Mothers and Their Influence

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day. I recently read some words about the life-shaping role mother’s play in the lives of children. Henry Ward Beecher once said, “What a mother sings to the cradle goes all the way to the coffin.” I know these words to be true, not only from my experience with my own mother, but from watching the role my wife has played in the lives of our kids. In my case, I’ve heard and seen an intentional effort at singing good and spiritually uplifting words that consistently point to the redeeming power of the Cross and a life of Christian discipleship. Conversely, I know that those of you who were not mothered well still carry that with you to this day. A mother’s influence, whether positive or negative, is always strong. This weekend, we thank God for the gift of our mothers. Moms, your formative influence on your children is incredibly strong. May God lead you to be a faithful presence in the lives of your children as you serve as a signpost pointing to the Cross.