Today is Mother's Day, and whatever you may think of it, I think it is important to celebrate the Godly, established office of Mother. It is not merely a title granted to one who has given birth, but it is a role by which teaching, learning, and growth is learned. I understand that not everyone can be a biological mother, but in my years in ministry, I have seen this role pass on to women who have taken children under their wings and, even should a child have two parents, become what an orphan needs to grow and mature in the Lord. It is a role ordained by God, and no one can disestablish it (even though the world tries!). Listen to what the Word of God says of such a role: Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2)
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice. (Proverbs 23:22-25) 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. (1 Timothy 1:5) The Role of "Mother" is established and ordained by God and should not be despised by envy or slander, or usurping roles ordained for others. It is one that God alone has determined, and so it should be celebrated: The God of the Universe has called you, has established you, and has given you the ability and office. Let no one look down on you, nor let the world redefine it for you. From God's lips, it is established, and by His power maintained. That should be enough for anyone! Proverbs 31:10-31 An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She dresses herself[e] with strength
and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.[f]
She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.
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