## M & M's of Godly Motherhood

## Proverbs 31:10-31

This morning we honor our mothers. Where would we be without them? We wouldn't! : ) Mothers are special. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they are all similar. My mother used to call herself a 'mean mother'. She loved the poem written by Bobbie Pinagro. Let me read a portion of that poem.

The Meanest Mother in the Whole World

I had the meanest mother in the whole world. While other kids ate candy for breakfast, I had to have cereal, eggs or toast. When others had cokes and candy for lunch, I had to eat a sandwich. As you can guess, my supper was different than the other kids' also. But at least, I wasn't alone in my sufferings. My sister and two brothers had the same mean mother as I did.

I am nearly ashamed to admit it, but she actually struck us. Not once, but each time we had a mind of our own and did as we pleased. That poor belt was used more on our seats than it was to hold up Daddy's pants. Can you imagine someone actually hitting a child just because he disobeyed? Now you can begin to see how mean she really was.

We had to wear clean clothes and take a bath. The other kids always wore their clothes for days. We reached the height of insults because she made our clothes herself, just to save money. Why, oh why, did we have to have a mother who made us feel different from our friends?

The worst is yet to come. We had to be in bed by nine each night and up at eight the next morning. We couldn't sleep till noon like our friends. So while they slept-my mother actually had the nerve to break the child labor law. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make beds, learn to cook and all sorts of cruel things. I believe she laid awake at night thinking up mean things to do to us.

She always insisted upon us telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, even if it killed us- and it nearly did.

My mother was a complete failure as a mother. Out of four children, a couple of us attained some higher education. None of us have ever been arrested, divorced or beaten his mate. Each of my brothers served his time in the service of this country. And whom do we have to blame for the terrible way we turned out? You're right, our mean mother. Look at the things we missed. We never got to march in a protest parade, nor to take part in a riot, burn draft cards, and a million and one other things that our friends did. She forced us to grow up into God fearing, educated, honest adults. I thank God, He gave me the meanest mother in the whole world.

I found a couple of things about moms that I want to share with you this morning. How can you tell if you are a 'real mother'?

Real Mothers. . . .

" Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it. " Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox. " Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids. " Real Mothers know that dried playdough doesn't come out of carpets. " Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up. " Real Mothers sometimes ask "why me?" and get their best answer when a little voice says, "because I love you best." " Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Ma-ma to Mommy to Mom...

Top Ten Momisms:

10: Don't forget to wash your hands!

9: Don't put that in your mouth, you don't know where it has been!

8: If your friends jumped off the bridge would that make it right for you?

7: If you don't have something good to say; don't say anything at all.

6: Never eat or drink after anyone!

5: Always wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident.

4: Close the door! Were you born in a barn?

3: But … she is such A NICE GIRL!

2: Don't cross your eyes: they might stay that way!

1: Put on a sweater, I am cold!

Moms are special people. Every once in a while I will see on a card or plaque, "God couldn't be everywhere all the time, so He made mothers." Well, that is wrong theology, but a correct sentiment! God can be everywhere at the same time, because He is God…but He established the family! Eve was called 'Eve' because her name means the 'life giver'.

(Genesis 3:20) And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

There are many things that we could say about mothers in general, but let me turn your attention to our text this morning and talk about the M & M's of Godly Motherhood.

Read: Proverbs 31:10-31

I. Mothers are Most-Valuable. v10

(Proverbs 31:10) Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

A. Virtuous = a valuable resource, a power of strength

B. For the husband and children of such a woman, she proves to be more valuable than earthly riches.

C. Ever hear the comment, "I am just a stay at home mom."? - JUST?

D. An informal study conducted by Web site Salary.com shows that stay-at-home moms would earn an average of $131,471 annually, including overtime, if they received a pay check.

E. Employed mothers reported spending on average 44 hours per week at their outside job and then another 49.8 hours at their home job.

F. Talk about doing double duty! "…her price is far above rubies."

II. Mothers are Magnanimous. v11-12

(Proverbs 31:11-12) The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

A. Magnanimous = generous, understanding, and tolerant.

B. Men, we don't like to admit it, but we are incomplete without our wives.

(Proverbs 18:22) Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

C. A godly wife and mother will do good, not evil.

III. Mothers are Multi-faceted. v13-14

(Proverbs 31:13-14) She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

A. Multi-faceted = having many aspects, versatile

B. A godly mother must be all things to all people at times.

C. She is Dr. Mom, she is an educator, she is a gourmet cook, she is homemaker, and she is a loving companion to her husband.

D. She does it all!

IV. Mothers are Managers. v16

(Proverbs 31:16) She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

A. Godly mothers are able to balance or manage all of those different aspects of motherhood.

B. My mom was an expert at this…she could do so much with so little.

C. I remember her telling stories of how she kept food on the table while dad was overseas during WWII.

D. Literally she used her ingenuity to make sure that her family needs were always provided.

E. I think now, that we were probably poor…but we didn't know it then!

F. Mom was a great manager…she once bought a brand new car with rolls of dimes that she had saved for years!

V. Mothers are Mighty. v17

(Proverbs 31:17) She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

A. Motherhood is not for wimps!

B. Trust me…I had the occasion to be in the delivery room for the birth of both my sons.

C. There is a reason it is called 'labor'.

D. That is only the beginning!

VI. Mothers are Merciful. v20

(Proverbs 31:20) She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

A. Godly mothers are filled with mercy, and not only for their immediate family, but also for others!

B. Often fathers are dreamers…but mothers are doers!

C. Godly mothers can do wonders with a kiss and a hug!

VII. Mothers are Models. v25

(Proverbs 31:25) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

A. Usually when we think of models, we think of beautiful women who are wearing expensive designer fashions.

B. But godly mothers model something completely different.

C. They are adorned with 'strength and honor'.

(1 Peter 3:4b-5a) "…Even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves…"

VIII. Mothers are Mentors. v26

(Proverbs 31:26) She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

A. Mentor = wise counsellor and teacher

B. That certainly applies to godly moms!

(Titus 2:3-4) The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

C. Godly mothers teach their daughters how to be godly wives, and they also teach their children the truth of the Gospel.

(2 Timothy 3:15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

IX. Mothers are Memorable. v28

(Proverbs 31:28) Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

A. That is what Mothers Day is all about!

B. Mothers, how will you be remembered?

Stand with me please. We have laughed today, and maybe even a few tears have come to our eyes this morning. But please don't miss the importance of this time today. This is a time for mothers, fathers, and children to consider their testimony. Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? If not, why not come today and receive Him? Have we properly honoured our mothers this day? Perhaps your relationship isn't what it should be; why not determine to do something about it this morning? Come today whatever the need.