Mothers, Carry Your Cross: Part 1

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself,and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses is life for my sake will save it." Luke 9:23-24.

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Recently I asked myself, how can I follow The Lord, deny myself, take up my cross, and lose my life as a mother seeking to "come after" Christ?

I believe the answer is found in Titus 2, where it begins with a charge to the older women and then a call for the older women to train, (not just teach, but TRAIN) the younger women a few "how to's". In the list, there are two things that stick out to me regarding how a mother needs to carry her cross. One is that she "love her children" and the other is that she is be "busy at home".

"Love their children": Carry your cross, because they are a blessing

The first thing we need to examine about ourselves is that we have a true, Biblical love for children.

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127

My sister, Marjie, and her husband, Nate, actually have this verse proudly displayed on a wall in their home. They believe their sons are their heritage from God and that their boys are a reward, and they are right! They are raising their boys to be mighty "arrows" for the Lord. It is a good thing to conceive and bear children in our youth.

So if children are a blessing and a reward, we should not view them any other way. When I am having a hard day with all that being a mom to three boys under three brings, I remind myself of the Truth in the Bible. I carry my cross by welcoming them to me, even when I feel like I need a break. And the Lord always provides that time of refreshment for me, but in His timing, not mine. So I carry my cross and wait patiently for Him.

Mark 10:13 it says “People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”

When Jesus saw the children being "rebuked" and refused, it says he was offended and angry. He knew the Truth. He knew these children were a blessing and so he gladly welcomed them!

So no matter how I might feel, I do my best to carry my cross, welcoming my children to come to me, and then take them to Jesus with my attitude, actions and words. Instead of wishing the hours to fly by, when I'm home with them having a hard day, or instead of 'shooshing' them away because I am weak, I go to the Lord, my source of strength. After all, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as my little ones.