Tough and Tender Moms . . . by Michelle Webster

My most vivid childhood memory took place on a very ordinary day. It was a cold morning, and I remember waking up from a sound sleep to my mother's soothing voice. I still recall her gentle touch while she stroked my back and coaxed me out of bed. I would be late for preschool if I didn't get up soon, but my mother was calm. Her tender hands helped me dress into my favorite striped shirt while she spoke quietly to me. When I think of gentleness, I think of that moment.

I have another vivid memory. My mother listened with disappointment in her eyes while I confessed that I had lied to her. Her voice was firm as she told me the consequences I would face. Lying was unacceptable. The lesson was imprinted on my memory that day.

Now that I am the mother of two girls, I feel tenderness toward my children that words cannot express. One of my favorite moments of the day is just before I lay the girls down to sleep. Abbie, my oldest, asks me to "pet her head" while I sing to her. Kayla, my youngest, curls up contentedly in my arms while I stroke her soft cheeks and rock her.

When necessary I also show firmness toward my girls. One Sunday morning I was attempting to get to church on time and my three-year-old seemed to be doing everything in her power to keep us from leaving the house. I thought I was being gentle as I scooted her toward the door. Abbie was very offended that I had "pushed" her, so I tried to explain that I had not pushed her, but prodded her. The next time we were running late Abbie said, "Mommy, please don't prod me."

Gentleness and firmness. Comfort and correction. Tenderness and toughness. These seemingly contradictory characteristics are what mothers are made of. But are they really contradictory? I don't think so. In fact, God himself possesses these character traits in perfect balance.

We see his tenderness toward his children throughout the Bible. Psalm 91:4 says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge . . ." Like a mother bird sheltering her baby birds from harm, God is there to care for us. He is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love . . ." (Joel 2:13).

God's strength and correction are also evident throughout his Word. He warns, "Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!" (Isaiah 1:16, 17). God takes sin seriously. He even allows his children to suffer in order to grow. Hebrews 12:7 states, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons."

The Lord is the perfect parent. How grateful I am for a mother who followed him and emulated his loving, guiding hand! And how challenged I am to convey these characteristics of God to my own children.

Today, I held my precious baby in my arms and rocked her, preparing her for sleep. I laid Kayla down in her crib and winced as she cried, knowing if I picked her up again she would not learn to fall asleep on her own. I listened outside the door while her crying quieted to a whimper and then to a sound sleep. I thought of the many times when God has held me gently in his arms. I also remembered the many times he has let me struggle so I could learn a new lesson and grow stronger.

I am thankful for God's tenderness and strength. I am thankful for a mother who showed his love to me. And I am thankful to be a mother made in his image, loved and challenged by him.

Note: Michelle Webster is Dave Faust’s daughter.