Growing up, Mother’s Day was a big celebration in our home. Although I was unable to have children, I do know the wonder of new life through my siblings’ babies, and now through my nieces and nephews. Just two weeks ago, our family welcomed a baby girl, Bricelynn. As I held her in my arms, I was overcome with the wonder of her little face, her small lips, her tiny hands, her nose that is so perfect.
The sanctity of motherhood is great. Many of us grew up surrounded by our mother, grandmothers, brothers, and fathers that truly loved us. They gave us their unending love – nurturing us and perhaps teasing us in the next breath. Our mothers raised us, teaching us right from wrong, loving us the whole way. Your mother probably read to you and taught you how to pray. Did she stand by you when you were happy, and hold your hand when you cried? – and love you no matter what?
Mine did. I was blessed to grow up in a family that knew God’s love. I read a book last week titled, What My Mother and I Don’t Talk About. It’s a collection of essays, and I soon realized that so many people had horrible experiences with their mothers and fathers. For these individuals, C.S. Lewis wrote that people can “never pin their whole faith on a human being”. Rather, all of us, must look towards the example of Jesus, born and raised as a human – suffering and dying for our sins.
Our birth parents’ actions profoundly affect our lives. We’re hungry for love and angry when we’re rejected. We want to give love, and have it given in return. Love is incredibly simple and terribly complex at the same time.
But with God, love is simple and easy – God always loves us. We don’t have to search for His love – He finds US. He came to us through His Son, Jesus. Jesus tells us “abide in my love”. Jesus loves all of us. He won’t wander away if you get angry at Him or if you forget Him. You can feel safe in Jesus’ love. His love will change your life. Karl Barth, the theologian, defined God as “the One who loves”. God loves us even when we do not love ourselves.
So, this week, as we recall the blessings of our mothers, remember those that were not blessed with warm, cuddly mothers, those who want children but are having difficulty conceiving, and those who are not yet thinking of having children. Motherhood, like God’s love, is intergenerational. We are part of the mothers that are in our heritage, and for many of us, we will be part of the future mothers.
Remember especially those who don’t yet know God’s unconditional love. The fierceness and protectiveness of a mother’s love is still unparalleled to God’s love for us.
Sarah Orton Bowen 