Mothers & Mentors

Spring is my favourite time of year – particularly the month of May.  It symbolizes new birth, new possibilities, and new hope.  It’s no wonder, therefore, that we also celebrate mothers during this month.  Being a mother carries with it tremendous creative potential, and from God’s perspective, it is not limited to only birthing and raising your own children. We all know what it means to be a daughter, and how our mothers had a profound impact on the women we grew to become.  But we have also each benefited from other women who have chosen to encourage us and speak into our lives.  I had the wonderful opportunity recently of serving as a mentor in my church’s Woman To Woman mentoring program. It was a beautiful experience that really stretched and challenged me, and definitely made me stronger.  When a Christian woman reaches spiritual maturity, God will open doors of opportunity for her to become a ‘mother’ to the next spiritual generation, whether it’s through a formal program at a church or a burden for someone that the Lord has placed on her heart.  From serving the Lord for many years, she will know very well how many ‘pearls’ the Lord has allowed her past trials to create in her, and with authority and determination she can speak through her brokenness into the life of another. It is an intentional choice that requires time and energy as well as vision and insight.  Ask any such mother, though, and they’ll tell you it’s so much more than just teaching. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 4:15 “for though you might have ten thousand [teachers] in Christ, yet you do not have many [mothers]; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” This was written by the apostle Paul, who knew great suffering in his life. Yet his passion to see others come to Jesus and to reach spiritual maturity was fueled by the heart of a father, not just the mind of a teacher.

Teachers simply pass on what they know; mothers pass on who they are.

So for those of you who have not seen the fulfillment of your heart’s desire to birth and raise natural children, or you are feeling the ache of an empty nest, I would offer you Isaiah 54:1: “’Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,’ says the Lord.” God views spiritual mothering as even more important than physical mothering. So whether you have natural children or not, the experience of being a spiritual mentor to someone in need of guidance will always be worth the effort. You will certainly feel opposition from the Enemy at times, but through your maturity you will recognize any tiredness, frustration, or inconvenience for what it is and use it to further refine your character.

Being a mother takes all you have to give.

But take heart - the fulfillment, joy and sense of purpose that comes from creating in, and giving to, those around you will confirm the importance of the role that you play.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Ruth-Ellen W.