What Mothers Need

 

As I meditated upon how Solomon said, “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30b, NIV) in my weekend’s reading, I see that mothers need to be praised like all of us. A mother who knows she is valued can handle almost anything. She has the skill and energy to cook, sew, teach, do business, care for her family, help the needy, and deal with difficulties. But if a woman is never praised, she will feel unloved, unskilled, and useless. A mother needs to be thanked, prized, and praised every day.

A God–fearing woman is to be praised by her children, her husband, and “in the city gate” by community leaders. These days many community leaders–politicians, media, educators, bosses–honor glamour more than godliness; That can be discouraging.

But a mother will still be encouraged if her children stand and say, “God bless you, Mom, for being such a blessing to us.” She will smile to hear her husband say, “I love you. Other women might do good things, but you're the best!”

The highest praise any woman can receive is praise from God. What counts most is what God thinks: “The unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit ... is of great worth in God's sight” (1 Peter 3:4, NIV).

Mothers, rejoice in the praise that comes from God. Husbands and children, praise God for Mom, and praise Mom in a way that echoes God’s own praise of her.

About the Profile:
Dr. David Feddes is pastor of Family of Faith Church and provost of Christian Leaders Institute, which supports mentor-based ministry training through online courses. David is also adjunct missiologist for Crossroad Bible Institute, which provides biblical distance education to more than 40,000 people in prison. Previously he served as broadcast minister for the Back to God radio program, reaching people in more than fifty countries. David earned his Ph.D. in intercultural studies from Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL. He and his wife, Wendy, have nine children (one in heaven).

Profile Background:
Father, we praise you, Lord, for Godly wives and loving mothers. You have blessed us through them. Bless them through us and make them feel treasured by you.

(Written by Dr. David Feddes, 14th May 2006 – Mother’s Day)