A Mother's Heart

Do not forsake the teaching of your mother. Proverbs 6:20

I once read that, a mother’s heart is a bottomless pit and an unconditional pocket of love. I thank God that is true for both my mother and my mother-in-law. When we think of “mothers” the traits, nurturing, protecting, providing and great affection come to mind. A mother is someone who takes great care in teaching you about life, providing instruction in the ways of God and spending a great deal of time covering you in prayer. She doesn’t have to be your biological mother. I like the way Collins English Dictionary puts it, “Your mother is the woman who gave birth to you. You can also call someone your mother if she brings you up as if she was this woman.”

There are a lot of amazing women in the Bible that we can call “mothers”. Women who set an example for us in bravery, faithfulness and steadfastness. Examples in Godly ways. Ruth is one example. She was from a foreign land but learned to trust God. Her obedience and faith caused her to follow her mother-in-law leaving all she knew behind her. Naomi had encouraged her to go back to her home but Ruth had the courage to seek what God had for her in the uncertain future. “But Ruth replied, Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16. Ruth cared for her widow mother-in-law, Naomi, without complaint. God honored her faithfulness and blessed her with a husband and new family. She would become the mother of Obed and great-grandmother of Israel's king David.

We can learn a lot from Ruth. First, she didn’t let things of the past keep her from moving forward into what God had for her. Her past was sorrow but God’s future was where she found peace. Secondly, even as a young or new believer, Ruth was full of faith. She had faith that God would provide and that He had a purpose for her future. Also, Ruth’s character was above reproach. She worked hard in the fields to put food on the table for herself and her bitter mother-in-law. Yes, her mother-in-law had lost sight of what God’s purpose was in her life but Ruth’s patience and honor that she showed her mother-in-law caught the attention of Boaz.

Possibly the greatest thing we can take from Ruth’s story is her legacy. A legacy of commitment to God no matter the circumstances. You may not have had an easy life. Neither did Ruth. She was from a wicked nation, she lived in poverty and suffered great loss. You may not have had a mother that cared for you physically or spiritually, but you can step out as Ruth did. Leave the past behind, look forward to what God has for you. Be the mother you didn’t have to someone who is hurting. Leave a legacy for someone to follow.

Thank you to the mothers you have stepped into their God given role. Thank you for your faithfulness and Godly example. Thank you for being a living example of Proverbs 31. Thank you for your mother’s heart!