As mothers, our immediate imitators are our children. We should be living and leading by example, modelling godly behaviour. It is also important for us to create an environment in which our children are able to communicate with us. “Language being the medium of communication, forming the basis of expression for feelings and emotions”, according to psychoanalyst John Bowlby. We also know that how we nurture our children depicts their behaviour and their moral stance. In other words, it is highly important we say the right things to and around our children. Children learn to do what we do, not necessarily what we say. (Eysenck, 1971).

The Bible provides an invaluable example of what kind of woman/wife/mother we ought to be striving to become. Proverbs 31, commonly known as the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ is a great example. I would also say that our environment may push us to focus on the big, the show, the extravagant, but as I have got to know God, I have been making more time in noticing and appreciating the detail in everything, especially God’s word.

“Being prepared in and out of season”, 2Timothy 4:2 is a valuable scripture especially for us parents as our children are continuously growing, developing, and changing. Not just prepared in the natural for these changes i.e. financially, but also spiritually; growing close to God, so that He’s able to give us wisdom in the situations we need to deal with. This is why we must always bring Jesus, into our homes and into our hearts or we could miss our destinies, long and short term. Jesus is real and our children should know this, He shouldn’t be just a story or
that guy mum talks to who is in heaven. Encourage your children to have their own relationship with God. Share Jesus in your family discussions, worship as a family, and get creative, especially if your children are young. In the same way the Pastors relate Christ to us in our lives, relate Christ to your children on their level, with the things that interest them; making sure Godly principles are implemented, inclusive and upheld.

Are you good to yourself?
Last years’ women’s retreat touched on the fact as women we can spend hours preparing for and making sure the outer us looks, smells and feels good, but do we spend nearly as much time concentrating on our inside? Mothers tend to have long ‘to do’ lists consisting of other people and other things but ourselves. We do a good job of multitasking, working hard and caring for those around us. In order for us to care and support those around us we must look after ourselves, so that we can be a blessing, and not takeing out our frustrations, lethargy, and broken hearts on our children.

Today’s society generally fails to acknowledge God, whilst searching for ‘quick fix’ solutions; consequently there is a lack of knowledge of self, and how to deal with our pasts. This ‘microwave’ generation of accessing everything at the touch of a button has led to a similar attitude in how we deal with our spiritual and emotional issues.

Take the time to transform yourself daily, declare aggressively old covenants and curses broken and confess God’s word over your life. Even if it means getting up earlier than the rest of your family, start your day as you mean to end it, with Christ. (Mark 1: 35). As mothers we have the responsibility to stand before our family as examples, so we have to keep ourselves strong. Luke 10: 19, “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”. Mother, whatever you are facing, no matter what your situation is, lean on God for everything, as surely as He has given us our beautiful children, He has also given us authority, wisdom and strength. We are leaving a legacy, show yourself strong in your faith in the Lord, don’t say you are a believer, rather let those around you know whom you believe in.

Tamsyn Moynihan