By Larry Stover

There is a lot of confusion these days about motherhood. This has become one of the most difficult days to celebrate in recent decades. For some, Mother’s Day is an awesome time reflecting on the good memories and experiences. But for others, it is a time of reflection remembering the hurt, abuse, and multiple nights of tears wishing you could be anywhere but with her.

The world today has many views of motherhood. I would like to reflect on two of them.

The first observation, I will call the “world view.” Much of that view has a unique understanding of the role of women. Moms should be working out of the home fulfilling their highest potential. Male counterparts at work are inferior. Women should fight their way to the top and prove they can do anything as good as a man.

It goes on to tell ladies to think of themselves first and foremost. Take care of yourself because no one else will. Some extreme views of this concept include, feel free to date other men, even if you are married; if you want to have kids, let someone else raise them; divorce is a positive move because you are always looking out for your own happiness; and, abortion is acceptable.

I would like to contrast this world view with a Christian view of motherhood. The Bible offers a perspective that we can all live with. Proverbs chapter 31 asks the question, “What are the virtues of a Godly Christian woman?” They are described as being clothed in strength and dignity having a strong self esteem. They speak with Godly wisdom, meaning that they don’t spend their time in idle gossip. The result is that her husband and everyone else have confidence in them. I would add to this description that this kind of lady reflect a Spirit of Jesus Christ in all she does.

Proverbs goes on to say that this virtuous woman works hard both at home and in a secular situation. Beyond those duties she is involved in compassionate ministry to those in need. Jesus addresses this kind of woman when he said in Matthew, “Inasmuch as you have done this to the least of these, you have done it to me.” Chapter 31 goes on to describe a Godly Christian woman as being a person of strong faith. Some of the most awesome moms I know have a relationship with Jesus Christ that elevates her to a righteous position as she impacts her family and others in positive ways. Everyone has nothing but praise for her. I cherish the influence of a Godly mother.

Some of my readers will be wishing they had such a Godly mother. If you have not been blessed with a Godly influence in your life, change the future by determining that you will be that Godly person to impact generations to come. It’s what makes life “Simply Beautiful.”