What is a Mother? – Mother’s Day Sermon

Sermon Title: Mother’s Day: A Blessing From God

Good News Statement: God provides us with Mothers and Mother-like Figures

Preached: Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Dogwood Prairie and Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NRSV): Proverbs 10-31 – Today’s scripture highlights the unbelievable and miraculous qualities and strengths of the Mother’s and Mother-like figures in our life: those individuals that always find a way to go above and beyond and to put others before themselves.

Ode to a Woman of Strength

¹⁰ A woman of strength who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not harm  all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from far away.
¹⁵ She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her  female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson.
²² She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband, too, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.

This is the Word of God for the People of God; And all God’s people said, “Thanks be to God.”

 

Introduction:

Today is Mother’s Day, a day signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914, Today is Mother’s Day, a day when families pay special tribute to their moms in various ways. We take them out to dinner, buy them special gifts, present them with flowers, and maybe do the dishes, cook a meal, do the laundry, help with the cleaning, and let them take a quick a nap before we need them because we can’t figure out how to pre-heat the oven for the dessert that they made the night before. Today is Mother’s Day, the day when we give our mother’s and mother-like figures our love, show our deep appreciation for what they do day in and day out, and realize that they are God’s gift to us to teach us, to direct us, to help us, to be a living and breathing source of God’s eternal heart.

Here are some facts about Mothers. According to Haba.com, “There are roughly 82.5 million mothers in the United States, more than 2 billion worldwide, and the average Mom will have changed approximately 7,300 diapers by the time her baby reaches age two!” Speaking of babies, according to Town and Country Magazine, “The moniker or name ‘Mom’ comes from babies. The first thing most babies can vocalize is the ‘ma’ sound, which is why in almost every language the word for mother begins with the letter ‘M’…” Furthermore, this magazine shared in a recent article focusing on Mothers, “Mother’s Day is celebrated all over the world. In 2022, over $31 Billion was spent on Mother’s Day. More calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year: approximately 122 million calls are made on Mother’s Day.” Lastly,  the sound of a mother’s voice lowers a child’s stress hormone and raises their level of oxytocin, a hormone linked with love and bonding.

When you think about your mother or the mother-like figures in your life, what do you think about? Do you think about all the diapers they have changed, all the chores they somehow accomplished before you even got up in the morning, the lessons they taught you, the stories they shared, the comfort of their voice, the warm embrace of their hugs, or even the love that never goes away? What comes to mind when you think about your mother? This question is what King Solomon, the author of three thousand proverbs and a thousand and five songs (1 Kings 4:32) and the author of our text, wants us to ponder today and every day of our lives: “What is a mother?”

Body:

In March of 1999, I received a book titled I Love You Stinky Face from my mom, written by Lisa McCourt. In this book a young boy seeks to know how much his mom loves him. He asks, “Mama, what if I were a bid, scary ape? Would you still love me then?” and the mother responds, “I love you, my big, scary ape.” Not quite sure, the boy asks, “But Mama, what if I were a supper smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was stinky face?” and the mother responds, “I love you, Stinky Face.” Then the boy talks about being an alligator, a dinosaur, a swamp monster, a green alien, and finally a Cyclops. And each time, the mother responds, “I love you.” A mother’s love is stronger and bigger than any type of thing, being, or monster that we might become. This love is what King Solomon writes about in Proverbs 31 when he describes a mother.

In Proverbs 31, we begin to see what makes up a godly mom. President Abraham Lincoln once said, “That no man is poor who had a godly mother.” Because of my mother, I feel as if I am the riches person alive: I have been given all that I need to succeed and become the person that I am meant to be. Additionally, because of my mother, whenever she comes to visit, my pantry is usually restocked with animal crackers and potato chips and peanut butter. Because of my mother, I have more than I need; I have everything and more.

At the very start of Proverbs 31, we get a glimpse of a mother who wants nothing more than to provide her son, King Lemuel, with all that he needs to respect, revere, and honor the women in his life. Proverbs 31:1 states, “The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him.” For starters, there isn’t much information pertaining to this King Lemuel figure. As a matter of fact, there is no King Lemuel mentioned in the history of Israel, which is why some have come to believe that King Lemuel is a pet name, a nickname, given to King Solomon by his mother, Sheba, as in Bathsheba—the wife of Uriah the Hittite and the one who King David spots bathing as he was walking upon his rooftop (2 Samuel 11:2). King Solomon’s mother, pulls him aside and provides him with an oracle—a divine utterance, a prayer, something that has been weighing upon her shoulders—in which can bring respect to all women. I’m sure throughout your lifetime, you can remember something in which your mother told you that changed your life, that helped you see the world through her eyes. Sheba offers nine key elements to King Solomon or King Lemuel that we should take to heart on this Mother’s Day.[1]

Sheba begins her lesson by talking about worth. Proverbs 31:10-11 states, “A woman of strength who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” A mother is virtuous. A mother is noble. A mother is righteous. A mother is of excellence. Although she may say the wrong thing at times and not always do what she means, she is still excellent and righteous in the sight of God because she is a blessing to all: she is a gift that deserves our trust. Ruth in Chapter Three of The book of Ruth is noted as a virtuous woman by Boaz because of what she was willing to do to protect her family. King Solomon also notes, a mother is worth more than jewels or “diamonds” (Proverbs 31:10, MGS). It has been noted that rubies and diamonds are an exceptionally durable stone. A mother is not equal to a ruby or valued just a little more than a ruby, but is far more precious than a ruby. A mother’s value is priceless and beyond any price tag given to any ruby, diamond, or jewel. A mother is worth more than any precious jewels because she is virtuous and trustworthy.

After talking about a mother’s worth and value and trust, King Solomon turns to the work of fearless mother in Proverbs 31:12-24 and offers us nine different traits. Number one, a mother’s motive and heart. Verse 12 says, “She does him good and no harm all the days of her life.” A mother strives to do good not just one day of the week or when she feels like it, but every day of her life. She strives to be led by the footsteps of love. I don’t know about you, but it’s tough and hard work to always do good. I could be sitting on the couch, not around anyone, and still be blamed for something. I could be put on trial because the power went out during a storm and it’s my fault for not being able to control the weather. Even when we think we are doing good, we might be causing harm. But a mother, even when we disagree with her and talk a back to her and claim that we know more than she does, is only trying to do good so that we too can walk in the footsteps of love.

Number two, a mother is a hard-worker and has measure. Verses 13-15 note, “She seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from far away. She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her female servants.” In verse 24, we read, “She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with clothing.” A mother is a hard-worker. I can’t even begin to count all the projects that my mom helped me with during school, all the trips to school because I forgot something at home, and all the late nights baking something for a school party the next day. In addition to all those things, she found time to make meals, do laundry, wash dishes, clean the house, plant a garden, attend every sporting event, listen to every choir or band concert, and still work a 40-hour job. A mother is a hard worker and even when it seemed like her work was done, there was something else. A mother goes above and beyond because she loves who God has put in her life, and through her work she provided not only food, but provided a comforting presence.

Number three, a mother does what she can to provide for tomorrow through her management: “She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16). What a mother does today impacts and effects tomorrow. What a mother plants, grows into something beautiful tomorrow. A mother considers the work of the present and prays that what she does today will be remembered, used, cherished, and passed on to future generations.

Number four, a mother is strong, she has muscles. Proverbs 31:17 reminds us, “She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” A mother is willing to get the job done, to roll up her sleeves, to be the next image for a “Rosie the Riveter” poster. My mother, just like my grandma, loves being outside. Just last year she decided that she would start helping my dad mow the yard; and she does a good job. But once in a while, my dad will still end up mowing the entire yard the next day after my mom just mowed. My point is, a mother is willing to help and she is strong in what she does even if what she does is not perfect. A mother is strong on multiple levels: she may be physically strong, emotionally strong, mentally strong, or even spiritually strong. No matter where her strength lies, she will always be strong for those that she loves.

Number five, a mother is full of ministry. Proverbs 31:18-20 tells us, “ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” Not only is she hard-working, but she has enough will to carry out a ministry that exemplifies the works of God and the words of Jesus Christ. She burns the candle at both ends to get the job done, she lends a hand, and she doesn’t neglect the needy but receives them with an open hand. A mother is a true example of the ministry of God: seeking to serve and not to be served.

Number six lists a mother’s mantra—her statement or slogan: “She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson” (Proverbs 31:21). A mother prepares for the unknown, she over packs, she considers the outcome of every situation. A mother is prepared for the snow, the rain, the heat, the cold, the smiles, the laughter, the scrapes, the bruises, the tears, and the sorrow. Her household is clothed with protection. Simply put, a mother is prepared for life.

Number seven, a mother is modest. King Solomon recalls, “She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple” (Proverbs 31:22).[2] King Solomon is not talking about being wealthy financially like the Rich Man from Mark 10 by referencing the clothing of royalty—fine linen and purple in color. Rather, King Solomon is simply implying that a mother treats all her belongings as important and significant. While doing so she is modest: she doesn’t boast about things, doesn’t try to outdo her neighbor, and certainly doesn’t seek to be put on a pedestal, except for maybe today. She doesn’t boast about herself, but gives praise in those whom she loves. She would rather give than receive. A mother is modest.

Number eight, a mother has and is a model. After talking about working hard and giving, we read that a mother has a model, a role model.  “Her husband is known in the city gates,” states King Solomon, “taking his seat among the elders of the land” (Proverbs 31:23). This woman’s husband is a respected elder in the city, and he lives in such a way that her husband is supported in that position and not derailed in it by her actions. Essentially, a mother is a model for what it means and looks like to be uplifting: someone who is going to be there for you no matter the situation, no matter the outcome, no matter the frustration and stress, and no matter the risk it takes to get you to become who she knows you can become. A mother uplifts you and is a model for what that looks like.

Finally, number nine, a mother is filled with wisdom. Proverbs 31:25-27 asserts, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Again a mother is clothed in strength and her dignity, her respect, is what gives her the teachings and wisdom we need to hear. A mother is filled with joy and laughter. It’s okay for a mother to laugh, to enjoy life, to take minute for herself!  A mother is filled with wisdom. I don’t know how being sent to my room was a form of wisdom, but I’m sure there was wisdom in her form of punishment. A mother is a teacher of kindness, always doing good not harm, always willing to offer a hug and not walking away, and always right there to pick us when we fall. And a mother finds ways to put others first: she gives the bread to her household, to her family, before she serves herself.

A mother has worth. A mother demonstrates goodness and trust. A mother is hard-working. A mother takes time to plan things out. A mother has been given this divine strength to care for others. A mother is willing to do the ministry of the Lord, opening her hand to all people. A mother offers protection and preparedness. A mother is supportive. A mother is filled with wisdom, teachings, and love. A mother is all these things and so much more because she is a gift, a blessing, given to us by God.

Conclusion:

The Thirty-First Chapter of the Book of Proverbs closes with these words from verses 28-31, “Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband, too, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.”

When I think about my mom, I think about someone who surpasses them all. I think about the many adventures we’ve taken, the places we’ve gone, the things we’ve done, the many ice cream drives, the words of wisdom she has shared with me, the tears that we have seen on each other’s face, the teachings that have changed my life, the funny expressions that come across her face when she gets mad, and the random thoughts that have caused us to say “What? Really?” I also think about the love that she has given me for the past twenty-seven years—a love that can never be taken away–all the hugs that brought a smile to my face, the many “I love yous” that have been shared over the phone and cards, the support that she continues to give me today, and the many pictures that rest in my memory. When I think about my mother, I think of someone who King Solomon describes, but I also think of someone who is much more than these things. My mother, probably like many of your mom’s, is indescribable: it’s hard to put words to someone who is perfect and a gift given to us by God. My mother, and I don’t know how, will always find a way to “I love you.”

The Message Bible states in verse 31, “Give her everything she deserves! Adorn her life with praises!” Today is Mother’s Day, a day that we recognize all the mothers and mother-like figures in our life who deserve our love and appreciation and who certainly deserve our praises today and every day. When you think about your mother, what do you think about? What do you remember? How will you show your appreciation for the mothers in your life? King Solomon provides us with nine characteristics that describe a mother, but we know there are many, many, many more! Happy Mother’s Day to all the women! Let it be so. Amen.

Closing Prayer:

 Let us Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you for our mother and all the mother-like figures in our life. Thank you for their love, their support, their care, their comfort, and their strength. O Lord, help us to show our appreciation to the mothers in our life, not just today but every day. Each and every mother is a gift, a blessing, from you, O Lord, so help us to receive this gift as we praise them and love them with the love that they deserve. All honor and glory is yours now and forever, Amen.

Benediction:

In her book I Love You Stinky Face, author Lisa McCourt reminds us that a mother’s love is all we need in life. At the end of the book the little boy says, “I love you, mama.” And the mother’s reply is, “And I love you, my wonderful child.” May all the mothers and women today and every day be blessed with a love that warms their heart, makes them smile, and reminds them of how important they are. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, go, living and experiencing the love of your mother. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen

 

 

[1] Proverbs 31:10-31 is laid out in a similar fashion to Psalms 119: it is a Hebrew acrostic poem.  Each line begins with the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. For example, if we think of the word “Mother,” we could write “Magical, Outstanding beauty, Tremendous teacher, Helpful, Extraordinary, Reliable and Rich with love.” Each letter from the word “Mother” represents what a mother is. Kings Solomon’s mother is teaching her son in this way so that he can remember what she is telling him. It has been scientifically proven that people remember things better when it rhymes, when it appears in song, and when it relates to a form of poetry.

[2] 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight.”