Happy Mother's Day

A mother’s love leaves fingerprints on generations. In moments of strength, sacrifice, prayer, and perseverance, her care becomes a legacy carried forward in the hearts of her children.

"To the universal and sacrificial devotion of mothers around the world. Meme, Ema, Nanay, Ahm, Madre – however, mother is pronounced in any language, it means something special to the hearer. Mothers are primary teachers, coaches, chauffeurs, playmates, comforters, prayer warriors, and so much more on behalf of their children.

Spiritual mothers, women who nurture and guide children they did not birth but love just the same…I celebrate the Aunties, Big Mommas, Nanas, Abuelas, and Big Sisters who stand in the gap…love, as we know it, could not exist without a sacrificial heart, so I honor all kinds of ‘mothers’ throughout the generations." - Rites of Passage: Raising Sons to be Men of Standard

We are living in desperate times that remind us how our children and future generations “need a village.”  Mothers carry a unique burden for the well-being of their children and the leaders they will become. God implanted women with a remarkable ability to nurture, encourage, and strengthen those around them.  As women, we have the opportunity to embrace and activate this gift of love for the benefit of others and not just our children. 

Parenting, especially motherhood, can feel overwhelming at times. Every parent and leader understands the frustration of facing situations beyond your control. Real talk: your child NEVER got on your “last nerve!”  Yet, a mother’s heart is unlike any other. She will walk through fire if necessary to protect and fight for her children.

I am reminded of a desperate woman who moved the heart and hand of God through her faith. She was an outcast with no social standing, no one left to help her, and she was unclean.  After exhausting every resource trying to find healing, she was left with isolation and rejection. Her desperation was the catalyst for her bold faith.  She would not give in even after 12 years of suffering.

Instead, she pressed through a large crowd, risking everything for the chance to encounter Jesus and receive her healing.  This woman had impossible faith and she was determined to draw near to the only One who could save her!

Like this woman, many parents are suffering and carrying silent pain. Sometimes our relationships with our children and others are strained, fractured, or distant. Maybe the hurt feels too deep or maybe too much time has passed, but I want to encourage every mother, every parent to be desperate enough to invite God into your situation on behalf of your children.

This woman was determined to be healed even if she had to get undignified by crawling low, being stepped over, and pushed aside. Her faith said, “if I can just get close enough to touch the hem of His garment” anything is possible.   

Others openly asked Jesus for healing or deliverance but this woman was in no position to ask for anything.  Her words were in her actions. When she touched His hem she was healed, made clean, and restored to her rightful place in community.  This act not only brought her physical healing but restoration with the opportunity for renewed fellowship with those she loved.   

How many of us need this type of healing touch?

God sees the rejected, lonely, hurt person in the crowd when we think we are hidden.  He sees the heart of every mother desperate for her children.  He sees the heart of every child desperate for good parents. Scripture does not reveal if this woman was a mother, possibly separated from her children because of her medical condition, but her determination embodies the resilience and unwavering love of a mother’s heart.  

Her exchange with Jesus was meant to be private and kept secret, but immediately Jesus knew someone pulled from His holiness and released His healing power.  Unlike the casual contact of the surrounding crowd, or the occasional prayer, her touch was intentional and purposeful. Her faith demanded a response.

Our hope in this story is despite years of pain, healing was still available for her.  Healing is still available for us.

When we go to Jesus sincerely on behalf of our children, He cannot turn away because that would be abandonment.  God does not abandon His people.  

This woman went looking for Jesus; and unexpectedly, Jesus began looking for her.  He had to recognize publicly who had such great faith to take virtue WITHOUT asking? She simply believed and touched in faith. 

Jesus could have said nothing about her miraculous healing.  No one else knew. Certainly, she was not going to expose herself; she was not supposed to be in public, in a crowd. She came in desperation seeking a physical healing, but Jesus wanted her to be fully healed and restored to her place of dignity and community.

Many parents and leaders quietly carry burdens, shame, and struggles personally or professionally.  They certainly do not want issues with their children or work environment exposed but closed wounds do not heal.  We must remove the bandages of what is kept hidden and secret. Jesus wants to bring our issues to light so our relationships can be healed, then others will see healing and reconciliation is still available today.

Jesus’ response proves we can come to Him even when we are desperate, unknown, and unnamed.  Desperation does not separate us from God; it draws us closer to Him.  Our transparency before God is an invitation for the Healer to step into our situation.

In desperate times, may we draw nearer to God with the courageous faith of this woman.  May we press in close enough to touch the hem of His garment and receive the healing our mothers, children, and communities need to be healthy and whole.

Scripture references: Mark 5: 25-34, Luke 8: 43-48

Love is often revealed most clearly in sacrifice.

Healing begins when faith is willing to press beyond fear, pain, and discouragement.

Restoration is still possible for those courageous enough to draw near.

Take a moment to reflect:

Where in your life is God inviting you to trust Him for healing, reconciliation, or renewal?

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Identity first. Integrity always. Lead intentionally.