The Sacrifice of Mothers

Mary, the mother of Jesus, understood the sacrifice of being a mother.  It was directly related to her obedience to follow God’s plan for her life. She risked losing her fiancé and alienation from society.  Her reputation was hurt as she faced the accusations from her peers.  Being a mother is all about sacrifice.  It is impossible to be a good mother without a continual denying of self for the sake of the children.  No matter the age of the children a mother continually makes decisions to put the need of the children ahead of their own.  It is a sacrifice of time, peace, money and freedom.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful picture of the sacrifice of a woman who runs her household well.  She sacrifices so her husband has honor within the community.  She sacrifices to provide for the needs of the family.  She sacrifices to provide food and clothing for her children. Her clothes may be worn but she is covered in strength and dignity.  When others are at rest she is running strong.  Being a mother is not easy, but in the end…

²⁸          Her children rise up and call her blessed; 

her husband also, 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.

          (Proverbs 31:28-30)