The blessing of a Mother

Building Strong Families in Canada

In an era where the very definition of family is undergoing profound transformation, the traditional family structure, as we have known it in Canada, finds itself under scrutiny and redefinition. As debates rage on about what constitutes a family, it becomes increasingly evident that the strength of a nation is tied to the strength of its families. A survey done several years ago found that everyone wants to have a strong marriage and their children to turn out ok.

In our travels we found that the tiny nation of Singapore has the motto “Strong families build a strong nation.” In fact, parents are required to take yearly classes to help equip them to fulfill their roles of raising well-adjusted and strong children. The essence of this motto underscores a universal truth: the family serves as the cornerstone of society. It is within the family that values are instilled, character is molded, and faith is passed on.  

This new monthly article series aims to provide readers with practical tools and tips to empower them in raising the next generation. Central to this is the recognition of the pivotal role that both fathers and mothers play in shaping the character, values, and faith of their children and grandchildren. God designed that empowerment to prosper from His heart, through parents towards all His children.  This empowerment to prosper answers two questions, ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘Why Am I here?’  

There are seven critical times of blessing in a person’s life that answers these seven key identity questions that help shape their life. The word blessed comes from the Greek word eulogemene which literally means to speak well of, to affirm, to bless.  From this word we get our English word eulogy where we usually speak well of someone at their funeral but God has designed that we would ‘eulogemene’ our children at those seven critical times in their lives.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, we will look briefly at the first four critical times of blessing and how a mother has a profound influence in shaping the lives of her children. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an example of how a mother is the primary shaper of identity in the hearts and minds of her children in their formative years.

In the annunciation the angel of the Lord blessed Mary with these words, “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28 KJV). 

The blessing of the angel prepared Mary to conceive, by the Holy Spirit. Thus, answering the identity question at the moment of conception, “Am I welcome in this world?” Life begins at conception, where the genetic blueprint of a child is laid down, reflecting the image of God in which they are created. God sent the angel to bless Mary and put her heart at ease so she would be prepared to receive the news and welcome this child.

Several years ago, we watched the movie portrayal Jesus of Nazareth. Mary is a young girl and is starting to show. The people in her small community are noticing and wondering what has happened, was she unfaithful to Joseph or perhaps it was Roman soldier. Mary’s father sends her to stay with her older cousin Elizabeth who is six months pregnant with John the Baptist. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” The blessing in the womb answers the identity question, “Is there a safe place for me?” It is within the womb of a mother that a safe place is provided, nurturing the precious gift of life entrusted to her care. Today we see that the womb of a woman is not always the safest place as 50 percent of children conceived out of wedlock are aborted in Canada. 

The third critical time of blessing is at birth, and it answers the question, “Will my needs be met in this world?” Only God could orchestrate this blessing for His Son. He sends out the angels of heaven and they announce his birth to the shepherds. They went and saw the baby in the manger and they returned praising God (Luke 2:8-20). The birth of a child is a time to welcome them into this world where the newborn bonds with the mother and father. A child in biblical times was given a name that would represent their character and their destiny. The angel Gabriel gave him the name Jesus (Yeshua) which means God Saves, as his proper name, which expresses both his identity and his mission. Likewise, it is important to ask the Lord for a name for our children as there is a prophetic meaning and destiny for them. Our youngest grandson’s name is Jude (Son of praise), Alexis (Defender of others), Neil (Champion of men).

Blessing at early childhood addresses the question, “Who can I trust in the world?”  In the biblical story, we find an example of trust and provision in the story of Jesus and the gifts brought by the wise men. In Matthew 2:11, it is recorded, And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. This act of presenting valuable gifts to the infant Jesus symbolizes not only the acknowledgment of His Divine Nature but also the provision for his parents to provide for him. Just as Jesus was provided for and protected in his infancy, so too we can trust in the provision and care extended to us, especially in the formative years of childhood by our mothers. As mothers, we need to teach our children that they have a Father in Heaven they can fully trust. Our children learn that through our example of trusting God.

We honour the role of mothers this month and bless each of you to prosper emotionally, spiritually, and physically as you teach, train and bless your children and grandchildren in these critical times in their lives. 

To learn more about “The Power of a Parent’s Blessing” check out these free resources at https://familydreaminstitute.ca/families/building-strong-families/