Recently, I read a story about free-range chickens trapped in a wildfire. The fire ravaged houses, farms, and out-buildings. After the firefighters contained the blaze, they revisited the burn area to ensure that it was truly extinguished. Among the ashes, they discovered what appeared to be a lump. Upon investigation, numerous little chicks scurried out from what was determined to be the mama hen. Grown free-range chickens, unlike those with clipped wings, retain the ability to fly, so this mother hen could have flown away, yet she chose to remain, shielding and sheltering her babies. This instinct, to protect offspring, is a characteristic commonly observed in human mothers as well. We step in without hesitation to sacrifice and serve our children and family, often putting our own needs aside.
In what ways does a mother sacrifice? The list can be extensive!
She freely chooses to give her time to nurture and care for her children
She listens with an empathetic ear
She patiently teaches
She offers verbal words of encouragement
And much more
Having an encouraging mother can alleviate the sting of challenging times. My mom was, and is, one of the most positive people I know. For example, she made it a habit of consistently speaking life-giving words into me, with things like: “You can do anything you set your mind to.” Moreover, she fostered my faith by encouraging me to surrender my worries, saying, “Turn it over to God.” These words resonated deeply, fostering within me an abiding trust in my Heavenly Father. And the more I ponder this, the more I easily recognize that in a way, she was teaching me Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Where does a mother learn this kind of love? It’s “built" within her by the Creator and fully expressed in Christ. It is only through our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ that we have a picture of this kind of sacrificial and selfless love - first demonstrated (by the Father sending us His Son), and later, imparted (through the indwelling presence of His Spirit). It’s no wonder then that God desires His children to also live a selfless, sacrificial life of love. In fact, He commands it, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:12-13).
The Father’s love is a beautiful example of the kind of love a mother devotes to her children. As the Psalmist states, He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart (Psalm 91:4). How many mothers can relate to this verse?
This Mother’s Day, give honor to your mother (and all mothers) for her tireless work and sacrificial love, embodying the love that Jesus commanded us to practice.
Praying blessings over all mothers; old, new, and yet to be!
In Christ’s love,
Tracey
And, on a personal note - Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!! 💕
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