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A Mother Knows |
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Article
by Tom Gilbert — May 2005
I never saw my Mom pregnant.
Or if I did I certainly don’t remember it.
I’m the middle child of three. My sister is
three years older and my brother is just eighteen
months younger. So, my mother was towing me around
as a toddler by the time my brother was born.
Now that I have a couple of children of my own I
have personal experience with a pregnant woman.
Guys, let’s face it – we won’t
ever truly appreciate what women go through during
those months of carrying a child, let alone the
whole labor and birth experience. All we can do
is be supportive and in awe.
God’s mystery of creation and the differences
between men and women is impressive. Women have
so many special gifts that are hard for the male
species to understand, let alone appreciate. The
ability to carry a new life and eventually give
birth is got to be in the top three. Right up there
is the long-suffering acceptance, encouragement
and nurturing that they give to their children.
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I don’t
have a lot of vivid memories as a young child. But
I do remember my Mom being there for me. She would
instruct. She’d enforce rules. She’d
agonize over my rebellion. And now, many years later
she has an amazing intuition for helping me grow
spiritually.
As I’ve walked my path over the years I keep
getting surprised at how Mom knows what to say or
pass on. We live cities and many miles apart. She
sends cards and letters – often apologizing
for writing when she seems to be in regular correspondence,
especially compared to my more infrequent replies.
She says things to me that are full of deep meaning,
wisdom and truth that I often don’t absorb
until much later. And she has an uncanny knack for
sending me books that are just what I need at the
time – and for some time to come.
Not long after college my mom sent me a “Good
News” Bible. In the front she wrote what has
become one of my favorite verses, “And we
know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love him, who have been called to his
purpose.” (Romans 8:28 - NIV). Boy, I’ve
sure seen how true that is, not just for me but
for countless others. God can take what we consider
bad, even horrible and tragic things, and work His
grace and mercy so that good results.
My mother likes to read page-turning novels and
she’s turned me on to some great ones. They
don’t have to be spiritual, but often they
are. My first exposure to a Graham Greene novel
was at her encouragement. And she has sent me some
incredible devotionals as well as spiritually rich
and challenging books by Oswald Chambers, Thomas
Merton, Thomas Keating and Joseph Girzone. Occasionally
I’ve been able to return the favor and introduce
her to authors I’ve discovered.
One of the things I’ve been grateful for is
the gentle persistence from my mom to check out
Richard Rohr’s writing and teaching. I live
in Albuquerque where the Center for Action and Contemplation
is located, but it took me a few years to finally
investigate. My mother’s voice kept coming
to me, perhaps working together with the Holy Spirit,
“I think Richard Rohr is in Albuquerque. You
should check it out.” That has resulted in
some great friendships with people at the CAC, some
wonderful lessons from Rohr and my involvement in
male spirituality.
Just a few months ago I remarked to my mother that
Richard Rohr had mentioned his favorite mystic was
Julian of Norwich. A few days later in the mail
she sent her own copy of Julian’s writings.
Our relationship today is wonderful, but I gave
Mom more than a few sleepless nights in my earlier
years. I was a rebellious lad and got into trouble
from time to time. When I went off to college I
was very anxious to spread my wings – and
I did! Returning home for the summer after my freshman
year I continued to stay out late at night and do
what I wanted. After all, I was an adult now. My
mom had a hard time letting go to that, but reportedly
a clergy friend took her aside and said, “Now
Jeanne, when Tom was away at school did you sit
up all night worrying about him?” She got
the hint, but I can see now that it’s tough
for the mother hen not be concerned.
It’s not unusual for us to idealize our parents.
Yet, we all go through the ups and downs that come
in the journey of life. I know that my mom has grown
through her trials, tribulations, errors and faith.
I have to resist putting her on a pedestal that
makes her out to be “perfect”. Nobody
deserves that kind of pressure.
I do hope that I continue to grow in appreciation
for what my mother does for her children, her husband/my
dad, her friends and strangers. It does influence
me as a parent and a person. It’s God working
through us all and a very real demonstration of
Romans 8:28.
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Mother's Day
Resources
Christianity
Today Mother's Day Special Section
Peggie's
Place - MamaQuest!
Grant's
Heavenly Top Ten Sayings Of Biblical Mothers
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Scripture taken from
the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright
© 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.
All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by
permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are
registered trademarks of International Bible Society.
Use of either trademark for the offering of goods
or services requires the prior written consent of
International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from
the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright
©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights
reserved.
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PROVERBS
31:29-30
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"Many
women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but
a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
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(NIV)
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