What Did Your Mother Teach You?

Moms and grandmas are nurses, counselors, philosophers, cooks, listeners, coaches, problem-solvers, theologians, hug-givers and hurt-soothers. They are some of the most influential instructors we'll ever be around.

Moses' mother relied on God in uncertain times. Samuel's mother dedicated her son to the Lord. Jesus' mother demonstrated strong faith. Timothy's mom taught him the Scriptures. By her example, my mother taught me much about patience and kindness. What did you learn from your mother? I asked a few friends that question, and here's what they said.

LeRoy Lawson, International Consultant with CMF International living in Payson, Arizona:

My mother's influence on me began before I was born. Dad had no church when they were married, but he loved her and admired her strong Christian family. He wanted ours to be like the one she came from. So together they gave their kids the rich church life that has blessed us to this day.

Bob Russell, Retired Senior Minister, Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky, and author of The Lookout's "The Living Word" column:

My mother taught me to love God's Word. As a pre-schooler I'd beg her to tell me stories. Sometimes she'd relate incidents from her childhood but often she would tell Bible stories or help me memorize Bible verses. The second verse I memorized (after John 3:16) was Psalm 119:11: "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (King James Version).

Melinda Faust, my daughter, a social worker in New York City:

My mom excels at expressing emotion and has encouraged me to do the same. She taught me to laugh often and easily. And I learned that crying is good for the soul, especially when you allow another person to be privy to your tears. My mom's lioness moments taught me how to be angry when necessary and stand up in the face of injustice against myself and others.

John C. Samples, Senior Adult Minister, East 91st Christian Church, Indianapolis, Indiana:

I learned faithfulness that brings contentment. I learned that trusting God is the way to a fulfilled life. Her faithfulness in reading God's Word, praying, teaching the Word, and living the Word embedded itself in my heart. Her faithful prayers for me are still bearing fruit in my life.

'Listen to your mother' is still good advice.

Candy Faust, my wife, a Registered Nurse in Cincinnati, Ohio:

My mom taught me about Christian hospitality. Growing up, I watched as she welcomed numerous guests to our home with a cheerful smile and a big hug. Even when the budget was tight, my mom somehow found creative ways to make plenty of delicious food for everyone. Her motto was, "Better to make too much than not enough!" Our home was a place of warmth and peace, open to anyone in need of a listening ear, a friend, or a good laugh.

Sam E. Stone, retired editor of the Christian Standard and author of The Lookout's "This Week With the Word" column:

She was "given to hospitality," especially to missionaries and visiting preachers. She was faithful in worship and service. Mom demonstrated how to be thoughtful of others. She taught me to be prompt and to do what I said I'd do. She had an optimistic, cheerful outlook.

Kayla Webster, my four-year-old granddaughter:

My mommy is teaching me how to add numbers, how to swim with an inner tube, and how to make cupcakes—except they taste like muffins.

Greg Marksberry, Senior Pastor, First Church of Christ, Burlington, Kentucky:

My grandmother taught me the meaning of a warm welcome. She opened her home to my sister and me every weekend, raising us in church. Sunday dinners included the company of preachers, church guests, neighbors and friends. Strangers felt at home at her table. Her abode is a humble farm house, but people love to "abide" there—perhaps because she opened her heart and not just the door.

Rick Atchley, Senior Minister, Richland Hills Church of Christ, Fort Worth, Texas:

When my mother awakened from exploratory surgery, I had to tell her that the doctor found cancer, and that her long-term prospects looked dim. I remember her taking my hand and saying, "You know, Rick, either way I win!" What I learned is that what my mother told me all her life she believed, she really did believe. And I learned that faith really can carry you through the darkest valley all the way home.

When Tony Campolo attended a faculty dinner at a prestigious Ivy League university, someone asked his wife (a mother and homemaker) in a condescending manner, "And what is it that you do, my dear?" She replied, "I am socializing two homo sapiens into the dominant values of the Judeo-Christian tradition so they might be transformers of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia God willed for us from the foundation of the earth." Then she smiled and asked, "And what is it you do?"