By Dave Holland
“She’s the most beautiful girl in the world with the prettiest voice I’ve ever heard,” mused my seven-year-old boy brain as Mom sat at the piano singing ‘What a Friend We have in Jesus.’”
Tragic events, two failed marriages, and alcohol battered Mom’s life, but I never lost that boyhood wonder of my mother. Such a mysterious creature–so loving and nurturing yet possessing words that could cut you to shreds in moments. I remember her with sentimental awe mingled with a tinge of fear.
The Bible describes the first mother, “Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living,” -Genesis 3:20, NIV. Eve’s name means “life-giver, to breathe, to live or to give life.” Every mother since Eve has served as the epicenter of a life-giving cycle.
From the moment of conception, the mother gives sustenance and protection to the unborn fetus. She nurtures the child until she releases the young person into adulthood. Her role in a person’s development is immense. She is figuratively the hand of God in this process.
In her book “Rise Up and Salute the Sun: The Writings of Suzy Kassem,” the author writes:
MOTHER IS WATER
I wish I could
Shower your head with flowers
And anoint your feet with my tears,
For I know I have caused you
So much heartache, frustration and despair –
Throughout my youthful years.
I wish I could give you
The remainder of my life
To add to yours,
Or simply erase
The lines on your face,
And mend all that has been torn.
For next to God,
You are the fire
That has given light
To the flame in each of my eyes.
You are the fountain
That nourished my growth,
And from your chalice –
Gave me life.
Without the wetness of your love,
The fragrance of your water,
Or the trickling sounds of
Your voice,
I shall always feel
thirsty.”
My mother passed a number of years ago and I “feel thirsty for Mom’s tender care. At age 66, I regret I did not treat my mother better. I wish I had called her more often, visited her more frequently in the nursing home, and treasured her for the value she invested in my life. Mom was certainly flawed, but she was my mother. Ultimately, her inner godliness outshined her outward struggles.
“Elevation Worship” recently recorded the hit-song, “Talking to Jesus,” putting to melody a contemporary vision of a godly mother:
Mama use to drag me to church
Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights
Khaki pants and a polo shirt
Boy, I put up a fight
She said, son, one day you’ll thank me
For having God in your life
And yeah, I know she was right
Yeah, my mama was right
Cause now I’m talking to Jesus
She got me talking to Jesus.
It is godly to honor your mother. Showing gratitude is good for her and for you. When the doctors called to inform us mother had only hours left to live, my brother, sister and I rushed to her side. She improved immediately as she basked in our attention. Ultimately, she lingered for over a week before she went to be with Jesus. We shared our favorite memories mingled with funny stories that you just can’t make up.
From the foundation of our lives, Mom was the source of our character, pains and joys. She holds a central place in our lives and in our hearts. Happy Mother’s Day.
Dave Holland pastored churches for thirty-eight years before retiring in Destin, Florida. He recently released his new devotional-Bible study based on the Gospel of Luke titled “Extraordinary Jesus: Ignite Your Season of Miracles.” You can get a copy of this book from his website, DaveHolland.org, or at Amazon.com. Pastor Dave is available to preach and teach in churches and conferences. Contact him at DavidvHolland54@gmail.com.
