Mixed Messages

It is a confusing time to be a mom. Probably no other time in the history of humanity has made it so challenging for moms.   The expectations are incredibly high with most moms having to work full time outside of the home, yet often the unrealistic commercials of the 1950’s with the perfect house is also being thrown into the mix. On one hand motherhood is honored, yet on another hand it is often denigrated as being somehow a copout by the radical feminists of the late 60’s.   Then there is the recent “Mother of the Year” nominee who was filmed in her explicative laden smack down of her 14 year old son who was throwing rocks at the police in Baltimore. While I recognize there are times when every mother of a 14 year old man child might be tempted to also try for a nomination,…… really? It is very difficult to discern the message in that one.

Then there are the conversations that moms have with themselves. I am not talking about the conversations that occur as a result of the first years sleep deprivation, but rather the internal conversation that moms have about what kind of a mom they are. Are they doing a good job? Is this the right decision? Did I do enough or too much? Do they really respect me? Do they really appreciate everything I am doing? Do they love me? These questions and the answers that they give in their own minds create an interpretive lens for every circumstance that comes along. If their kid is making great decisions they may in their mind say “Well maybe I am not so bad after all?” But if things go poorly then it is interpreted as confirmation of their long suspected inadequacy.

In a confusing world with mixed messages abounding on every front, the church should be communicating a very clear message. In fact, children, husbands, and all the people of God should be encouraging and supporting. We should be leading the parade in honor of moms! Not only on Mother’s day but everyday! This Sabbath as we come together for worship we will focus our attention on honoring moms. Come and learn the three messages that we should be telling these priceless ones we call mom.

See you in Church.

Pastor Chris.