2 Timothy 1:3-7 – “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.  6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  NKJV

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside each year to recognize and honor our mothers.  Mine has been promoted to heaven, but her influence and memory are fresh and real in my life and our family.  In looking at this passage on this particular day, I find that the one portion that leaps off the page is found in verse 5.   The apostle reminds Timothy of his heritage of faith that was demonstrated in his grandmother and mother, and called it ‘genuine faith.’ 

That distinction is of great value when considering the important role of mothers in our lives.   Timothy’s grandmother and mother manifested ‘genuine faith,’ which speaks of permanence, consistency, and foundation.   They believed and walked out what they believed and instilled that confidence in Timothy, a quality Paul recognized and learned to depend on.

Faith is a critical element in walking with God because the Bible tells us that no person can please the Lord without it.   That speaks to the need to have confidence in God to weather the storms of life without becoming shipwrecked and a castaway. 

If our faith is timid, superficial, and conditioned upon circumstance, we will be an easy target for the devil, and our walk and life will be little more than outward show, noise, and fluff without substance.  If we had a mother who demonstrated consistency, persistence, and continuance of faith, we will have learned that trusting God is not only desirable but possible.

I was blessed to have a mother who consistently demonstrated her faith, faithfulness, and fidelity before the Lord and all who knew her.  Her example was invaluable and instilled in us the confidence that a mortal could walk upright before the Lord in faith.  Her love warmed our hearts, her encouragement inspired us to achieve, and her faith gave us an anchor in life.  As Proverbs declares, the value of a mother who gives a heritage of faith is ‘far above rubies.’

To all the mothers reading this today, I tip my hat to you and say ‘Thank You’ for what you have done, are doing, and will do for your families.    May God give you a special blessing on this day and lift your hearts, so you soar with the eagles.

Blessings on your special day!