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Mothers: God's Superwoman
Mom: God’s Superwoman
Ephesians 6:2-3 -- Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother – this is the first commandment with promise that all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.
In 1988, Karyn White came out with a hit single, entitled “Superwoman.” This song became the anthem of every woman, who has done all humanly possible to be a good wife to their husbands, yet their love, commitment, and work went unnoticed and unappreciated by the men they loved.
Karyn begins the song with verse 1 explaining what she does daily for her husband in the morning, only to be ignored. She points out his responses and his attitude, while at the same time identifying her feelings about the situation. It is in the chorus Karyn explains to her husband she is not a superwoman. She is not the kind of girl he can let down and think everything is okay. She is only human. Hear Karyn:
Early in the morning I put breakfast at your table and make sure that your coffee has its sugar and cream.
Your eggs are over easy; your toast done lightly. All that’s missing is your morning kiss that used to greet me.
Now you say the juice is sour, but it used to be so sweet. I can’t help but to wonder if you’re talking about me.
We don’t talk the way we used to talk. It’s hurting so deep. I’ve got my pride. I will not cry, but it’s making me weak.
No woman should ever have to go through this emotional and psychological abuse. Love in the marital relationship still needs its daily bread. Unfortunately, many men have taken their wives for granted and are shocked when they come home one day to find she is no longer a resident there. What about mothers? Mothers are not to be taken for granted either. However, the role of a woman being a mother is quite different than her role as a wife. As a wife, she enters into a covenant with a man who professes his love in return by providing for her and protecting her. As a mother, she carries a child inside her for approximately 40 weeks and gives birth through a painful process. As a mother, she is up all hours of the day and night feeding, rocking, and changing the child every time he or she cries. As a mother, she goes without so her children can have by feeding them daily, clothing them daily, bathing them daily, teaching them daily, protecting them daily, training them daily, and loving them daily. As a mother, she does all of these things for a child who did not ask to be here in hopes that one day her child will remember and appreciate all she has done for them by loving her and respecting her in return. For this reason, the Bible instructs us to honor, esteem, and value our mothers for this is just and right.
When God created mothers, He broke the mold. With all her responsibilities and her unconditional love, a mother cannot succeed by being anything less than “super.” Therefore, mothers have a new anthem. Alicia Keys writes, “I’m a superwoman. Yes, I am. Still when I’m a mess, I still put on my vest with an “S” on my chest. Oh, yes, I’m a superwoman.” Mothers have many responsibilities they must fulfill, but one of these requirements is not to be a slave to another human being.
What Makes Mothers Superwomen Before God?
What makes a mother super is her strength. God has chosen the woman to be the vessel by which the earth is populated (Genesis 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:15). Childbirth is not a curse, but rather an honor because this divine privilege could have easily been passed on to the man (Genesis 2:21-22). When I read Titus 2:3-5, the Bible teaches a woman is to be reverent and devout. She is not to be a slanderer or social drinker. She is to be a teacher of what is right and noble and give good counsel. She is to wisely train other women to love their husbands, be sane, and sober minded. She is to be self-controlled, chaste, a homemaker (she makes the home), good natured, and kind-hearted. In order for her to fulfill such responsibilities, she would have to be extraordinary.
What makes a mother super is not only her strength, but her love. When all others forsake you, you can know your mother will stand by your side (Proverbs 4:3). This is true love, for love endures long, is patient, and kind. Love is never envious, nor boils over with jealousy. Love is not boastful or vainglorious. Love does not display itself haughtily. Love is not conceited, arrogant, nor inflated with pride. Love is not rude, unmannerly, and does not act unbecomingly. Love does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking. Love is not touchy, fretful, or resentful. Love takes no account of the evil done, for love pays no attention to a suffered wrong. Love does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes. Love is ever ready to believe the best of every person. Love’s hopes are fadeless under all circumstances. Love endures everything without weakening. Love never fails, never fades out, never becomes obsolete, and never comes to an end (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). In 1 Kings 3:16-28, a mother was willing to have her child taken from her, IF it meant saving her baby’s life. Even Mary, the Lord’s mother, never left her son’s side during His death on Calvary’s cross (John 19:25-27).
What makes a mother super is not only her strength and love, but also her faith. A mother’s faith will rub off on her children (2 Timothy 1:5). A mother’s faith through prayer can even restore the health of her child (Matthew 15:22-28). We cannot underestimate the power of faith and prayer. As the song goes, “My mother prayed for me. She had me on her mind. She took the time and prayed for me. I’m so glad she prayed. I’m so glad she prayed. I’m so glad she prayed for me!!!”
Why Are We To Honor Mothers?
We are to honor mothers because of their strength, love, and faith. We are to honor mothers because God made them (Psalms 139:14). Therefore, they are special to the Lord. We are to honor mothers because God demands mothers be honored and respected (Ephesians 6:2-3). Thus, proving she is worthy to be honored by her children, her spouse, and humanity. We are to honor mothers because God punishes those who refuse or do not give the proper admiration to mothers (Matthew 15:4). We are to honor mothers because we will live long, prosperous lives right here on earth if we do (Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16).
LOVE YOUR MOTHER, NOT ONLY ON THIS MOTHER’S DAY, BUT EVERY DAY!!!
God made a wonderful mother; a mother who never grows old.
He made her smile of the sunshine and molded her heart of pure gold.
In her eyes, He placed bright shining stars. In her cheeks, fair roses you see.
God made a wonderful mother; and He gave that dear mother to me.
