DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Does the Bible say anything about how to be a good mother? We have three children, and I really want to be a good mother to them, but my home life was so unstable when I was growing up that I never learned much about being a good parent.
-- S.T.
DEAR S.T.: Tomorrow is Mother's Day in our nation -- a time to honor our mothers and to give thanks for all they've done for us. Even if your mother wasn't everything she should have been, she still gave you life, and I hope you'll pause to thank God for her.
I'm thankful you want to be a good mother, because nothing could be more important for your children's future. God gave them to you, and He did so because He knew they needed the love and guidance only mothers can give. And that's why the first step in being a good mother is to realize that God has entrusted them to you. The Bible says, "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him" (Psalm 127:3).
Remember: When God sent His Son into the world, He gave Him a mother -- the Virgin Mary. He did so because He knew Jesus would need the protection and love she could give. Because of Mary's motherly care, "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).
Love your children (and let them know it); be patient with them; teach them what is right and what is wrong; care for their needs. Most of all, make Christ the center of your life -- and your home. The greatest gift you can give them is to point them to Jesus Christ, who loves them and wants to help them become the people He created them to be.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
HomeStyle on 05/10/2014