If I were to ask you to name the most powerful person in all the world, who would it be? Would you say the President, foreign kings or perhaps Superman? Would you name our financial leaders on Wall Street that manage and determine our nation’s interest rates and commerce with the snap of a finger? Who you say is the most powerful and influential person in all of the world? I suggest to you today that the correct answer is one word – MOM. President Theodore Roosevelt once said: “When all is said, it is the mother, who does her part in rearing and training aright the boys and girls who are to be the men and women of the next generation – it is she who is of greater use to the community, and occupies, if she would only realize it, a more honorable as well as a more important position than any man in it. She is more important, by far, than the successful statesman, or businessman, or artist, or scientist.” Roosevelt was right, mothers are indeed the the most powerful people in the world for they are the ones who were given the assignment by God to mold us in our most “moldable” years. Unfortunately, this isn’t recognized by many in our world today. In fact, I heard a couple of women talking in a grocery store this week and during their conversation they were making comments that would have believe they were almost embarrassed and apologetic that they were mothers! And having the privilege of being a Youth Pastor many years ago, I’ve overheard more than one conversation between kids that had nothing but terrible things to say about their mean, over-protective mom that made them dress appropriately, come home at a decent hour and respect those in authority.

All throughout the Bible we read about moms that made a difference in the lives of their children. But let’s go back to the beginning – let’s consider Eve: she was the mother of all living things (in fact her name means ‘living’) and the first woman to give birth to a child. Do you think she was scared? What do you think went through her head as her belly started to grow and she found herself throwing up every morning? She had no one to ask questions to and no one to give her advice. Was she scared? did she realize how important her role would be in the lives of her kids? Eve had three sons mentioned in Scripture: Cain, Abel and Seth. Genesis 5:4 tells us that her and Adam had many sons and daughters, but only three are mentioned. And disappointment and tragedy did not escape this first mother’s life – the most well-known was of course when Cain murdered Abel. Eve is not only the first mother, but also the first mom to lose a child in death. Actually, we could say she lost two sons because the other left and wandered the lands. But, did you also know that it was through the line of Seth that people began to call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:25-26). I kind of think she had no idea what she was in for. She could not have imagined the joy, heartache, tears, laughter, pain and pleasure that came along with motherhood. But the fact is, mother’s have a remarkable ability to change the world through their children. Mom, don’t ever forget your value, importance or role you play in all of our lives. Please forgive the rest of us when we take you for granted and fail to let you know what you mean to us.

Today I’m thinking about my mom who is now in heaven praising the Lord and probably telling Jesus stuff about me I wish she would keep quiet. I miss her more than words can say and it hurts today like it did the day she went Home, but I know this pain is only temporary because one day – one glorious day – I’ll get to see her again. I love you mom. You were a great mom. Happy Mother’s Day!

pastorjeff@lwwconline.com