Loving Mothers

A few weeks ago I was asked to speak to a group of young mothers, about what I have learned over the years working with children, and how to naturally incorporate Jesus ministry principals into the home and also a school setting.

The week leading up to this talk I was so disillusioned by insignificance. “What would I have to share with these mothers…I wasn’t a mother myself…and I didn’t run the school, I was more in a supporting role…I am also younger than many of them and clearly will not have anything to say that they don’t know already.” As I sat down with a piece of paper the night before to think about what I wanted to share, the Lord began to minister to my heart. The first thing he began to impress on my heart was that I needed to ask their forgiveness. Jesus was showing me that I do have things to share and he wants to use me as a vessel to draw these mothers closer to him. As I sat there in conviction aware of the many lies of insignificance that I had been believing, Jesus brought me back to a vision I had had exactly 2 years ago.

It was the summer of 2006, and over 25 South Africans were in Tacoma for the Jesus Ministry Conference at my church. One night our pastor was praying over the 1,000 people that gathered at the convention center, and I remember him specifically asking the Lord to fill us with a vision for our lives. At that very moment I clearly remember having a strong desire to go to Africa and work with people working with children. At that time I was very involved with the children’s ministry at my church, and I wanted to share with other care workers the many truths, both practical and spiritual, that I was learning.

Now, exactly two years later I was curled up in my bed…in Cape Town, South Africa (!) preparing to speak to a group of women about children. Tears filled my eyes as I was touched by the strategicness and faithfulness of God. “Was I really here? Was this really happening? Of course I would have something to say…I don’t know yet what it is, but I do believe I am here for a reason.”

The talk went great. It was more of an open discussion of them asking questions and me sharing about experiences I have had or situations I have witnessed, either from families I have lived with or worked with over the years. I am also realizing that Jesus has gifted me with a wealth of insight that I have learned over the years watching my own mother and grandmother. As many of you know these are incredible women, who have done outstanding jobs raising children…I can personally attest to that! I love sharing my Grandma Rosy’s simple advice to mothers, which is “Pray for Wisdom Everyday!”

Much of my time in Cape Town thus far has been spent with people and growing a community of friends around me…and a majority of these are mothers. If Jesus has sent me here to simply encourage them, visit them, laugh with them, listen to them…and especially learn from them…it is time well spent!