The
mother-child relationship is paradoxical and, in a sense, tragic. It requires
the most intense love
Spring is in the air from April showers, which bring May
flowers. Flowers are nature’s way of providing perfume in the air. Similar to
the wonderful smells to my grandmother’s kitchen; although her apple pies,
cornbread with red beans and okra were great country smells. Take time to walk
around and stop to smell the flowers and see what memories swell like ocean
tides to reminisce of years gone by.
Each flower is unique and yet beautiful in its own way. They
bring smiles on Valentine’s Day, sympathy expressions for those who have died, and
comfort for those who are ill. There are many ways flowers can be expressive. Some
have thorns to be reminders to handle them gently.
Time is not man’s best friend. Flowers begin to age and wilt
and then die off. Some keep coming back year after year with more radiant
blooms than last year. No, this story isn’t about actual flowers, but about
mothers. Mother’s age and are reborn time after time. They may seem to wilt on
the outside, but it is the inside that is renewed. Grandmothers are special and
unique flowers that most of us have fond memories of their interaction with us
as children growing up.
Mothers have a challenge in this era than any other time. Single
mothers are at an all-time high due to divorce rates. Mothers are important in
raising a family and most of all, men need to value women. There are some
things along the way (past and present), which have taught me valuable lessons
about women. Therefore, I will only discuss one specific lesson to keep it
short.
Mothers are necessary in their children’s life. Sons need to
be taught how to be soft in their approach to women. Tough to protect and
provide security, but not where it overshadows a woman’s character. To respect and value the nature of women and
motherhood. To be gentle and not harsh.
I feel churches have missed their mark in teaching men how
they are to be head of the household. I value 1 Peter 3:7 and in my paraphrase,
I read it as men are to be careful in your understanding of your women (wives,
daughters, sisters) and carefully handle their emotions because your prayers
can be hindered. I believe this reflects back to the Garden of Eden. Where
Eve’s emotions were enticed to eat of the forbidden fruit that God expressed
not to eat and she equated it with not to eat or touch, but did. She was told man
was to “rule” over her. My paraphrase of Gen 3:16 reflects: “Eve, because of
your emotions got the best of you, then I am commanding man to assist in your
understanding and direct or redirect your emotions, so that you will have a
help mate to assist in your self-talk moments” (S. Hudgins, © 2014). It is not
about control over another person. It is man and woman walking in a journey
where temptations can mislead and separate from a Father’s love, which we are
to have healthy communication in staying on the path.
Mothers should teach their men how to carefully handle a
woman’s emotions. A woman should help a man to reflect carefully and not rule
as a dictator, but to listen to her and at the same time provide wisdom when
needed. When this is reflected properly, it is in nature a woman will respect a
man without him demanding, and a man will be gentle in leading and not
commanding. Thus, a man is to treat his wife as Christ loves the church.
Daughters need to be taught how to have healthy boundaries.
Boundaries, which teach them self-respect, and learning how to keep men from
taking advantage of them. Boundaries through marinating in His Word, to teach
them their identity is found in Christ and not in a value of themselves or vain
words of a man. Women need to be gentle in their emotions as to not squash a
man’s heart or his calling from the Creator. A healthy boundary in learning
when to gently correct, nurture and provide stern wisdom through love to guide
a man in the direction of a Godly way.
Mothers are necessary in child rearing. When divorce is at
an all-time high it is a challenge for a single mother to raise her children.
Children need to be encouraged to spend time with both parents. It is important
for mothers to encourage their children’s relationships with the fathers as
long as it is not detrimental (drugs/substance abuse/ongoing physical abuse)
and vice versa.
Women are the flowers of today as long as men understand how
to cultivate the soul and provide the necessary nutrients in order for them to
feel cherished. Mothers can feel they have a thankless “job”, if men do not recognize
these qualities. Women captivate your thoughts and make them obedient to
Christ. Set healthy boundaries for yourself and your children. Learn to follow
the Creator and not your emotions, or what others think. Mothers have a
valuable place in a fragile world. It is difficult to maintain a balance when
society has mixed views on families.
I am thankful I have
a mother who influenced me to enrich my faith with the Father. Often times, I
may have been upset, but am thankful for her being there, when I needed her in
the times I was hurting. I am thankful for my grandmothers who taught me to be
gentle with my children by learning to nurture and to love my children and
family. I am thankful for an Aunt, who didn’t have children, but claimed me as
one of her own. She has taught me to strengthen my Faith and to learn from the
past and to build a future, which makes me stronger.
Men, admire women, and their place they have been elevated
too as mothers. Mothers need to be recognized and valued. They try their best
to raise children, who will be productive members of society. Often torn
between protecting and serving, while trying to do what they feel is right. For
all women out there with or without children, there is a powerful influence you
have in society and with this power comes great responsibility.
Happy Mother’s Day and in hearts of mankind you are the
flower, which blooms the radiant fragrance of tender love and kindness.
By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him)
