavor in life it takes the Love of God to effectively juggle the pressure and the privileges of motherhood.
Motherhood is a gift and a trust from God that carries an assignment to responsibly rear children to be followers of Christ. Unfortunately, some persons in our culture devalue motherhood. Mothers have a singularly unique advantage of helping to develop the gender identification of future generations. There is tremendous power invested in mothers, the unheralded champions of the nursery.
Women who choose the task of motherhood and live out traditional roles should not be called to apologize or give an explanation because they see the role of motherhood as superior to entering the job market. The ultimate status assigned to motherhood is found in the Scriptures. Clearly the Scriptures say enough for us to know that God looks favorably on those who serve honorably as mothers. Others need to know that they have support visible and invisible for a divinely created role, a blessed estate. Motherhood, when lived out in biblically faithful ways, points to the nurturing love and grace of the Lord.
Scripture Of The Day: "Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings." - Proverbs 6:20 (The Message)
Dr. Cynthia James is a Christian Psychologist who pastors two local congregations in Oakland, CA and brings an intellectually sound yet fervent approach to ministry. She oversees the credentialing, counseling, and pastoral care of approximately 140 pastors and ministers serving 60 Church of God congregations in the Northern California, Northern Nevada,…
By Dr. Cynthia James
This week's topic: Mothers
Motherhood has been enthroned with apple pie for centuries. Consequently, we should be able to bear a brief discussion of both the objective and subjective sides of motherhood as an institution. Motherhood can be a self-fulfilling, rewarding, all-loving venture but it has another side which is seldom discussed but which should render it all the more revered.
We relish the image of perfect mothers – larger than life, but recently a 19-year-old mother was arrested as a suspect in the death of her 2-year-old. This youthful mother had a younger child in the crib and is expecting a third child in a matter of months. I wonder what she would tell us about motherhood. Motherhood that is characterized by isolation can be dangerous and destructive. Yes, motherhood is to be celebrated but let’s be courageous enough to look at the system of patriarchy and economics that is sometimes an underpinning to motherhood. Motherhood has its own politics and may be surrounded by power relationships. The presence or absence of adequate resources and supportive people are additional features shaping the experience of motherhood.
Despite the fact that we socialize our young girls to become mothers, we lack adequate structures to prepare and train them for motherhood and marriage. One of the inherent contradictions in our traditional socialization practices is that girls are often socialized to be dependent and when they marry they are expected to function independently as caregivers. This model has happily been adjusted to some extent. High school curriculums recognize that preparation for motherhood and marriage involves more than a home economics class. Today girls are encouraged to prepare academically and financially in the event that they need to be self-supporting .
There isn’t total agreement about this shift in values. Some feel that working mothers have contributed to the problem of poor achieving youth. Because motherhood is a role uniquely reserved for women, daughters tend to imitate the practices of their mothers. This means that good practices as well as dysfunctional ones tend to be passed on readily. Our society needs to focus more on making motherhood a protected and well supported institution. It should be observed, studied and funded in order to enjoy the legal protections common to other institutions in our society.
The Scriptures do a better job of presenting the realities of motherhood than our idealized clichés. The strength of mothers like Jochebed and Lemuel’s mother is not lost because of the revealing look into the lives of mothers like Lot’s wife who was disobedient, Rachel who was a thief, and Rebekah who was conniving. The point is that when the institution of motherhood is viewed objectively and subjectively the role may be filled with contradictions, conflict and delights. Like every other significant endeavor in life it takes the Love of God to effectively juggle the pressure and the privileges of motherhood.
Motherhood is a gift and a trust from God that carries an assignment to responsibly rear children to be followers of Christ. Unfortunately, some persons in our culture devalue motherhood. Mothers have a singularly unique advantage of helping to develop the gender identification of future generations. There is tremendous power invested in mothers, the unheralded champions of the nursery.
Women who choose the task of motherhood and live out traditional roles should not be called to apologize or give an explanation because they see the role of motherhood as superior to entering the job market. The ultimate status assigned to motherhood is found in the Scriptures. Clearly the Scriptures say enough for us to know that God looks favorably on those who serve honorably as mothers. Others need to know that they have support visible and invisible for a divinely created role, a blessed estate. Motherhood, when lived out in biblically faithful ways, points to the nurturing love and grace of the Lord.
Scripture Of The Day: "Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings." - Proverbs 6:20 (The Message)
Dr. Cynthia James is a Christian Psychologist who pastors two local congregations in Oakland, CA and brings an intellectually sound yet fervent approach to ministry. She oversees the credentialing, counseling, and pastoral care of approximately 140 pastors and ministers serving 60 Church of God congregations in the Northern California, Northern Nevada,…
Monday, May 10, 2010
The Transparency Of Single Moms
The Transparency of Single Moms
By Jothany Blackwood
This week's topic: Mothers
Being a mom is a powerful lens for viewing the amazing way that the Lord loves us. When you look through His transformative lens, you realize that if He has called you to motherhood then it can become an act of praise in itself. Your relationship with and response to your child should reflect evidence of the depth of the love we experience with Him.
And our circumstances may reflect a diverse range from raising children in traditional households to courageously operating through His power as single moms. In all of these dynamics, we must embrace that God is extending the chance for us to become better through the journey of raising our children.
Yet, the quiet truth is that for many single moms, it is also a journey that is shaped by a myriad of conflicting emotions. For as much joy and fulfillment we experience, it is also infused with challenges that could be better responded to if we felt safe to share with other believers.
If we could be transparent, we would share the nights of weeping that questioned if joy would ever knock at morning's door.
Or how we crumbled inside as children cried for fathers whose absence we could not explain and the inadequacy of feeling we were not enough on our own.
If we were transparent, we would express how overwhelming it can be to parent alone, work, go to school, work in the church ministry and make it all look good so that we could be awarded our superwoman card.
If we were transparent, we could take our attention from coordinating our superwoman capes to our designer shoes and finally tell our truths with relief.
If only we could be transparent to one another, then we would see that we are not in this alone.
That we are knitted into a community of believers so that we can help each other heal the brokenness, release our failures, and eventually learn to forgive ourselves.
That the absence of these things translates into the presence of women transformed by the love of Christ and better equipped to reflect that same love at home.
If we were transparent, then we could look back over the journey and clearly see that God has been with us every step of the way. Otherwise, how did we do it? You may have looked like you were doing it alone, but the truth is that you could not have survived it, much less excelled in your role, without His power.
God knows what He placed in you and your children have demonstrated the evidence of that deposit of love. The only thing left is for you to see that the journey will end with "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Now all that is left is for you to walk into it.
Scripture Of The Day: "If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness." - Proverbs 20:20 (NIV)
In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.
By Jothany Blackwood
This week's topic: Mothers
Being a mom is a powerful lens for viewing the amazing way that the Lord loves us. When you look through His transformative lens, you realize that if He has called you to motherhood then it can become an act of praise in itself. Your relationship with and response to your child should reflect evidence of the depth of the love we experience with Him.
And our circumstances may reflect a diverse range from raising children in traditional households to courageously operating through His power as single moms. In all of these dynamics, we must embrace that God is extending the chance for us to become better through the journey of raising our children.
Yet, the quiet truth is that for many single moms, it is also a journey that is shaped by a myriad of conflicting emotions. For as much joy and fulfillment we experience, it is also infused with challenges that could be better responded to if we felt safe to share with other believers.
If we could be transparent, we would share the nights of weeping that questioned if joy would ever knock at morning's door.
Or how we crumbled inside as children cried for fathers whose absence we could not explain and the inadequacy of feeling we were not enough on our own.
If we were transparent, we would express how overwhelming it can be to parent alone, work, go to school, work in the church ministry and make it all look good so that we could be awarded our superwoman card.
If we were transparent, we could take our attention from coordinating our superwoman capes to our designer shoes and finally tell our truths with relief.
If only we could be transparent to one another, then we would see that we are not in this alone.
That we are knitted into a community of believers so that we can help each other heal the brokenness, release our failures, and eventually learn to forgive ourselves.
That the absence of these things translates into the presence of women transformed by the love of Christ and better equipped to reflect that same love at home.
If we were transparent, then we could look back over the journey and clearly see that God has been with us every step of the way. Otherwise, how did we do it? You may have looked like you were doing it alone, but the truth is that you could not have survived it, much less excelled in your role, without His power.
God knows what He placed in you and your children have demonstrated the evidence of that deposit of love. The only thing left is for you to see that the journey will end with "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Now all that is left is for you to walk into it.
Scripture Of The Day: "If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness." - Proverbs 20:20 (NIV)
In addition to serving as a college dean and motivational speaker, Jothany Blackwood is the founder of MidWife Ministries, which supports ministers and churches in birthing their vision. For more information about Jothany, log onto http://www.jothanyblackwood.org.
The Faith Transfer
The Faith Transfer
By John C. Richards, Jr.
This week's topic: Mothers
Some women of faith in the Bible are often overlooked. We know about Sarah, Abraham's wife. We're fully aware of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story of Ruth is celebrated as a story of hope and redemption. These women have no problem garnering recognition in Christendom. What about the ones who don't get as much recognition? What about the women whose stories are just as compelling? What about the family matriarch who holds the family together in tough times? What about the single mother who raises a child alone?
There is a nugget in one of the Apostle Paul's epistles that recognizes these women. The (scripture of the day) comes from a letter from Paul to his pupil Timothy. Timothy was a young man who had entered ministry. He was one of Paul's mentees. The purpose of Paul's letter was to give him specific instructions for his ministry. However, he begins this letter in a peculiar manner. Paul begins by thanking God for the source of Timothy's faith. Where did this faith come from? A five point sermon? Paul himself? What about a gospel tract? Nope. The source of his faith came from his dear mother and grandmother. Timothy was a person who loved and served the Lord. As I read this, I imagined Paul speaking to me personally. I felt like I could substitute my name (and the name of my mother and grandmother) in this verse.
Timothy found himself to be a product of generational faith transfer. The faith that was first found in his grandmother and his mother was now solidly evident in Timothy himself. I found myself in this very situation some time ago. The first time I saw any sign of discouragement from my mother was when she experienced a house fire about four years ago. On this occasion, I realized the importance of the faith transfer. I was able to impart the same faith into my mother that she had imparted into me when I was a youth. I had a very encouraging conversation with her about God's purpose in trials. At the end of that conversation we were both able to proclaim that He would give her "beauty for her ashes" (Isaiah 61:3).
That is the very nature of faith transfer. There comes a point in time when the transferee (the one who receives) becomes the transferor (the one who imparts/reminds). Like my mom during this trial, sometimes we have everything we need on the inside. We just need reminders every now and again. In fact, the word "remember" etymologically means just that: to re-member or to put back together. I was able to help her put some stuff back together during a trying period in her life. Lord knows that she had done the same thing for me countless times over.
"The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him" (Proverbs 31:1)
King Lemuel knew exactly what I'm talking about. Lemuel remembered the "utterance(s)" his mother taught him. There was so much wisdom contained in these utterances that they became a part of the book of Wisdom (i.e. Proverbs). In fact, the above verse served as the opening verse of the virtuous woman passage in Proverbs we have come to know and love. King Lemuel was merely writing about the woman he had seen exemplify these characteristics throughout his life--his mother. I now look back on all the lessons my mother taught me and can reflect on times when she told me I wouldn't understand what she was saying until I got older. She was right. I used to complain about her advice as a child. I didn't quite understand it. But now, being a fully mature adult, I see the life lessons that she taught in those moments. The words of Paul ring true: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, understood as a child and thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away the childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).
Take time out today to honor your mother, grandmother, or any other mother figure in your life. Remember the life she lived. Thank God for placing her in your life. Give her a call and tell her how much you appreciate the things she has done for you. Most of all, be grateful for the faith she has transferred generationally to you. Her story might not have made it into the canon of scripture, but it has been canonized in your heart.
Continue to be a walking epistle filled with the lessons she has taught you and you will be a walking reminder of her lasting impact. Such is the nature of a mother's faith transfer.
Scripture Of The Day: "I thank God…when I call 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" - 2 Timothy 1:3a, 5 (NKJV)
John C. Richards, Jr., Esq. is a husband, writer, attorney, and student. While an attorney, he is involved in local ministry in the urban Los Angeles area and remains passionate about juvenile justice. He is concluding his final year at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently on staff at Hope Community Church in Pasadena, CA. http://www.brotherpreacher.com…
By John C. Richards, Jr.
This week's topic: Mothers
Some women of faith in the Bible are often overlooked. We know about Sarah, Abraham's wife. We're fully aware of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story of Ruth is celebrated as a story of hope and redemption. These women have no problem garnering recognition in Christendom. What about the ones who don't get as much recognition? What about the women whose stories are just as compelling? What about the family matriarch who holds the family together in tough times? What about the single mother who raises a child alone?
There is a nugget in one of the Apostle Paul's epistles that recognizes these women. The (scripture of the day) comes from a letter from Paul to his pupil Timothy. Timothy was a young man who had entered ministry. He was one of Paul's mentees. The purpose of Paul's letter was to give him specific instructions for his ministry. However, he begins this letter in a peculiar manner. Paul begins by thanking God for the source of Timothy's faith. Where did this faith come from? A five point sermon? Paul himself? What about a gospel tract? Nope. The source of his faith came from his dear mother and grandmother. Timothy was a person who loved and served the Lord. As I read this, I imagined Paul speaking to me personally. I felt like I could substitute my name (and the name of my mother and grandmother) in this verse.
Timothy found himself to be a product of generational faith transfer. The faith that was first found in his grandmother and his mother was now solidly evident in Timothy himself. I found myself in this very situation some time ago. The first time I saw any sign of discouragement from my mother was when she experienced a house fire about four years ago. On this occasion, I realized the importance of the faith transfer. I was able to impart the same faith into my mother that she had imparted into me when I was a youth. I had a very encouraging conversation with her about God's purpose in trials. At the end of that conversation we were both able to proclaim that He would give her "beauty for her ashes" (Isaiah 61:3).
That is the very nature of faith transfer. There comes a point in time when the transferee (the one who receives) becomes the transferor (the one who imparts/reminds). Like my mom during this trial, sometimes we have everything we need on the inside. We just need reminders every now and again. In fact, the word "remember" etymologically means just that: to re-member or to put back together. I was able to help her put some stuff back together during a trying period in her life. Lord knows that she had done the same thing for me countless times over.
"The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him" (Proverbs 31:1)
King Lemuel knew exactly what I'm talking about. Lemuel remembered the "utterance(s)" his mother taught him. There was so much wisdom contained in these utterances that they became a part of the book of Wisdom (i.e. Proverbs). In fact, the above verse served as the opening verse of the virtuous woman passage in Proverbs we have come to know and love. King Lemuel was merely writing about the woman he had seen exemplify these characteristics throughout his life--his mother. I now look back on all the lessons my mother taught me and can reflect on times when she told me I wouldn't understand what she was saying until I got older. She was right. I used to complain about her advice as a child. I didn't quite understand it. But now, being a fully mature adult, I see the life lessons that she taught in those moments. The words of Paul ring true: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, understood as a child and thought as a child, but when I became a man I put away the childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).
Take time out today to honor your mother, grandmother, or any other mother figure in your life. Remember the life she lived. Thank God for placing her in your life. Give her a call and tell her how much you appreciate the things she has done for you. Most of all, be grateful for the faith she has transferred generationally to you. Her story might not have made it into the canon of scripture, but it has been canonized in your heart.
Continue to be a walking epistle filled with the lessons she has taught you and you will be a walking reminder of her lasting impact. Such is the nature of a mother's faith transfer.
Scripture Of The Day: "I thank God…when I call 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" - 2 Timothy 1:3a, 5 (NKJV)
John C. Richards, Jr., Esq. is a husband, writer, attorney, and student. While an attorney, he is involved in local ministry in the urban Los Angeles area and remains passionate about juvenile justice. He is concluding his final year at Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently on staff at Hope Community Church in Pasadena, CA. http://www.brotherpreacher.com…
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