BETTY ROBISON — A mother is a person who has the fortitude and stamina to carry her child in her body for nine months and nurture it as God does His creative work. Mothers are God’s vessel as He creates and shapes His perfect miracle. “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)

A mother is the one who goes through the birthing process and endures the pain in order to bring forth this beautiful child. During these nine months the mother and her baby enter into a beautiful bonding experience, even while the baby is still in the womb.

A mother is the one who continues to feed and nurture this little one after the birth, and will lose sleep and rest, never considering it to be an inconvenience or a burden. She counts it a privilege and an honor to love and protect this innocent one that God has placed in her care.

A mother wipes away the child’s tears and holds them, and is ready to comfort and treat their scrapes and bruises.

A mother is the one who holds them close when their heart is broken. She is the one who will also fight like a lion to defend them.

A mother will love her child unconditionally and forgive — as God forgives His children over and over again. She is the one that stands with open arms, ready to accept them back into the fold!

A mother has a steadfastness and gentleness of heart such that, when her children are grown they will almost always say of their mother, “My Mom is the reason I’m who I am today.” I believe that when they watch their mother seek God and work faithfully to show them unconditional love, sound principles, and a godly foundation; they one day realize they have a guide to live by and a foundation to build on.

A mother is the one who will fall to her knees many times, praying and calling out to God to watch over her children and protect them, no matter where each child may be in their life or relationship with God. She will plead with God to let her carry that child’s hurt and pain.

Maybe you have never given birth to a child, but you have adopted one. Or you have helped provide a home and a safe and healthy environment for children. That special mother’s heart is also expressed through the loving care of those children that need a home and a sense of belonging.

Those who have chosen to adopt experience a unique form and expression of unconditional love few might understand. First, you have overcome the disappointment of not having your own baby and the joy of carrying that child and then caring for it. The love necessary to adopt may actually be an even greater expression of self-giving love, for you have reached out to another child that desperately needs your personal touch, interaction and sense of security that only Christ-like love can express.

I know this only too well, for although I gave birth to two beautiful girls, my husband and I also had the joy of adopting our son. The prayerful journey and the indescribable experience of loving and caring for him caused me to say to James many times, “It’s impossible to describe just how close I feel to Randy. It is as though I gave birth to him because the love is so deep.”

God has prepared a mother to be all she needs or ever wants to be as a mother if she will first commit her life to Him and depend on Him and trust Him in all areas in her life. God put the woman in a place of highest honor when He designed her to be a mother.

All women can be included in this special day for mothers. God made us with a mother’s heart.

On this day, mothers should be acknowledged and honored for all they do and all they endure — even though, as a mother, I feel it is a privilege. I look at my children and see the blessings of God. They are such a treasure and delight to me and I thank God for them daily.

God’s grace is sufficient in everything He has called us to do. “Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable people in the world, but you surpass them all!’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” (Proverbs 31:28-30)