Where Would We Be Without Moms?

Where Would We Be Without Moms?

Literally none of us would be here without our mom.

That's biology.

Most of us would not still be here if it hadn't been for our mom.

That's God's mercy and grace.

For many our moms are no longer here.

That is our loss.

Honor your mother, if she's living, so that your days will be long on this earth.

That's a promise from God.

This started as a simple FaceBook post, but I decided to elaborate on it in honor of Mother’s Day.

My high school friend, Jeff Jenkins, and I determined there are only two things certain in life. It’s not the proverbial “Death and Taxes” that is quoted by most. We concluded the only things certain in life are conception and judgment. Without the former we never exist. All have been promised the latter. What happens in between is determined by the actions of others, or ourselves.

However, without a mom we would never have the opportunity to be conceived. In the instant the egg meets the sperm God places inside the woman the potential to change the world. Each conception is sent by God as a blessing and as a seed to bring His Kingdom to earth. It is said that the human baby is one of the most helpless creatures on the planet. Most mammals can function within minutes of being born. Without care from a mother, or some other mature person, a human infant would die soon of being born.

This care starts long before birth. Even before the mother knows she is pregnant her body begins a transformation to prepare a place for the child. Hormones begin reacting to this new life inside her. An incubator or sorts immediately goes into construction phase so this tiny life form can begin the nine month process we call pregnancy.

Even though, technically, after the birth of a child the mother is not essential (in other words, someone else could care for the infant) there is no other person better suited to care for the newborn than its mother. Once delivery has completed additional hormones kick in to create milk to nurture the infant, providing not only the nutrients needed to sustain life but precious antibodies that will help the infant grow into a strong, healthy adult.

That is why I said, “Literally none of us would be here without our mom; that's biology. Most of us would not still be here if it hadn't been for our mom; that's God's mercy and grace.” A mom is required for conception. The care that comes after is give to us out of the love and caring heart of a mother.

My mother used to misquote a verse of scripture regularly. She was not being blasphemous, just her rye sense of humor (I’m sure that’s where mine comes from). She would always tell us, her children, “Obey me, so my days will be long on this earth!” After having children of my own I understand where she was coming from on this. Here’s what the verse actually says.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV)

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

The promise is actually for the child being obedient to their parents. When we choose to honor our parents (even if they are not honorable) we bless them while they are with us, but we also receive a blessing from the Lord. Most parents try to do what is right. We all fall short of being the Cleavers. (Google it if you have no clue what I meant.) We do all that we know to do and God takes care of the rest. But the responsibility of the Believer is to honor their parents, especially if they don’t deserve it. In doing so we are being salt and light to them, and we are demonstrating the grace God has shown to us.

If your parents are no longer living, I’m sorry. Mine are both gone. However, there are many around you that could use someone to speak to them some good news. There are many ladies that either didn’t have children, or have lost the children they had. They could certainly use a hug, kind word, or other act of kindness to brighten their day.

Take time to honor someone, whether it’s your mom, or someone else’s. Both of you will be blessed in the process. Happy Mother’s Day!!