Mothers are life’s mouthpiece. They are timeless teachers in the classroom of life. Women, especially mothers, are the most influential educators. They bequeath to us timeless wisdom, a legacy so precious and valuable. Mothers have often shaped our world from the cradle, by rocking, nurturing and instructing children to grow up to record life-changing and history-making feats. For most children, there is a mother behind who nurtured their sensibilities to full potential.
Mothers remain some of our most powerful teachers in the hands-on laboratory of everyday living. Of all their many attributes, all that comes down to is the heart – a mother’s heart. It has everything to do with the tenderness and toughness, the compassion and conscientiousness of the heart. There is nothing quite comforting as having one’s mother’s arm wrapped around one when one is sad, lonely or afraid.
Mothers teach us to believe in God. Mothers teach us the value of God’s word through their lives, personal prayer life and dependence on God’s strength and wisdom. Nothing is as attractive in a woman as the fear of the Lord. Knowing God, honouring and worshipping Him are really the most praiseworthy endeavours a person can ever undertake. Mothers are one of the first indications of the sovereignty of God in our lives.
Mothers teach us to have confidence and believe in ourselves. Mothers knew from experience how important it is for people to believe in themselves in order for children to be whole, strong and grow with a healthy estimation of oneself. One way for parents to breed confidence in a child is to affirm and sharpen his/her thinking. A healthy sense of self-confidence can result in a person to achieve more and celebrate more. Mother’s lessons in life gives one the space to believe in oneself as there is no limit to the greatness one can attain or the great things one can accomplish.
Mothers teach us the power of words. The words that mothers speak have power. Words can build up a child or tear him down.
How are we shaping our children as you speak to them? Are you like a potter, shaping the soft clay of your children’s hearts with words and a light guiding hand at one time and a gentle pressure at another? Or are you a sculptor, using your words like hammers, chisels, and knives because you are too busy and stressed to speak kindly and be patient?
When your children finish a conversation with you, do they look like fine pottery in the process of being moulded by your words with love and care or they appear like stones, having had parts of their hearts chipped away by negative, sharp or angry words?
Be careful with what you say to our children and the way you say it. Remember that death and life, blessing and curse are in the power of your tongue. With the words of our mouth, we can impart greatness or smallness in someone else’s life. You and I can fan the ember of a dream or we can snuff it out. Let us use our words wisely and carefully. Mothers teach us to pray. Prayer is taught through example. It is lived and it is a legacy passed on to our children. A woman who can talk to God and hear from Him is a force of strength and beauty like no other.
A Spanish saying notes, “An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.’’ A mother’s prayers are a priceless gift, a real treasure and an earnest heartfelt force of power. If you have a mother who prays for you, you are indeed truly blessed. Mothers teach us to ensure we work towards grand legacies. Scripture is certainly consistent about reminding us that we will reap what we sow, and for many of us, our mothers – the greatest women in our lives, sowed beautiful seeds of truth, wisdom, joy and peace, a spiritual harvest that is now bearing fruit in us and our children. Mothers have always made a difference and will continue to do so.
Yusuf Emmanuel is from the English Education Department, Lagos State University
