A dear friend recently asked me about a kidnapped baby girl whose horrific abuse and murder made headlines.
“Doesn’t it just make you want to do something?” she asked.
I told her yes.
Whenever the world is rocked by shocking atrocity– which happens, it seems, all too often– I find myself drawn not just to the comfort of my family and home, but also to the knowledge that I am doing something.
With every diaper I change, every smile I offer, every question I answer, every book I recommend, every good habit I encourage, every meal I serve, every story I tell, every hurt I soothe, every song I sing, every choice I explain, I am doing something of infinite, eternal value.
I am a peace activist. A teacher. A nurse. A judge. A mentor. A discipler of such varied arts as one person can possibly muster. I am the one who points out the wrongs and applauds the rights. I am the champion of justice, the voice of reason, and the hero of the underdog.
I nurture the minds, bodies, and spirits of children who will impact the future of this world with their passions, talents, and gifts. I multiply my own gifts to this world exponentially with every little person entrusted to me. It is a privilege, yes. But it is a burden as well.
Because the future, clearly, needs people of purpose, people of love, and people whose faith leads them to gentleness. Until Jesus returns, it is our job to lead children to this water. We cannot, of course, make them drink. But we can offer it up, model it, and make it irresistible.
We can do something to overcome evil. Simply being a mother … that, I think is the most powerful thing.
Oh, I needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you.
This is really nice! I love how you show we are doing something, everyday, with our kids. Thank you for sharing!
With great power comes great responsibility. We owe it to our children to show them right, to guide them in truth, and to empower them to change. All this is how we work to be a light in the darkness and it also helps to know that there is something we can do in the face of terrible events in the world. Well written, thank you!
Very encouraging! Thank you! I think we mothers forget how important our job is. All those little seemingly mundane things we do day in and day out become a beautiful picture to shape these little people’s lives.
As moms, we do bear such a heavy responsibility! So thankful for a sovereign God who goes before me and with me in my steps as a mother.
That is encouraging and an encouragement to remember in the midst of our daily duties.
So much evil and sadness in the world, it’s so easy to feel helpless. We have no idea the impact we are making just by being a mother who cares about her children and the people around her. So beautifully put!