Motherly Wisdom

My husband’s mother used to have a sign in her kitchen that read, “Attention kids with stupid parents—get out while you still know everything!” Even recently in my own home, one of my teenagers complained about the rules my husband and I have laid down over the years. “Some of it just doesn’t make any sense!” he objected.

There are circumstances in which mothers make decisions that really don’t seem to make sense at the time. But never underestimate the power of motherly wisdom and divine guidance! One of the greatest mothers in the Bible made an unusual decision that ended with great reward.

Imagine a woman putting her newborn child in a basket and sending it up a river! When Egypt’s Pharaoh declared that all newborn males would be put to death, a mother decided it would be better to attempt to float him to safety than to keep him herself. As a result, the woman’s son was discovered by the daughter of Pharaoh himself. She took him in as her own and named him Moses. (Exodus 2:1-9) And, as we know, Moses turned out to be one of the greatest leaders Israel had ever known.

Although in 21st century America there is no official decree to murder our children, there is no denying that there are dangers in every community that can harm them. And moms are often the first line of defense. Despite social pressures, Christian moms cannot be afraid to make tough decisions—even the ones that on the surface seem “stupid” or “make no sense.” Spiritually wise choices may not be popular or conform to societal norms, but the results speak for themselves. The direction, advice, and actions of God-fearing mothers are essential to helping young people survive—and go on to later achieve great things.

Happy Mother's Day!