Saturday, May 08, 2021

Mother's Love / God's Love

 

In 1907, in a little town in Taylor County, West Vir­ginia, Anna Jarvis began a campaign to establish a national Mother’s Day. The spe­cial day would fall on the anniversary of her mother’s death. So on May 10, 1908 the day was observed in Philadelphia Pennsylvania where Jarvis had recently moved. It wasn’t until 1914 that President Woodrow Wilson made the official announcement to the nation that every second Sunday of May would be a national day of observance – Mother’s Day.

Reporter and columnist Rick Woodall wrote the following: “Mother’s Day is a special day in which we take a moment to honor the women who make a difference in our lives. In my years of Christian service I had the privilege of inter­viewing senior statesmen, great community leaders and church leaders who are making a difference in all of our lives. In our first few weeks after moving to Logansport, Indi­ana I was given a personal invitation to meet with Mayor Michael Fincher. Mayor Finch­er impressed me as he spoke in tears about his mother. I am convinced that the world is a better place because of all the mothers that were readers, teachers and fitting examples. Dedicated mothers produce determined chil­dren. We all know that it takes a considerable amount of determination to make a differ­ence in today’s world.” So take some time this Mother’s Day to re­member Mom. My mother wasn’t hesitant to remind her children, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone” and no truer words have ever been spoken. “Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise – that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).

[2 Timothy 1:5] The apostle Paul reminds his “son in the faith” (Timothy) where his personal faith originated. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grand­mother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” The Bible gives many comparisons of God’s constant care for His children. In the 103rd Psalm and in Proverbs 3, God is depicted as a concerned and disciplining father. Isaiah 27 mentions God as a gardener tending His garden. And in the 23rd Psalm, we read of God as a shepherd. But when God through Isaiah illustrated how great His love was for Israel, He likened it to the love of a mother for her child: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13, see also Isaiah 49:15). 

Truly, there is nothing more natural than for a mother to cherish, care for, and comfort her child. Note, for example: • The unconditional love mothers demonstrate for their children is probably the closest thing on earth to His incredible love for us. • The gentle tenderness a mother expresses in handling her newborn child is so reminiscent of the tender loving care God promises to all the faithful. • The sincere sympathy mothers’ show for hurt elbows and hurt hearts is very much like the heart-felt compassion God feels and gives to each of us. • The sacrifice and unselfishness mothers’ exhibit time and time again toward their children reminds us of how benevolent and generous God has been to you and me. • The soft special kisses and the always sweet smiles that mothers so generously give can help us to understand and appreciate the joy God has for us now and forevermore. So thank you, mothers, for giving us a glimpse of God’s immense love! 

This is dedicated to my Mom who made many sacrifices and uttered many prayers that I believe made a tremendous difference in the lives of her children and the decisions we made throughout our life – Thank you Lord!.

"I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” – Abraham Lincoln

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