The Bible is a rich source of examples of characters that reflect many aspects of the human life. However, when it comes to the role of a mother, these character models are difficult to find. While there are a few mothers mentioned, the tender nurturing Mom we all hold up as a template seems to be lacking. For instance, there is Sara who finally conceives at an extreme age and bears a son, only to have her son taken off and nearly offered as a sacrifice as a young man! Another is the daring Jochabed who hides her baby in a floating basket, later agreeing to become his wet nurse and having to hand him over to Pharaoh’s daughter to be raised in the palace. Hannah pleads and begs for a baby, but when her prayer is answered, she takes her young son and gives him to the priest to be raised in the temple.
What kind of mother could do such extraordinary acts? Were their acts somewhat dysfunctional or influenced by culture and time? Even though we have these stories, the Bible fails to give us any insight into their parenting skills or the foundational elements that would be the character-building framework that helped these children grow and become used in a significant way as leaders for God.
As a mother of two gifted children, I knew early on that I would need to individualize my approaches to help each child feel special. Our first-born, a girl, loved books and learning and really enjoyed doing things independently. Our second child, a boy, loved making things and anything social. At one report card period our friend asked how they had done. Our daughter proudly pronounced that she had straight A’s, and my son got a big grin and happily announced . . . “I have a variety!” What’s a mom to do?
I propose that the reason the Bible is silent and does not offer us much in the way of a “Mommy template,” or recipe for motherhood, is that God originally designed that each child would be able to experience and feel a Mother’s heart that is perfectly paired to respond in a way that is as unique and individualized as every mother/child relationship. Thus, each mother - starting with God to Eve and from each generation - perpetuates this Godly nature that comes from the Originator of a heart of love. This is an exclusive love that is shared and refreshed, embedded in a nurturing spirit to match the needs of the newest generation.
“Nurture and love your child in Gods ways; so when they mature they will have understanding…”
Proverbs 22:6
Vicki McDonald
Proud Mother
ARNP/Clinical Risk Manager
Wife of Senior Pastor
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