Moms matter because they feed us the good stuff. Great big helpings of who we could become. They mix us up into themselves and knead us through with answers we may not want to hear and tears we do not want to cry.
Moms matter because they model courage before we are even old enough to recognize it. They get up in the thankless dark and offer bottles, chase away our fears, drive to work, wait on midnight homecomings and keep vigil over sick children to the second and third generation.
Moms matter because their words can crack or cement the foundation of who are – no matter how old we are.
Moms matter because they show us by doing. Their lives echo throughout ours and we will still hear the voice of their living long after they are gone.
Moms matter because they were made to matter.
And if you wish your mom didn’t matter so much. If you wish someone could soften the blow of her impact or soothe the ache of her loss. If you’re a mother who hasn’t figured out her motherhood, oh friend, I would rock you if I could. But instead let me offer my hand. For I would lead you to the One who has always said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me.”
The Christ who was born of a woman, for a woman, from a woman. The Christ child who became the Christ man who spent his dying breaths still loving on his mother.
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27 (New International Version).
He knows what it is to love a mother. He knows what it is to lose a mother.
Moms matter because they matter to Him. In all their righteous and wretched vulnerability. So, this weekend, let Him be the one to rock you.
Because even grown ups need lullabies sometimes.
OK, your turn. Leave your thoughts or a link to your own blog post in the comments. Feel free to direct your readers over here too. And let’s discover some fresh faces of motherhood together.
Oh lovely! This is my favorite line:
“Moms matter because their words can crack or cement the foundation of who are – no matter how old we are.”
And the last line, of course…there are many a day when I feel like I need a lullaby.
My post on why moms matter:
http://nebraskagraceful.blogspot.com/2010/05/mothering.html
Oh, Lisa-Jo, God must be working on the same parts of our hearts. I wrote mine yesterday in anticipation of your post–we used the exact same Bible verse to illustrate the same point! I love reading your writing!
My post on why moms matter:
http://www.jennifervdavis.com/?p=493
Oh, and thank you for letting us link up to your post. I hope many visit you today–you consistently have the most encouraging words for others to hear. Thank you, and Happy Mother’s Day!
beautiful. that verse speaks out so powerfully about moms!!
and love how they can break or cement a foundation…such a picture there!
http://bahava.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/moms-matter-because/
I have three. Different perspectives in each one.
This one is about my mom: http://eloranicole.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/mother-love/
This one is when God burdened me for the orphans of Haiti one morning: http://eloranicole.wordpress.com/2010/03/23/how-quickly-we-forget/
This one is a letter/poem to precious girl my husband & I mentored and almost legally adopted. She will always be our “daughter”: http://eloranicole.wordpress.com/2009/06/20/what-i-cant-say/
I’ve loved this series, girl. Such a humbling reminder about the role of motherhood – regardless the form. Thank you.
I asked my 7yr old – and he said, “because they love kids more than anyone else”.
From the mouths of babes, right? Never were truer words spoken!!
I love that verse and the way you used it! The idea of motherhood and loss is kind of what inspired my post as well. I was thinking about your post about not splintering your daughter’s heart and how you lost your mom, as well as the fact that a month ago today my mom lost her mom. Thank you for sharing this. You’re always such an inspiration! :)
http://melissabrotherton.com/2010/05/07/my-mom/
…because someone must bear the “heavy, beautiful weights that are our children…”
oh, how I love that line!
http://liferearranged.com/2010/05/and-then-i-am-reminded/
Moms matter because…
their encouragement allows children to explore their interests without fear of failure. It also teaches children that possibilities are limitless.
their unconditional love creates a place of refuge, showing their children a taste of God’s love.
My post is an both an apology and a thank-you note in one:
http://thescienceofmusic.blogspot.com/2010/05/apology-to-my-mother.html
Beautiful!!
My post on why Moms matter….
http://theherseysamericantale.blogspot.com/
Moms matter because…
they are there
they take time to pray
they nurse every wound
they hold your heart close like the Savior
they love you through the storm as He would have them to
they make awesome meals, even when they’re not up to it
they stand for you when no-one else cares
they lift you when you’re down, and lead you to the arms of the man who can… (at least I know my mom does).
Thank you mom, and Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Ginger
The Gypsy Mama rocks Fridays! Thx Lisa-Jo! :)
They love you through the storm – yes, I love that. Each and every one of the items on this list would be on mine too! Thank you for sharing.
“Moms matter because they matter to him.” So beautifully true! He is the one who taught us how to love. Our perfect example.
My brief thoughts of motherhood today were on the 2 special mothers who came before me in my son’s life. We celebrate them:
http://inhishands-ouradoptionjourney.blogspot.com/2010/05/before.html
Happy Mother’s Day to you, Lisa-Jo! Be blessed.
Oh Lisa-Jo – “…their words can crack or cement the foundation of who we are…” Boy, do I want to be a BONDING AGENT to Jesus for my kiddos!
You inspired me…thanks for that!
http://overflowunedited.blogspot.com/2010/05/moms-matters-because.html
Blessings to you,
Tami
Ain’t that the truth!! Super glue, baby! And can I just say how much your post made me smile – I think a mom’s power to sniff out a dirty diaper from across the house is practically magical. Thank you for sharing with us. Since I couldn’t leave a comment over there, I figured I’d leave one here.
Oops! seems my last link didn’t work….hope it does now :) Thx Lisa-Jo, for pointing it out!
here goes…
http://herseysamericantale.blogspot.com/2010/05/why-moms-matter.html
Here’s mine – I’m walking out to baseball, so this isn’t my comment – just my link. *hugs* http://bit.ly/9NGX68 thanks for doing this – It’s beena great meditation for me this week.
Finally got this up :) Interesting day.
Thank you for this week of beautiful posts.
My post on why mother’s matter: http://jezamama.blogspot.com/2010/05/moms-matter-because.html
Lisa-Jo,
I think this is the most beautiful piece you’ve ever written.
The image of kneading is into who we are…so rich and full of texture.
Have been thinking quite a bit about this – “we hear their voice echo long after they are gone.”
For the last @ years my strong, courageous, indomitable mother has been a heart patient. I am more conscious of every moment with her now…storing up memories and the light that she is, knowing my time with her could evaporate at any moment. *blessings on your Mother’s day! Hope it’s fantabulous!!
Blessings on you and your mom this mother’s day – I pray it is a treasured time of beautiful new memories!
Beautiful post, Lisa-Jo! How awesome that “He spent His dying breaths still loving on His mother!” I never thought about that before. Thank you.
Here’s my link:
http://andthensomore.blogspot.com/2010/05/her-eyes.html
I am brand new to your blog. This was sooooo good. Thank you!
Love this!
I wrote a mini blog about how mothering changes us…how mothering matters to our own refining!
It is here:
http://web.me.com/melissafed/MelissaAndCo/Melissa_And_Co./Entries/2010/5/9_Mothers_Day.html