First Baptist Church of Herndon

Moms Matter

Linda Soller | May 04, 2015

Remember when you were a kid and you heard other kids saying things like, “My dad is stronger than your dad”, or “My dad is faster than your dad”, and so on. Kids seemed to want to compare their dads, but I don’t ever think I heard a kid say, “My mom could beat up your mom.” Well, maybe I heard it once. Moms fill a space where comparisons between them are pointless. Moms are moms, and it’s more than enough.

Recently our local and national news has been filled with tragic events. The earthquake in Nepal left thousands of victims. Along with photos of the structural devastation are photos of moms hovering on the ground near tents with their children clustered around for mutual protection. In Baltimore what was already a tragic death of a young man in police custody, grew to a larger tragedy as people, mostly young people, tore down the community they lived in. The mother of the young man pleaded to stop the violence and destruction. On Tuesday morning of last week there was a video on the news of a mother pretty much dragging her teenage son away from the violence. While her handling of her son may not have been to everyone’s liking, she got the job done. I think the newscaster said it best. He said, “I am proud of this mother who actually came down to get her child out of the mix. More parents need to do the same.” The son was taller than the mom, but there was no doubt who would win their skirmish. She was getting her child out of danger. He may not have appreciated it then, but one day he will see the value of her actions.

My grandma Emily was a small woman. Grandpa was a big man, as was one of my uncles. My dad and the other brother were not particularly big men, but they were bigger than grandma. Yet she was the glue that held them together. All four men loved and respected that little woman because she made their house, incredibly small as it was, a home. She made these four related men, with really different personalities, a family. She was fast to laugh, a bit feisty, and when teased could dish it right back at you. Well she had raised three rambunctious boys!

Mothers and mother figures come in all shapes and sizes. Some are related to us and some are in our lives by divine intervention. A teacher, a neighbor, a baby sitter, all may find themselves in the role of mom for someone they didn’t bring in to this world, but with whom they share a bond. Moms are supportive, tough, and love unconditionally. They can be our biggest cheerleaders, our nurses, and our playmates. When we no longer have our moms, the lessons they taught us are clear and ringing in our hearts.  Moms matter, it is as simple as that.  I offer you a week’s notice of the approach of Mother’s Day, what are friends for. This week think of the women in your life who have at one time or another been a mom for you. Pray for a different “mom” each day, as a way of reminding yourself of all the important mother figures you have had along the way. Moms matter, isn’t it time you let them know?

Happy Mother’s Day. Have a great week! :o)  Linda