Each Mother’s Day for the past 44 years, I have begun my morning message by expressing my doubts about discussing motherhood. Despite this, I find the courage to speak, as there is guidance in His Word that encourages us to discuss this topic confidently. So, let’s embark on this journey together!
Two Types of Mothers
The first is the birth mother,Let’s call her the Birthday Mother. “The word “Mother” is a noun and refers to the one who carried a child in her womb.
The second type of mother can be beautifully captured by the verb, Mothering. It’s important to understand that you don’t have to be a child’s biological mother to provide the nurturing care they need. Mothering is a heartfelt action—an ongoing process of love and support. Children thrive on this nurturing, and when a mother embraces her role in this way, it creates the profound experience of mothering.
I believe many of you have seen birth mothers who, for different reasons, may not take part in their child’s life. You may also know some amazing women who, although not biologically related, take on the role of a mother with love and care.
The biblical model resonates with what we lovingly refer to as Mothering Mothers. Let’s explore this beautiful concept together.
Mothering Mothers
I believe one of the greatest gifts of motherhood is the journey of carrying and giving birth to a child. I’ve seen the moments leading up to a woman becomes a mother, and it makes me appreciate the strength and resilience of motherhood. This has increased my respect for mothers.
I have also seen that wonderful bond a mother shares with her child immediately after giving birth. It’s truly heartwarming and, to be honest, it’s a unique connection that very few men will ever have the privilege to experience with their own children.
It quickly becomes clear that mothers often step into the role of parenting without proper preparation. While making a baby is relatively simple, caring for a child from infancy to adulthood is a tiring yet rewarding lifelong journey.
The Bible and Mothering
Godly Mothers who Mother are Extensions of God’s Hands. The Psalmist says, “As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem,” Isaiah 66:13. Comforting mothers set expectations for their children about God’s love. Holding them as infants, soothing them after nightmares, cooling fevers with a wet washcloth, or offering gentle words of support when they’re hurt helps prepare them for life’s challenges that you can’t always shield them from.
A mother is a child’s first introduction to God. By her example, she teaches her child to trust God, find comfort in Him, seek His guidance, and turn to Him for healing. She acts as a representative of God’s hands.
Godly Mothers Give Their Child Back to the Lord. Yes, I understand there are days when you might feel like returning them to the Lord in your frustration, but that’s not what I mean. Hannah told the prophet Eli, “I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. So, I have given him to the LORD; he will serve the LORD all his life,” 1 Samuel 1:27,28a. One of the most difficult yet safest things a mothering mother can do is turning their children over to the Lord.
Some might believe it’s too late to commit their children to the Lord. Even if you didn’t do it when they were young, remember that your child is always your child. Job seemed to do this daily throughout his life. “And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually,” Job 1:5.
Godly Mothers who Mother Model Faith to Their Children. There are no guarantees your children will share your faith, which isn’t necessarily bad. You want them to develop their own faith in Jesus Christ rather than rely on yours. Your role is to demonstrate your beliefs through your actions and words, not to pressure them into belief, but to model a Christian life for them.
Timothy’s mother and grandmother seem to be exceptional examples of this. Paul wrote, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also,” 2 Timothy 1:5.
It is important to remember to live as a believer without pressuring or overloading your adult children.
One Final Word
You may have been abandoned by your birthday mother. Wherther present or absent, she was uninvolved in your life.. Perhaps you never knew a mother’s love because your dad or grandparents raised you. What I have to say next is vital.
You don’t have to mourn what you never had any longer. If you look hard enough you will likely discover you have received mothering from nonmothers. Your teacher, Sunday school or children’s church teacher, coach, neighbor, aunt, or even sister and friends could have played an important role in nurturing you.
These are the people who comfort you, give you advice, and genuinely care for you. They are not your mother, but you only needed a mother to be born. Mothering nurtures you to thrive in the world. Focus not on what you lacked, but on how God brought these individuals into your life for a purpose.
Paul wrote some very powerful words in 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 on the subject of nurturing. He said, “”But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.”
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