Dear Lord, on this Mother’s Day, I thank You for Mothers around the World!

A woman is not born a Mom, it’s something many thrive for, for others it was unexpected, but they step up to the opportunity and courageously answer the call to Motherhood. Knowing there will be trials and tribulations but they are committed to loving, shaping and raising their children. Sharon Jaynes says, “Successful Mothers are not the ones who have never struggled, they are the ones that never give up despite their struggles.”

Mothers quickly learn their babies' language and can interpret what each cry means - hungry, diaper change, tired, need attention or not feeling well. As babies grow and days become years, Mothers patiently endure teething, potty-training, sleep-less nights with ear infections, sitting in steam showers for congestions and colds, and handling anything else our kids bring home from Daycare, preschool and elementary school.

When children enter Middle School/Junior High and High School, Mothers are ready to chaperon dances, help quiz their children for exams, and offer encouragement. Mothers lay the foundation to develop the confidence and assurance that their child is smart and capable of doing anything they set their minds to do.

A mother will graciously sacrifice to ensure their children have what they need to succeed, the perfect outfit for a first date, the right equipment to compete and perform well in sports, and they are there in the bleachers/stands to cheer their children on even when they score by mistake for the other team!

“Mothers believe in us more than we believe in ourselves.” Unknown.

When it’s time to send kids off to college. Mothers cry, maybe not in front of their offspring, but many days are spent going into their rooms just to catch a smell of them and to pray for their safety, their success and that they make good choices. Even after graduation, a Mother’s duties are not over. They will remain just a phone call away for advice, counsel or prayer. As long as she has breath in her body a Mother will pray for her children’s well-being.

“Mothers hold their children’s hand just a little while and (prayerfully) their hearts forever.” Unknown

People say that babies don’t come with Training Manuals, but I disagree. Our Father’s manual, the Bible provides everything we need as parents. Loving our children, and demonstrating love through our actions, words and deeds are critical components to successful child rearing. Moreover, teaching our children to become “Lovers of Truth”, responsible citizens, socially aware, to give generously of your time, talents and treasures. To be educated in maneuvering through the storms of life, respectful and considerate of others, strong and confident in knowing they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. Treat others with kindness, and to teach them why they should love Jesus the Christ with all their heart and soul.

Some truths about godly mothers: tireless, they don’t stop. They are Prayer Warriors - check her knees. Mothers are magical. Mothers are the best economist in the world! She can stretch a dollar further than anyone else. She can make a five star meal out of leftovers, she can run on little to no sleep to help you complete a school project, she can make 3 dozen cupcakes appear just in time for your school birthday celebration or bake sale, and she knows just how to correct insolent behavior without breaking their child’s spirit.

I believe God also made Moms diplomats to meet the needs of their children. Each child comes with different needs; challenges; character; personalities; likes and dislikes; attitudes; skills and abilities; and physical needs. Yet somehow God instilled enough love in a Mothers heart to individually love each child equally so that none feel deprived, overlooked or unwanted.

Even when Mothers are frazzled and worn down, they make broken look beautiful, and even if “carrying the world on her shoulders, she can make it look like a pair of wings”. (Author unknown)

Oh, and we thank You Lord, for our Sister circle of women to help us. Lord, for the “Church Mothers” we say thank you. Women who helped to teach the Word of God to our children in Sunday School. Women who rocked our babies in the nurseries so we could catch our breath and enjoy a church service in peace. Women we go to for intercessory prayer and who remind us we can make it.

Thank you for the Neighborhood Mothers. Who will watch your kids while you run to the store. Women who will help keep an eye on all the kids in the community or at the park/playground. She is reliable for carpooling to school and sporting activities. She is always vigilant and aware of any strange faces or strange activity going on. These women are the protectors of our community and give “Up to the Minute, Eyewitness accounts” on everything going on in the neighborhood.

And what would we Mothers do without our Girlfriends! Kindred spirits who share in the journey to help raise our children. They are compassionate and will look at you and tell you to have some “Calgon take me away time” while she watches the kids…and even if you and hubby need a weekend break, she is willing and able. Your heart can rest because she loves your children and she would give her right arm to protect them. This Sister-friend may or may not be married, may or may not have kids of her own but she has taken responsibility for your children because of her love for you.

Lord we praise you for our Village of women who wear different hats, perform different roles but all bear in their hearts and soul the spirit of Motherhood.

Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers, “Heroines of Mercy”, “Heaven-sent Angels”, and “Superwomen” who handle everything with grace, no matter what the situation. Your smile and hugs are the best medicine to soothe a child’s (of any age) heart.

Besides hearing I love you, Mother’s cherish the times she spends with their children and grandchildren the best!

“She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:26-28

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land of the Lord…” Exodus 20:12