The Bible records many examples of the influence mothers have on their families and children. Hannah, through prayer and faith, dedicated to God Samuel, the son she had prayed for, who later said, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). I believe this was also the testimony he saw in his mother’s life. The Bible does not record much about Timothy’s mother and grandmother, yet their faith influenced Timothy, and they taught him the Scriptures from childhood. As a result, although he was a third-generation believer, he grew well in faith and spiritual maturity and became all the more willing to serve God as he grew older.

       At the same time, the Bible also records some poor examples of motherhood. For instance, Rebekah taught her younger son Jacob to deceive his father to obtain his blessing. As a result, her son endured the pain of leaving his homeland and being separated from his family, and later he himself was deceived by his father-in-law. As mothers, what kind of example are we setting for our children? What kind of people do we hope our children will become? Although there are times when we feel at a loss in raising teenage children, they are watching our attitudes toward God and toward others! Even when our children have become adults, we can still entrust them to God and learn to walk alongside them.

       Indeed, mothers today are often so busy with life that they can hardly attend to themselves. As a result, some rely on domestic helpers, while others turn to online media to help raise their children. Yet the consequences of this are often saddening. Especially in today’s technologically advanced age, if we do not seize the opportunity to teach our children from an early age (particularly before the age of ten), our opportunities to influence their lives will decrease as they grow older. So, how much time are you willing to give to your children? God teaches us, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). May we all cherish the role of motherhood that God has entrusted to us.

       My mother came to faith not long after I entered the workforce, and for this I thank God! When I was called by God and studied theology, she was very supportive of me. Later, she supported my ministry through prayer, and when my daughter was young, she helped care for her. My mother was a strong support for me. She had no opportunity to receive an education and therefore could not read. However, after coming to faith, she diligently attended gatherings and Sunday School. Every week, after returning home from worship and learning, she would review Scripture passages and memorize Bible verses. Gradually, through her diligence in reading the Bible, she came to recognize many words, and her example encouraged her Sunday School classmates. My mother also prayed daily and drew near to God, interceding for family members, fellowship friends, and pastors. Nor was she hesitant to share God’s grace and the gospel in any setting (including with doctors and nurses during medical appointments and hospital stays)! Her life also encourages me: I came to see that elderly people can grow in faith in this way, and that those who appear humble and weak can still be used by God as long as they are willing!

       Thanks be to God for giving us mothers, who accompany us as we grow with their endless love. May we respond to God’s love through our actions, cherish our mothers, and ourselves become faithful mothers who bring blessing to our families!