May 13, 2019

Yesterday was Mother’s Day, of course, and I hope that all of the mothers who read this blog were honored and happy yesterday. I realize that we mothers all have times when we deal with not-so-happy relationships and experiences, but for the most part I hope that most mothers are glad they “signed on” for this role.
              In studying the Bible related to traits which help us to cope with life’s challenges, I was looking at the lives of various Biblical people who displayed resilience. Resilience is an essential quality often thought of as flexibility or the ability to “bounce back.” I have found that it is far more than that. Resilience is a quality dependent upon faith which enables us to forge positive lives in the midst of negative experiences.
              One Biblical character who displayed resilience was a young woman who found herself talking to an angel and making a choice which would put her at the mercy of her fiancé and her society as well as her God. I’m speaking of Mary, who at a very young age accepted pregnancy, carrying the Son of God, doing something with total belief when the situation was beyond human belief.
              Once she “signed on,” two major things would come into her life. First there was absolute joy – joy passing understanding, as she give birth to Jesus and was witness to His babyhood, His first steps, His first words, His growth and learning. What an amazing adventure Mary was part of with this baby/child/teenager/young adult who would be His people’s Savior!
              The second major thing of course, was sorrow. She “pondered in her heart” from the very beginning the idea that her heart would be broken before her motherhood was complete. Many mothers like me have to face the deaths of children of various ages, but can you imagine witnessing your son’s crucifixion? Also, to listen to Him consign your care to His friend before He died? The sorrow would be limitless, yet we also know that Mary knew of His resurrection and His return to the Father and saw the return of her joy in salvation.
              We mothers (and fathers) would do well to emulate a person who accepted God’s will with its accompanying joy and sorrow and the resilience to praise His name in all things.