“Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” -Billy Graham

These words spoken by Evangelist Billy Graham dive deep into the heart and guide us to embrace what we cannot fully understand – the ”forever” impact of a mother’s role in the lives of her children.

In a world that has eroded the intimate God-ordained role of motherhood, anything less than the Christian eye cannot see what God has revealed through His Word, that being the ability to mold, influence, and shape the heart of a future generation, another culture of people.

Oftentimes, we look to Proverbs 31 to get a glimpse of God’s heart regarding the role of a mother.  His eye does not see a woman for her outward beauty.  Personal characteristics are cast aside for greater attributes with a Kingdom viewpoint. Strength and honor surpass fashion and outward appearances, wisdom and instruction carry more weight than wealth and possessions.

A mother’s worth is not found in a secular position, but in Christ Himself.  She may not be recognized by the world around her as the overflowing resource of Christ’s love, but her children and her husband are the recipients of this knowledge and recognize her as the cornerstone of the home.  A mother lays down her life for her family and has given more than any workplace could ever demand, reaping a reward larger than any company paycheck.

We have witnessed the ramifications of homes devoid of a mother.  Divorce and abandonment have taken their toll and the struggle for balance in the home remains skewed as a mother’s role simply cannot be replaced.  God has implemented an order for families that maintains a husband/wife relationship, calling upon a mother to fulfill a very specific role.

It is often a mother’s faith that sets the foundation of her children’s beliefs. It is the mother who holds the hearts of her children in her hands and her heart.  It is the mother who is the refuge, strength and blessing of her home.  She is the encourager, teacher, caregiver, and example. This noble calling cannot be cast aside as a commodity to be replaced.  As Christians, we see motherhood as part of God’s perfect plan for families.

Proverbs 31:10 begins with a question “Who can find a virtuous woman?”  If that virtuous woman is someone you recognize in your life, lavish her with the praise and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.  She may be found in your own mother (biological or adoptive) or grandmother, an aunt, a widow, or a neighbor.  Her calling is high, her gifts are great, her role is generational.