The Power of a Mother’s Legacy

“Behold children are a gift from the Lord” (Ps. 127:3, NASB).

You have heard it said, “The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.” Many of us would agree that our mothers have had a profound effect on us. We have tangible proof that moms strengthen legacies.

Pastor Billy Graham is quoted as saying, “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.”

Perhaps you might recognize what a few other notable people have said about their mothers:

“All I am I owe to my mother, I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” —George Washington

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” —Abraham Lincoln

“I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother.” —Charles Spurgeon

“For 25 years, she put her life on hold for me and my siblings. She invested in our lives—we were her number one priority, and nothing else really mattered.” —Tim Tebow

Only Loving Relationships Provide Lasting Legacy and Hope

The Awakening America Alliance wants to celebrate and encourage moms in their contributions to legacy—to being character-forming mothers! This special time of the year serves as a great reminder for each of us—parents, children, teens and young adults—of the importance of pursuing God’s plan for relationships.

What Legacy Are We Leaving?

We certainly can’t hope for perfect children because our children are just like us—imperfect people. But where they go for guidance does matter. Do they go to God’s Word? Do they seek guidance from attentive parents? We can always benefit by pausing to ask ourselves a few questions:

•  What hope do we have that our children will stand by their faith and live by their values?
•  What or whom do you trust to impact their lives?
•  What are you hoping will produce relationally healthy followers?
•  Who had a profound effect on Jesus? (Prov. 22:6)

The hope the Awakening America Alliance shares with you is that:

• Our children are more influenced and shaped by their parents and their faith than by the world.
• Our teens and young adults remain open to our input and continue to be open about the details of their physical, emotional and spiritual life.
• Our adult children want to be around us, and we regularly enjoy being around them!

Some of us may also champion the simple but profound hope that our current family could be a little healthier or a little more functional than our own childhood family. Parents must continuously pursue relationship with their children so they will “earn the right” in their child’s eyes to speak into their lives as they begin to make their own choices.

Take a few moments to admire your gifts from the Lord. As you do, look over your shoulder to see Jesus standing next to you. Jesus leans in to look at the children and seems to gaze in awe of His creation.

Speaking with the admiration of the Master Creator, Jesus reminds you of how He knows these children intimately; He formed them in the womb (Jer. 1:5). Jesus reminds you that He notices each part of their day—when they rise up and when they lay down (Ps. 139:1-3). Christ lovingly recalls how He knows and admires each child’s gifts and talents (Ps. 139:14, 16). Jesus offers reassurance that He hears each child’s thoughts and intentions and knows the intricacies of each person’s character (Ps. 139:23). Jesus leaves your side, but before He does, He whispers an invitation: “Will you join Me in unwrapping these gifts? Will you join Me in declaring ‘You’re My beloved child in whom I am well pleased’?” Parents, yield your hearts to this calling as you join Jesus in loving your children well.

We celebrate Moms who pay the price for making a difference in us!

Dr. David Ferguson is the co-chair of the Awakening America Alliance.