Mothers, Arise: Celebrating Real Influence and Strength

Today's culture often suggests that mothering is neither essential nor fulfilling. I encourage you to reject these absurd ideas and restore the honored position that God intended for us. Mothers, arise! Lead your neighborhood in prayer and action that lifts the children and the generations that will follow. You are the primary influencer of our entire culture. Rise up!

There is a verse of scripture that hits my heart every time I encounter it. It is in the book of Judges, which is a fascinating history of the nation of Israel before the kings came to power:

"Villagers in Israel would not fight; they held back until I, Deborah, arose, until I arose, a mother in Israel." Judges 5:7 NIV

I have spent a lot of time meditating on this verse. It has inspired me, convicted me, and caused me to rededicate my efforts to encourage mothers and serve children. This verse, more than any other, conveys to me the value of a mother. It reminds me that cultures and communities thrive when mothers arise and commit to elevating their families and their villages. When mothers rise, communities thrive, and children thrive.

How would you present yourself when discussing your contributions to the community? What do you consider to be your main impact on the world? Are you a chef, an author, or a data analyst? Do you excel in sewing, speak multiple languages, or teach? Are you an accountant or a scientist? If you had to select one role to highlight, which would it be?

I consider myself a mother first and foremost among all the other things that I have done or accomplished across my adult lifetime. Everything of worth that I have done flows naturally from this. Whether I am helping to organize and run organizations, teaching young mothers how to manage their time, homes, or finances, writing, or speaking, it all comes under the larger umbrella of mothering.

Deborah was a judge. Unlike me, she was an important and influential member of her community. Respected. Heard. Seen. She arbitrated disputes among the people, but that is not all. She was a military leader as well. She was authorized to muster warriors to defend the nation against enemy invaders and then to direct these battles. She was a woman who wielded tremendous power and influence. When she spoke, her word was, literally, law. She is remembered across the millennia and has been respected by many generations.

And yet, when this woman of strength, influence, and power told her own story, she began by saying, "I, Deborah, arose a mother in Israel." A mother. A mother in her community. She was a woman of profound impact in the political and military realm, yet she identified herself first as a mother. Her most important, most influential, most powerful role was as a mother. That seems counter to our modern sensibilities.

Scripture tells us that the people had stopped engaging in vital community life until a mother stepped in. Until a mother arose in Israel. The people were disengaged, but a mother rallied them. Feel the vitality of these words! Mothers are the servant leaders around whom the community rallies. Mothers are the glue that holds us together. When mothers abdicate this position of honor, whole communities feel the vacuum that is left.

Mothers have the ability and responsibility to mobilize the people. Speak up and create a space for extreme love and energy. Dedicated mothers provide order and purpose in the midst of cultural chaos.

Among our orthodox Jewish neighbors, the role of mother is revered in a deeper way than in other communities. The mother is known to be the one who passes on the faith and keeps it alive within the family. It is the mother who teaches the ways of God to the children, the mother who keeps the festivals and rituals. The mother is the one who lights the way to a faith-filled life. Mother is active in the spiritual development of the children.

Have you embraced the role of mother as Deborah did? Mothers change the world in ways that no professional can. When mothers lean in to their role, families are changed for generations, and whole neighborhoods improve.

Our society needs mothers who will stand and rally other mothers to pray and work for their children's faith in Jesus Christ. Mothers who will take the time to read God's word and become familiar with it, so they can pass it on accurately.

There's no doubt that being a mother is a challenging, demanding task, and there are no clear instructions. Every child is different, every day is different, and just when you think that you can relax, something else happens. There are very few accolades in the trenches of motherhood, and yet God gave us a position of authority and honor. Stand strong.

Set aside the demeaning comments made by those in our culture who believe that your worth can only be judged by a paycheck, a title, or a degree; engaged mothers are the real heroes of our culture. It is through dedicated mothering that our children will learn to disregard their devices, treat others with respect, and develop a strong work ethic.

Mothering requires setting aside selfishness and focusing on the needs of those around you. It requires you to teach this kind of servant leadership to your children. It also requires finding a healthy balance between self-care and caring for others. This is challenging. But you are a mother. You can do this. You can care for yourself, your family, and your community.

I will always believe that, no matter what else I have done or will accomplish on this earth, my work as a mother has had a greater impact on the generations to come than any other. I gave birth to two children, and the Lord brought me many more to nurture and raise. Encouraging young people gives my life purpose and fulfillment. I will continue to rise.

I am not important, and I have no sophisticated title after my name. Historians will not remember me, and very few people know me even now, but I have changed the world because I am a mother in my community.

How strong am I? I am Deborah Strong. You can be as well.