The Legacy of Faith and Strenght

Intro:

Gracious God, on this Mother’s Day, we lift up all mothers and those who have shown us a mother’s love. Thank you for the strength, grace, and wisdom You have bestowed upon them. Bless each mother with courage, patience, and endless love as they nurture and guide their children in Your ways. May they feel honored and appreciated not just today but every day. Renew their spirits and fill them with Your peace and joy, that their lights may continue to shine brightly in their families and communities. We pray in the loving name of Jesus, Amen.

The second Sunday in May has been known as Mother’s Day since Miss Anna Jarvis invented it in 1907

Man we waited along time to give mom’s a day off.

President Woodrow Wilson made the first presidential proclamation of Mother’s Day in 1914.

This is the same year of World War I. Now that’s interesting. The year we have a World War the Women are given a day off. See Moms do make the world a better place. Give them a day off and the World goes to war.

I would like to take a moment to thank all the mothers here today and say thank you for being the amazing people you are.

If your Mom is here today please give her a hug, if not then at least give her a phone call today.

Here are a few of my favorite mother quotes:

“It’s not easy being a mother. If it were, fathers would do it.” —The Golden Girls

“When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it’s a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.” —Erma Bombeck

“I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then, I want to move in with them.” —Phyllis Diller

“Mom, I love you, even though I’ll never accept your friend request.” —Unknown

Strength and Dignity (Proverbs 31: 25-27)

Proverbs 31:25–27 “Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.”

When most of us think about our mothers we begin to realize that a lot of what we learned about the family structure and how to be nurturing came from our mothers.

In Proverbs 31:25-27, the portrayal of strength and dignity in a virtuous woman highlights these as intrinsic and commendable qualities. The text describes her as being "clothed with strength and dignity," which metaphorically suggests that these virtues are as essential to her as the garments she wears. This imagery signifies that her character is built on a foundation of resilience and respectability, not merely on outward appearance. Strength, in this context, is not limited to physical capacity but extends to emotional and spiritual fortitude. It embodies the ability to face challenges head-on, make difficult decisions, and maintain integrity under pressure. Dignity complements this strength by imbuing her actions with grace and honor, ensuring she conducts herself in a manner that commands respect from those around her. Verse 27 further illustrates how these qualities manifest in her daily life: she oversees the activities of her household without falling into idleness. This indicates a proactive and dedicated nature—she is not passive but actively contributes to the well-being and success of her family. Her strength enables her to endure and thrive in her responsibilities, while her dignity ensures she does so with ethical consideration and moral high ground. Thus, strength and dignity are not just attributes but are central to the identity and effectiveness of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31. They provide her with the capability to positively influence her household and by extension, her community, setting a profound example for others to follow.

Argumentation: Weather it be professionally , Socially, family and community , and or Spiritual life women have faced hardships.

Professionally- After World War II and the workforce being 34% previously only 28% now it is 60% by 2000. Women are often paid less for the same jobs and or looked over for advancement or even to be hired.

If it warn’t for women most of the chores would not be done because we men need upper management to tell us what to do.

Socially and community leadership, another compelling example of strength and dignity is Eleanor Roosevelt. As First Lady of the United States, she redefined the role by actively engaging in social issues and advocating for human rights. Her leadership extended beyond the personal sphere into the community and national levels, where she worked tirelessly for civil rights and women's empowerment.

Family- Look at your own household. My mother would be the would be the one budgeting and paying the bills. My dad would have been lost or we would have been on the street. My wife has made me learn- “Mainly by telling me when to pay a bill.” Today’s society sees a staggering amount of single mother homes.

My wife is a prime example of a modern day super woman/ wonder woman. She works full-time as a teacher, comes home and makes meals, helps on the farm. and plans the best vacations.

Having recognized the virtues highlighted in Proverbs 31: 25-27 let us look at the response we are called to give for these qualities that are foundational in every mothers’s life.

Reward for her actions and for her character.

Proverbs 31:28–31 “Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!” Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.”

The key takeaway from Proverbs 31:28-31 centers around the enduring value and respect that a virtuous woman earns through her actions and character. These verses highlight the recognition and praise she receives from her family and community due to her virtues:

Acknowledgment from Family: Verse 28 states, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." This illustrates that her family recognizes and appreciates her efforts, wisdom, and care deeply. It underscores the principle that true value in a person's life often comes from those closest to them and that familial respect and love are crucial rewards for one's virtue and dedication.

Praise for Her Achievements Over Physical Beauty: Verse 30 emphasizes, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This highlights the biblical perspective that while physical beauty and charm are temporary and can be misleading, the fear of the Lord—a deep reverence and commitment to God's ways—establishes a lasting foundation for admiration and honor. It teaches that spiritual and moral qualities are far superior to superficial traits.

Public Recognition and Reward: The concluding verse, 31, suggests, "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." This indicates that her contributions should not only be acknowledged privately by her family but also publicly celebrated. The "city gate" was traditionally a place of communal gathering and legal matters, suggesting that her virtues warrant public acclaim and reward.

Together, these verses from Proverbs 31:28-31 drive home the message that the true measure of a person's worth, especially a woman in the context of these scriptures, is found in her character, her fear of the Lord, and her contributions to the lives of those around her, rather than transient qualities like beauty or charm. The passage serves as a powerful affirmation of the impact that a life well-lived, rooted in virtue and faith, can have on both one’s immediate family and the broader community.

Her Hands

📷© Maggie Pittman

Published by Family Friend Poems July 2006 with permission of the Author.

Her hands held me gently from the day I took my first breath. Her hands helped to guide me as I took my first step. Her hands held me close when the tears would start to fall. Her hands were quick to show me that she would take care of it all. Her hands were there to brush my hair, or straighten a wayward bow. Her hands were often there to comfort the hurts that didn't always show. Her hands helped hold the stars in place, and encouraged me to reach. Her hands would clap and cheer and praise when I captured them at length. Her hands would also push me, though not down or in harm's way. Her hands would punctuate the words, just do what I say. Her hands sometimes had to discipline, to help bend this young tree. Her hands would shape and mold me into all she knew I could be. Her hands are now twisting with age and years of work, Her hand now needs my gentle touch to rub away the hurt. Her hands are more beautiful than anything can be. Her hands are the reason I am me.

As we appreciate the strength and wisdom described in Proverbs, let us also consider the spiritual heritage mentioned in 2 Timothy, showing how these virtues are passed down through generations.

Legacy of Faith (2 Timothy 1:5)

2 Timothy 1:5 “clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.”

“An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.” —Spanish Proverb

Dad, do you know the difference between a pack of cookies and a pack of elephants? No? Then it’s a good thing Mom does the grocery shopping!

2 Timothy 1:5 comes from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a younger Christian who Paul mentored and who was a key leader in the early Christian church. This verse is part of Paul's second epistle to Timothy, commonly referred to as 2 Timothy, which is one of the pastoral epistles in the New Testament. This letter is particularly poignant because it is thought to be one of the last letters Paul wrote before his martyrdom in Rome.

In this verse, Paul recalls the sincere faith of Timothy, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and is now, Paul asserts, also alive in Timothy himself. This acknowledgment serves not only as a personal commendation of Timothy’s faith but also highlights the significant spiritual legacy passed down through his family line. The verse underscores the influence of familial faith traditions and the important role that mothers and grandmothers play in nurturing faith within the family.

The mention of Lois and Eunice emphasizes the foundational role of women in the early Christian community and their contribution to faith formation within the family setting. This was particularly notable in a time when the cultural and social status of women was often diminished, making the strong faith of these women both counter-cultural and influential in shaping the Christian leaders of their time, including Timothy. This background sets the stage for understanding the personal and pastoral exhortations Paul provides throughout the letter, encouraging Timothy to persevere in faith and leadership amidst challenges.

Argumentation: The impact of a spiritual legacy is profound and far-reaching, influencing not only the immediate recipients but also extending to entire communities and generations beyond. This kind of legacy encompasses the transmission of faith, values, beliefs, and practices from one generation to the next, often within families but also within broader spiritual communities. The effects can be seen in various aspects of life: Individual Impact Moral and Ethical Guidance: Individuals who inherit a spiritual legacy often have a strong foundation of moral and ethical values. This framework can guide them in making life decisions, facing ethical dilemmas, and navigating complex social interactions. It provides a sense of right and wrong that is deeply ingrained and influential throughout their lives. Resilience in Adversity: A spiritual legacy can offer individuals a source of comfort and strength in times of hardship. The stories, prayers, and faith practices passed down can serve as reminders that one is not alone, providing a reservoir of strength to draw upon. This resilience can help individuals overcome challenges, maintain hope, and persist despite difficulties. Sense of Identity and Belonging: For many, a spiritual legacy contributes to a strong sense of identity and belonging. Understanding one’s place within a tradition or community can foster a deep sense of security and self-awareness. It can also create a link to the past, anchoring an individual in a lineage of believers who have faced similar struggles and celebrated similar joys. Community Impact Social Cohesion: Communities that share a common spiritual legacy often experience stronger bonds of social cohesion. This shared spiritual background creates a common language of experience and values, facilitating deeper connections and mutual support among members. It can also foster a sense of collective responsibility, where members feel compelled to support one another and work towards common goals. Ethical Standards: A community’s ethical standards can be elevated by a strong spiritual legacy. The shared values and teachings can act as a compass guiding communal behavior, promoting actions that are aligned with those values, such as justice, charity, and compassion. This can influence community policies, practices, and the general social climate, making it more conducive to ethical living. Cultural Preservation and Transmission: Spiritual legacies are often intertwined with cultural traditions, playing a crucial role in their preservation and transmission. Rituals, celebrations, and spiritual teachings can encapsulate key aspects of a culture’s history, philosophy, and art, helping to maintain and pass these on as a living tradition that enriches community life. Leadership Development: Communities with a strong spiritual legacy often produce leaders who are deeply influenced by that legacy. These leaders can embody and promote the community's values, inspiring others and driving community initiatives that reflect their shared spiritual heritage. This kind of leadership can be pivotal in times of community change or challenge, providing direction and vision rooted in shared beliefs. Generational Impact A spiritual legacy does not merely affect one generation; it has the potential to shape numerous generations. As each generation adapts and interprets the legacy, they also contribute to it, potentially enhancing its richness and applicability. This dynamic process ensures that the legacy remains relevant and vital, continually influencing new generations in meaningful and transformative ways. In discussing the impact of a spiritual legacy, it's important to challenge and inspire your audience to reflect on their own lives in terms of the legacy they are creating or following. Here’s how you might encourage your listeners to consider their spiritual legacy during a sermon or talk:

"Today, as we reflect on the significance of spiritual legacies like those of Lois and Eunice, whose faith shaped not just their immediate family but generations to follow, let us pause and consider our own paths. Each of us is both a recipient and a contributor to a spiritual legacy. What we believe, how we act, and the values we cherish are not just for us; they ripple outwards to touch others and extend into the future.

I invite each of you to ponder these questions: What kind of legacy are you inheriting? And perhaps more importantly, what kind of legacy are you building? Is it one of faith, hope, and love that will guide your children, your friends, and even strangers you meet along the way?

Remember, a spiritual legacy is not just about the beliefs you hold; it's about the life you live. It's crafted not solely through words of faith but through acts of kindness, moments of courage, and decisions of integrity. Consider how you can live a life that doesn't just tell your values but shows them, making them a tangible force that supports and uplifts those around you.

It's also vital to think about what you can contribute to the spiritual legacy of your community. How can you support and enrich the faith journey of those around you? Whether it’s through teaching, mentoring, or simply being a living example of your beliefs, every action contributes to the communal tapestry of faith and values that we are all part of.

As you leave here today, I challenge you to not just go through the motions of your day-to-day life but to live intentionally, with the awareness that you are part of something much larger than yourself. You are part of a divine story being written across generations, and you have the power to shape its narrative through your faith, hope, and love.

Let us strive to be like those who have gone before us, leaving a legacy that speaks of who we are and Whom we serve, a legacy that will guide and inspire not only our children but many generations to come."

A modern example of a Christian woman who has left a profound legacy of faith is Mother Teresa, known for her selfless dedication to the poorest of the poor. Her life and work have had a lasting impact on individuals and communities around the world, embodying the Christian ideals of charity and compassion.

Early Life

Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Macedonia, felt the call to serve God at a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland to learn English, with the aim of becoming a missionary to India.

Missionary Work in India

She arrived in India in 1929, initially teaching at the Loreto convent school in Calcutta. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 1946 during a train journey when she received a "call within a call" to serve those living in the most desperate conditions. By 1950, she had founded the Missionaries of Charity, an organization dedicated to caring for "the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society."

Expansion of Her Mission

Mother Teresa's work rapidly expanded from a single open-air school to a network of over 4,500 sisters running orphanages, AIDS hospices, and charity centers worldwide, providing care to the poorest and sickest people. Her approach was always hands-on, often personally tending to the needs of the ill and dying.

Recognition and Challenges

Her efforts did not go unnoticed; she received numerous awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite this, she faced criticism and challenges, especially regarding the management of her organization and the conditions in her care homes. Nonetheless, she remained focused on her mission, driven by her profound faith and dedication to service.

Legacy and Canonization

Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing work of the Missionaries of Charity, continuing to impact lives through service rooted in faith. She was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by Pope Francis in 2016, a testament to her life's work and the deep spiritual impact she made, reflecting her vision of serving Christ in all.

Mother Teresa’s story is a modern testament to how a life driven by faith and compassion can transcend boundaries and affect global change, offering care and hope to those most in need.

Understanding the virtues and legacy of godly women we are drawn to these women and with them can build a greater kingdom for God.

Conclusion:

As we draw this Mother's Day sermon to a close, let us reflect on the profound legacy that mothers, and those who embody a mother's love, leave in our lives and communities. Today, we have celebrated and acknowledged the strength, wisdom, and dignity of women through the teachings of Proverbs and the example of biblical and historical figures. We've recognized their invaluable contributions, not just within the walls of their homes but also across the broader tapestries of our societies.

In honoring these women, we're reminded of the responsibility we share in continuing and nurturing the spiritual legacies that have been entrusted to us. Whether through the direct influence of our biological mothers or through the spiritual guidance of maternal figures in our lives, we carry forward the torch of faith, love, and resilience that has been passed down through generations.

Let's take a moment to consider how we might contribute to this legacy. Are we supporting and uplifting the women in our lives? Are we recognizing their efforts not just with words but with actions that affirm their worth and dignity every day? As we ponder these questions, let us commit to being agents of support and appreciation for all mothers and mother figures—those here today and those who are remembered.

And so, as we leave here today, carry with you the inspiration to make every day one where you acknowledge and honor the women who have shaped your lives. Let their legacy of strength, faith, and love inspire you to build up your families, enrich your communities, and deepen your faith. May we all strive to be deserving stewards of the legacies we inherit and the legacies we hope to leave behind. In the spirit of love and gratitude, we pray for the fortitude to embody these virtues in our lives, continuing the work of those remarkable women who have paved the way before us.

Gracious God, as we conclude, we once again lift up our hearts in thanks for the mothers among us and those who have gone before us. Bless them, protect them, and let their lives continue to be a beacon of Your love and strength. Amen.