When asked to write about motherhood, so many memories—some good, some hard—flooded my mind. If there was a scan of my brain at that moment, I’m sure it would’ve looked like a tangled mess of windblown hair after a ride in a convertible!

But oh, what sweet and precious memories washed over me…

1978: “It’s a girl!”

22 months later: “It’s a girl!”

3 years later: “It’s a girl!”

22 months later: “It’s a boy!”

At 30 years old and with four small children, I can honestly tell you I loved it! Oh, and yes, it was really hard. Learning to be a mom, I was pretty much on my own. I didn’t know a lot but I did know this. These children were gifts from God that He gave me the honor, the privilege of raising.

Congratulations, you’re a mom!  

Now, whether you hear those words in a hospital room, or when you are signing adoption papers—you’re a mom.

If it’s a late-night call for a child who needs emergency fostering, you’re a mom.

If a grandmother finds herself raising grandkids, you’re a mom.

However it comes, the incredible influence we have on our children is huge. We remember and still feel the impact, in one way or another, of our own moms.

 

As I held each one of my babies, young as I was, I knew that I wanted them to know and love the God I loved so much. I wanted to be a good example, I did! Looking back, I thank You Jesus for grace and mercy, because I made mistakes along the way.

Thinking of my own mother, such memories! She was funny, clever, beautiful. A career woman, which was rarer in those days than it is now. And she loved Jesus. Now, my mother made mistakes in her life that affected our family, and it was hard at times.

But what I reflect on most is her influence on me in so many positive ways. Most importantly, she led me to Jesus—and for that, I’m eternally grateful. That influence still affects me to this day, and of course how I raised my children.

The influence of a mother is such a powerful thing. To care for and nurture a child is God’s design. It’s been said that motherhood is a partnership with God…you are working with the Creator of the universe in shaping human character and determining destiny!

 

A loving example.

The actor known as Mr. T, when talking about his mother’s influence in his life, tells a sweet story to honor her hands, her feet, and her knees. He called attention to her feet because they took her across town to do domestic work, on her hands and knees scrubbing floors and toilets.

He also said, “She used her feet to walk the floor with me, talking to God all night long, when my body was ill and wracked with pain. She got down on her knees to pray some more, still holding me in her hands.”

“I guess the only payment she ever wanted,” he adds, “was for me to grow up and carry on her teaching example. To share, to love, to be kind, and always take God with me wherever I go. She always said, ‘Don’t be bitter, don’t hate, don’t hold grudges. And never forget to pray.’”

What a beautiful influence on this man’s life.

 

I love being a mom and still count it as one of the biggest joys of my life. My kids are grown now with kids of their own, and I’ve learned a few things I would like to pass on to you mamas.

Encourage your kids. They need it! Be their biggest cheerleader.

Always keep communication open—even in the inconvenient times.

Let them know they’re loved and welcome at home when they have strayed away.

Permit them to disagree with you, provided they do it with respect.

Pray. Pray. PRAY.

Even when things seem hopeless, a mother never stops praying. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Simple words, yet they can be challenging at times, I know. But we have the Holy Spirit; He will give us wisdom, strength, and guidance for these treasures of ours.

Jesus said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Friends, what a promise this is from Jesus to us!

 

A unique role.

Motherhood is a unique role for women. Biblically speaking, mothering fulfills a specific need in a child’s life. Loving and nurturing these children placed in our tender care is God’s design. What a holy calling, what a joy!

Always remember, the Lord’s love goes beyond what we can comprehend—He loves your children so much! We know for certain that He hears every mother’s cry for her child.

What a sweet testimony it is, when children remember seeing their mother on her knees praying for them. That’s a mother’s influence, her legacy that will last for eternity.