The life-giving actions of a mother to daughter are for the here, now and generations to come –sgm

The opposite of life-giving happens in a weakened state, tired, or selfish and can unravel in front of my daughters in the here and now forgetting the impact.  I remember hearing from my parents when I was young that I could not take back the word after it came out of my mouth. It taught me an early sense of accountability. The words would still fly out of my mouth followed by a quick I am sorry before my parents would find out. I did not want to get in trouble. Funny how we have an innate sense to run and hide. You can run from the words, for a time, but the most freeing act is seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s hard to say sorry, you admit wrong doing. It’s hard to forgive, the other person may not want to be forgiven. Recently my friend has been sharing on both instagram and facebook a wonderful series on forgiveness from her women’s ministry called Proximity. You will find her posts both encouraging and insightful!

The Bible explains forgiveness through verses like Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Both of these verses have been lived out in front of me by my girls. They have forgiven me for being short, upset or impatient. The compassion and forgiveness is humbling and beautiful. They have forgiven me when I didn’t deserve it. 

Guilt and unforgiveness act as heavy chains. Carrying those around is a dreadful burden. Christ came to offer us forgiveness and freedom through his death and resurrection! This is the gospel, the good news! (John 3:16, Romans 3:23,  Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23 Romans 5:8, How to know God – Hope Bible Church Oakville). 

A few years ago I found the book, The Garden The Curtain and The Cross.  It is for a younger audience but a message for any age! I highly recommend this resource for young children. It is colourful, engaging and explains message of the cross. Here are some links to share with your kids:

The Garden The Curtain And The Cross by Carl Laferton illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. In this video Catalina is narrating the story Here is Trillia Newbell reading the same book.

 

 Consistently speaking life-giving words is impossible to accomplish without filling ourselves with the words of scripture and the Holy Spirit guiding us. To think of trying to be a mom on my own strength is exhausting! Being your ‘best’ self on your own merit is a daunting task full of loopholes and traps that just won’t fulfill. Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” I am so thankful that he is my strength, I can trust him and he will help me. That gives me joy and I want to praise him. This is where worship music is such a gift. To sing and worship through song is one of my favourite things to do. Here is a great worship album by Pat Barrett (brand new). Although I have not been able to drive (where I love to blast the music) because of my broken leg, I have been watching a lot of worship music on youtube and enjoying new music around the house!

 

My prayer is that I will speak life-giving words and respond with life-giving actions for the here, now and generations to come.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20.

2 responses to “Mothers and Daughters”

1. Wonderful reminder- right on❣️?

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   • Yes, a good reminder for me!

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