Inkspirations... by Rhodi: The unrecognized heroine!

Inkspirations... by Rhodi: The unrecognized heroine!

The unrecognized heroine!

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land"-Ephesians 6:1-3, (ESV).

Mother's day was soon approaching. Our church's radio program team was getting ready for the celebration and special broadcast. —Can you, please, have the devotional for the mother's day broadcast? —one of the programmers asked. — I'm willing! But please pray for me!
—What shall I speak about, Lord? — was my immediate prayer. — So much has been said about motherhood! Guide me, dear Lord.

Almost instantly, I remembered a sermon I'd started working on, but had on "hold", unfinished.
—That’s it! Thanks, dear Lord. Thanks again!

I aim to share some highlights of this year's Mother's Day's broadcast, for their relevance in our lives:

Motherhood is a call from God that entails immense responsibility... for "Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD"-Psalm 127:3, (CEV).

Motherhood imprints its mark in the soul for good or bad. The poet, William Wallace Ross, eloquently emphasizes a mother’s high calling and great influence in his poem “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world”.

A mother’s love is greater than any other! Some learn to value it still young; others, need a little more time. But many did praise their mother and recognized her labor of love.

Motherhood is risky business! It comes without a warranty. But, thank God for prayer! A mother’s prayer is sweet fragrance to the Lord. God values and answers a mother’s prayer (See Matthew 19:14, ESV).

Dear mothers: Be not afraid to be unrecognized. Dare to be a hero before the Lord! To be recognized should never be your motivation to reach new heights in your challenging task. Whether others understand and appreciate your task or not, if you raise godly children, women and men of valor and dignity, they will thank you under the tree of life!

Let prayer be your mighty sword to complete your heavenly appointed task. King David and many others are among those whose mothers’ name may not be known right now; but what a task they completed for the Lord! You may feel unappreciated, but He who bestowed upon you the gift of motherhood, does recognize and appreciate your work, your perseverance, your sacrifices and love! Thou your children go astray, never give up! Never stop praying for your children. And God will answer your prayers on their behalf (See Isaiah 49:25, CEV).

On mothers' day I sent her flowers. But each day I thank heaven for my godly mother. Nothing shaped me like her love, nothing guides me like her faith, and nothing strengthens me like her prayers. Nothing can replace her, and nothing I do will ever repay her. Her reward is in heaven. For now, I cherish and love her, thank her and often tell her how much she means to me.

Motherhood is a gift from heaven; and the children, a blessing from above: one for which our Giver, will soon, ask about. May God continue to bless each mother's dedication and labor with his wisdom and infinite love.

Love me tender...

Another year, another celebration of love. Once more the calendar marks February 14th- Valentine's day.

My lips, softly and tenderly kissed my loved ones this morning, wishing them a blessed day, as they awoke. I made sure they enjoyed a warm breakfast, before heading out in the bitter cold to face another work day.

Now, alone with my thoughts in the refuge of our home, I reflect on the moments and days gone by... the blessings, the challenges, the difficult situations I've encountered along the way and the resolutions to be more loving, more like Jesus. I reflect on the many instances I've not accomplished my goal, and the countless times I've faltered. The scene is not as bright as it ought.

In the wee hours of the morning I spoke to my friend, Jesus.
—Oh, how I wish to be more like you!—I whispered.
—I'm willing to help!
—Please do, Lord! I need you desperately or I'll fail.

Ever felt like you try and you try but you fail? If so, you get the picture.

I ponder the countless hearts that are out there... in the cold winter of their life, longing for love and tenderness, hungering compassion, searching for a helping hand, for a word of hope. I'm sure you've noticed them too. It seems unfair to learn about so many in dire need of the bare necessities of life. Multitudes are homeless; others face illnesses. Some have no hope for a better future. While you and I might not be able to change the lives of many, I'm certain that, by the grace of God, I can help at least some.

Each time I treat others with respect and dignity, each time I pronounce an encouraging word, every time I give the best of me to those I encounter on my path, I'll be spreading love, and joy and cheer and hope. The words of the Master and Savior, the Author of love, come to my mind: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'-Matthew 25:40.

—Love me tender, my child. Love me tender... —I hear him reply.

So, all I need to do is love Jesus, love him with all my heart, mind and soul! For when I do, I'll see him in each person too: in the children, the young, the adults, the elderly, in the needy, the accomplished, the survivor, the struggling one, the friends and the unfriendly, the caring and the cold, in those who love me, and in those who've wronged me...

May I see Jesus in every person crossing my path today, for only then will I have accomplished the task and learned to love the way you do, dear Jesus, I pray. For then, each day, we'll truly have a happy Valentine's day!