Physical Anatomy vs. Spiritual Properties
Sometimes a hug from mom can make everything better
In the dictionary, the term "heart" is immediately defined as "a hollow, muscular organ of vertebrate animals which maintains the rhythmic circulation of blood by alternate contraction and dilation." On average, the heart beats 60-100 times a minute, and pumps out about 2,000 gallons of blood every day.
Further descriptions of the heart include: "feeling or deep emotion," "love," "affection," "mood," "courage," "resolution," and "innermost part." It has been known to flutter, pound, skip a beat, soar, ache, and even break. Some hearts have been described as hard, cold, soft, warm, full, misguided, and foolish, which generally depends on the person to whom they belong. Jesus said the pure in heart are blessed (Matthew 5:8), His own heart is meek and lowly (Matthew 11:29), and that the mouth speaks of that which is abundant in the heart (Matthew 12:24).
Christian or not, no human being can deny the extraordinary job performance of the heart, whether it is transporting blood cells throughout our bodies or speeding up when your sweetheart walks by. Of all hearts, however, the heart of a mother can be set apart as truly remarkable. While it might be difficult, or even impossible, to adequately express all that lies in a mother's heart, there are many examples in the bible that we can find to help encourage and inspire us today.
Mary, the Epitome of Motherhood
Mary is an encouragement to all moms with her courage and faith
When Jesus was born, kings came to worship Him, bringing gifts of gold fit for a King, frankincense intended for a Priest, and myrrh for His prophesied death. Shepherds came to see the child the angels had told them about, and spread the word throughout the land. As everyone wondered about this miraculous birth and its announcement, Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19 While the world was busy with the excitement of their Savior's birth, Mary was humble and introspective, preparing herself for the journey God had in store for her and her miraculous son.
Perhaps one of the most poignant and moving scenes in Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is the one in which Mary remembers her son as a young boy. We are reminded of Jesus' humanity at this point, seeing how His mother remembers Him just as many of our own mothers remember us; in times of need or vulnerability, for that is when we need our mothers most. This memory resurfaces as she is watching Him being scourged for crimes He never committed, and the pain conveyed in the actress' eyes can only be a small indication of the pain Jesus' true mother must have felt.
Mothers in the Bible
It seemed that Moses couldn't have been born at a worse time. Out of fear that their growing numbers might cause the Hebrews to rebel, Pharaoh ordered all newborn Hebrew boys be slain immediately after birth. Moses, though, was so beautiful that his mother hid him from the Egyptian Army, and lovingly placed him in a basket in the river, hoping he would be found by an Egyptian woman and his life spared. It is hard to imagine the sacrifice she made as she watched him grow up as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, but her heart was strong enough to know that, at least, he was growing up at all. Exodus 2:1-10
Hannah yearned for motherhood so much that she promised God she would give her child up to the priesthood if only He would bless her with a child. He did, and she kept her promise. The heart of a mother only knows how to do what is best for her child, no matter the cost to herself. 1 Samuel 1:1-28
Mothers Who Read the Bible
A mom who reads the Bible and prays regularly will strengthen her family
As the end times draw nearer every day, a mother's heart needs to be stronger than ever. Jesus said, Woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Matthew 24:19 Christians today must strive to be strong, and mothers have to fight harder than ever before in order to raise their children and provide them with the proper guidance. This Mother's Day, we must remember all of the loving sacrifices made for us by our mothers, and show our gratitude to these remarkable women and to the Father of all who gives them the strength to do it.
Because of the important role they play in their family's lives, Mothers need continual support and encouragement. The Rock has ministries available to meet the special needs of Mothers and their families. Check out these ministries for more information:
