The Meanest Mother in the World

 

Today is Mother’s Day. Not all mothers are the same, and our experiences vary greatly. That’s why the following story is so interesting. Perhaps you had a mother like this one. I don’t know where this story comes from or who the author is.

“We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And what our mother fixed for us for dinner was a whole lot different from what other kids had, too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You’d think we were convicts in a prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She had the nerve to break the child labor laws by making us work. We had to wash the dishes, make the beds, learn to cook, vacuum the floor, do laundry, and do all sorts of cruel jobs. By the time we were teenagers, she could read our minds. Then, life was really tough! Mother wouldn’t let our friends just honk the horn when they drove by. They had to come to the door so she could meet them. Whilst everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16. Because of our mother, we missed out on lots of things other kids experienced. None of us has even been caught shoplifting or vandalizing property and none of us has ever been arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, never took up smoking or drugs, never stayed out all night, and never did a million other things that got us in trouble like other kids. Sundays were reserved for church and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend the night with a friend on Saturdays. Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be mean parents, just like Mom was. From what I see, today’s moms are pretty awesome. Some of them are single, some are stay at-home moms and others are out there in the job force. And surprisingly, many moms I see are just like my mom was. They’re pretty mean. And that’s a good thing!” - Timothy Merrill

[Matthew 19:4-6] “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said for this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’” We are in a time where the lines of morality are blurred. The Bible is plain when it comes to who is to marry (one man to one woman), how children are to be parented (by both parents), and how children are to respond to their parents (reflecting Godly parenting). We should be thankful for days set aside to honor and give thanks for Godly mothers.

Where does a mother’s influence (parenting) begin? 2 Timothy 1:5 says, “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and you mother Eunice and I am persuaded is in you also.” The mother (and grandmother) provide faith’s foundation from the home. This influence is far reaching and never ceases!

How do children respond to Godly parenting (mother)? Ephesians 6:1-3 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Honoring our mother begins with obedience. This allows us to be aware of the blessings in our family and in His family! O God, thank you for our earthly mothers who have taught us to be a person of integrity and faithfulness that we may be of service to You.