Happy Mother's Day. To begin, I want to read some scriptures for you.
1. "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes." Prov. 13:24. Footnotes in my Bible says that this literally means: discipline him diligently and the discipline referred to here is training either by word or deed. The Bible also says "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
2. "Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not they soul spare for his crying." Prov. 19:18
3. "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." Prov. 22:15
4. "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with a rod, he shall not die." Prov. 23:13
Dake's says this means: Discipline your child before his habits are formed and sealed for life. This is not advice for cruel punishment, but against cruel kindness that destroys the child in ruin and death. It is better for him to cry now from strict punishment than for you (the parent) to cry later.
My mom died when I was not quite four, so I didn't have a mom as a role model to learn what a mother is like, so I used the above scriptures plus others to help me in raising my children.
I was asked to say something about what it means to me to be a mother, and to be honest, I don't believe I had ever really thought about it until I began to pray about what to say. I feel honored and blessed that God entrusted such precious gifts to me, for I really consider children gifts from God.
To me a mother is one who, with God's help and grace, tries to make sure the home is a place of love, happiness, and contentment, a haven for her family - a place that the family wants to come home to!
She should first and foremost teach her child about God and His love and mercy - not just by words but by the life she lives. Please don't misunderstand me, for I am very much aware the husband is the head of the household, but some times it falls to the mother to take the children to church.
I personally have had to learn patience. (I still lose mine at times - but I'm still trying)
I guess one of the main things I have learned about being a mother and grandparent and great grandparent is to make sure that the child knows he or she is loved no matter what, and that although you may not approve of everything they might do - your love for them does not hinge on them never making mistakes. Never instill fear into them that you will stop loving them if they are not perfect.
To me a mother should brag on accomplishments of a child, no matter how minor to you - it's probably huge to the child.
Last but not least, make sure you impart to them the knowledge of a loving and forgiving Lord and teach them God's Word.
I carry the title of "Mom" and "Granny" very proudly and thank God for every blessing. It's not always been easy being a mom - but it's always been a blessing and a joy.
Happy Mother's Day!
Jessie Lee Harris