I debated about doing a piece on Mother’s Day, more so about when to do it than anything else. This is the week leading up to the day that Hallmark made. Before anyone takes offense, I feel the same about Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. While my wife and I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, we do recognize the other two for each other. It always seems that the spouses take these days more seriously than the children do, until at least the time when they are old enough to really know better and shop for themselves. Lisa and I have been blessed with two awesome mothers of our own. They not only like each other but they like their in-law kids too. I’m certain that I speak for both of us when I say; they treat us like their own kids. My mom gained another daughter and Lisa’s mom gained another son – it is better than I ever could have dreamed of. The quote from James reminded me of what a mother is but not only to her kids but also to her spouse as well. I originally planned to use this quote to talk about leaders in an organization and how, if they used these traits, can truly lead and encourage others to follow. As you read this, compare the actions of a good parent to those of a good leader and you will see, they are one in the same. A mother’s wisdom is pure and genuine, honest and full of love. No matter what happens, a child (regardless of age) will always seek a mother’s advice. A mother is peace-loving and considerate. She’s the one who always broke up the fights between brothers and sisters while seeking a solution that worked for everyone. Mothers taught us to share and taught us how to take care of someone who was hurt. A mother is submissive to the needs of the family, full of mercy and kind words (good fruit). Mothers showed us how to sacrifice and put others needs before our own. They deflected blame when we messed up and led the cheering crowd when we did well. Mothers never picked favorites (even though I know I am) and when they held your hand and looked into your eyes, you knew they meant everything they said. Great leaders, like all mothers, know how to do these things too. Mothers have earned a day just for themselves but they deserve it throughout the year, not just in May.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17

The irony of this message is that its about Mother’s Day based on the gifts that we have received from our Father in Heaven. This verse is great reminder of how we are to act toward everyone. The wisdom from heaven was given to us through the writings of the bible. As you read/study the bible, you will see in the New Testament that each lesson shows us God’s pure way in the life of His Son, Jesus. Jesus then showed us His peace-making ability, how he was considerate to others – even those that opposed Him, submissive to the law of the land while not compromising the Laws given by the Father, His mercy and goodness through the miracles he performed to soften hardened hearts, impartiality and above all, His sincerity. Jesus did all of these things while teaching non-believers which is unimaginable. He did all of this to show us the way and then, in the ultimate show of mercy, He took our sins onto Himself so that we could have eternal life. Using these principles to live your life in all situations, will please God but most importantly, it will witness to those that do not yet believe.