Erica, her Mom, and brother

Our culture is missing honor. We are so preoccupied with our own progress and contentment, we often forget respect and honor.  Although honor is missing in our culture, it is a fundamental part of the Bible.  The biggest text on honoring Mom is:

“Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

If your mother is still alive, regardless of your and her ages, you can HONOR her in these 4 ways.  If your mom is no longer living, then pass the love on to another one!  Feel free to borrow our moms.

1. HONOR HER WITH YOUR WORDS

Men have the philosophy—“I don’t have to say ‘I love you’, you already know it. I have told you before, if I change my mind I’ll let you know!” Or, “I SHOW love, not just say it”

That may be true, but moms need to hear the words, “I Love You!”  Children need to hear it.  Saying it makes you more of a man, not less!

We have been intentional with making verbal affirmation statements a part of our family culture.

2. HONOR HER WITH YOUR TOUCH

When’s the last time you gave her a big hug without her asking for it? A kiss on the cheek or a neck rub?

She’s the first person who ever touched you.  Her first priority was to hold you, cuddle you, stroke your head, rub your feet.  She changed your diapers, SHE CLEANED AREAS THAT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T CLEANED SINCE, potty trained you, and held the Kleenex for you to blow your nose! She wiped food off of your face years longer than she should have had to!  She constantly touched you!  She lovingly did all these things (including grooming you w/ a licked thumb)!

Your mom deserves your touch! Hug her, kiss her, hang out with her.

Robin and Mom

3. HONOR HER WITH YOUR PATIENCE

Mothers have an incredible job w/ no pay.  No position in the business world compares to the physical, emotional, and spiritual commitment she has in motherhood.  In spite of all she does for us, we often become impatient with her.

She is/was your taxi, chef, nurse, wardrobe manager, career advisor, counselor, mentor, and confidant.

Honor her patiently. Just because she’s tender to your needs is no reason to take advantage of her, it’s reason to be patient and to love her all the more!

Teens, if you treated your friends like you treat your mom you wouldn’t have friends.

For us adults with living mothers: Love her patiently.  James Dobson read this letter from an 80 year old woman on Focus on Family Radio:

” To all my children: I suppose my upcoming birthday started my thoughts along these lines…This is a good time to tell you that what I truly want are things I can never get enough of, yet they are free. I want the intangibles. I would like for you to come and sit with me, and for you to be relaxed. We can talk, or we can be silent. I would just like for us to be together. I need your patience when I don’t hear what you say the first time. I know how tiresome it is to always be repeating, but sometimes I must ask you to repeat. I need your patience when I think too much about the past, with my slowness and my set ways. I wan you to be tolerant with what the years have done to me physically. Please be understanding about my personal care habits. I spill things. I lose things. I get unduly excited when I try to figure out my bank statements. I can’t remember what time to take my medication, or if I took it already. I take too many naps. Sometimes sleep helps to pass the day. Well, there you have it: Time, Patience, and Understanding. Those are priceless gifts that I want. Finally, in his letter, Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” I know I can, too! It’s a wonderful feeling to know His eye is on the sparrow and I know He cares for me. I guess being 80 isn’t so bad after all!

Love,
Mom”

4.  HONOR HER WITH YOUR ATTENTION

Mothers listen as you pour out your heart. She has a sympathetic ear, always has. Even as adults we’ve gone to her when we want someone who will really listen and understand.  She’s always on our side.

Several years back on TV there was a documentary of men going to execution for capital crimes. They interviewed the men and their mothers, too. Invariably the moms would say, “He’s such a good boy!” Interviewer: “Yes, but he slaughtered 37 w/ an axe!…”
Mom, “I know, but he has a good heart!”

It’s no wonder we like to talk to mom…she listens.  It is now time to honor mom with our attention.

We are hanging out with Robin’s mom on Sunday afternoon and Erica’s mom on Monday!

What kind of activities do you have planned for Mother’s Day (and beyond)?