As another Mother’s Day has come and gone, I can’t help but think of my own mother and how much she means to me. There are times, even as an adult, that we don’t see eye to eye, and we disagree on a variety of things; however, she is still my mother. As a teenager, I remember torturing her with my temper and rebellion. I look back at the darkness that was in my soul and I wish, with all my heart, I could take it all away and erase the dark times my mother and I had. She didn’t deserve the pain that I put her through. No one did. My mother has always been a Christ-like example for my family. We woke up each morning and saw her sitting at the table reading her daily devotion and preparing for the day. She always had a women’s devotional book sitting beside her bed and somewhere in the kitchen as well. She has always been giving, caring, and understanding through every trial we’ve encountered. Even during my worst years of rebellion and depression where I withdrew myself almost completely from my entire family, she still loved me, and she still prayed for me.

My mother showed me the love of Christ by reflecting His love in all that she did. She wasn’t perfect, just as no mother really is, but she did her best to ensure that her children knew the love of Christ and would one day grow up to hold Him in their hearts.

My mother always loved me unconditionally reflecting the unconditional love of Christ.

My mother never gave up on me, as Christ will never give up on you.

My mother stood by my side even when I didn’t deserve it, just as Christ is with you always.

“I love you more than life itself” is a statement often heard from mothers. As a mother of two young boys, I now understand what it means. I love my children and will always do my best to raise them in a Christian home and protect them from everything that I can. I love them more than life itself. I will always put their lives above mine, no matter what they do in life. They are my children, they are my responsibility, and I will never leave their side even if they leave mine.

Christ showed you the ultimate showcase of love when He died for your sins. His ultimate sacrifice. He didn’t deserve it, but He loved you more than His own life.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

The love of a mother should always reflect the love, sacrifice, grace, and gentleness of Jesus Christ, but we all know that isn’t always the case. No one is perfect and parenting is not the easiest job.

But today, as Mother’s Day is passing by, take time to thank God for your mother. No matter where she is in your life or the role she has played, good or bad, thank Him for placing her in this world. Without her, you would not be here. Without her, your children or future children would never exist. Generations would become non-existent if it weren’t for your mother and mothers from years ago.

As a mother that has suffered multiple miscarriages, I count it as a miracle that God has blessed me with two wild and crazy, amazing little boys. I treasure each moment I have with them and remind myself daily how precious they are in God’s eyes. God has a purpose for each of them, and though I’m not a perfect mom, I want my relationship with them and others around me to always reflect the love of Christ.

Mothers aren’t the only ones called to reflect the love of Christ; so are you. Young and old, male and female, whoever you are, wherever you stand, you are to live like Christ, love like Christ, and stand out in a dark world.

“Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:4-6

Trust God, love always, and make it your mission to let your life reflect the love of Christ.

Thank you, Mom for always being there for me (and now for your grand babies) and most importantly trusting God through it all! Love you mom/nana!

May God bless you and show you His grace every day!