…a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30–31 (NKJV)
Most of us have been profoundly impacted by at least one mother figure in our lives. It may have been your own mom, an aunt, a grandmother, or what I call the “Mother Theresas” of life—women who may not have children of their own but have impacted others with their love.
Moms often get a raw deal. We blame the mom for an adult child’s hang-ups when the large majority of moms love their kids and do their best to give them what they need.
If you have had a painful relationship with an abusive or neglectful mom, I am in no way minimizing what you have been through. I am talking about moms who try their best yet live with a constant sense of guilt. When they are not agonizing about something they have done wrong, they are regretting something they have failed to do.
If you are a mom, realize that you do not have to be perfect. You are incredibly valuable. Many Bible scholars believe that the famous Proverbs 31 woman is based on Bathsheba’s example (King David’s wife and Solomon’s mother). Yet Bathsheba had an adulterous relationship which resulted in pregnancy and the murder of her husband. Despite her imperfections, she raised a great son and she inspires us even today.
Are you expecting perfection from the mom-figures in your life? Mother’s Day weekend is a great time to show them how much you appreciate them just as they are.