The Mother of Little Acts

Kathy Carlton Willis is one of the most encouraging women I know. In this Mother's Day UPGRADE, she has a message for all women about how we can "mother" others through little acts of kindness and love.

"Since I wasn't blessed with children, I never know how to feel on Mother's Day," Kathy says. "But God gives all of us, whether a parent or childless, ways to be a mother to others."

I (Dawn) have always felt a lttle upset for those who must face Mother's Day with sadness. Maybe it's a woman who has no children, or a child whose mother has passed away. I was so glad to read Kathy's positive words. We can all learn to "mother" others and bless them in countless ways.    

It may not take away the sting of loss or sorrow, but it gives us a way to channel our feelings for good.

Kathy continues . . . 

When I look up the word "mother" in my handy thesaurus, it says a mother protects, nurses, tends to, pampers, nurtures, raises, looks after, cares for.

In Hosea, Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke, God or Jesus are described as mother figures. To be godly, we too can take on the character traits of a good mother.

During this pandemic, I've witnessed so many doing amazing acts of kindness. What have we learned during this time about showing love?

All these little things amount to big ways we can help others. Lives were touched from more than six feet apart!

There are also many unnoticed acts of love.

Moms have to do thankless tasks. We can all take up the challenge to be unseen do-ers. Not seeking credit but spreading joy.

It doesn’t take a big action to have a big effect.

God sees every unseen act of kindness or service.

Little Things in the Bible

• The Widow at Zarephath used flour and oil and a few sticks for a fire to make bread to feed Elijah. She had enough for the remainder of the drought. (1 Kings 17:7-24)
  
• The tongue. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. (James 3:5 NLT)
• The mustard seed. (Matthew 13:31-32; Luke 17:6)
• The widow who gave her last two coins. (Mark 12:41)
• The five-loaves-and-two-fish happy meal the mom packed to send with her boy. (Matthew 14:17; John 6:9)
• The sparrow. (Matthew 10:29-31)
• The number of hairs on our heads. (Luke 12:7)
• Moses’ rod. (Exodus 4:1-5, 17, 20)
• David’s sling and five smooth stones. (I Samuel 17:40, 49)
• Shamgar’s ox goad. (Judges 3:31)
  
• Samson’s jawbone of a donkey. (Judges 15:14-16)

In any struggle, God can use even the insignificant thing that is already in our hands to give us victory!

When Peter and John saw the crippled man at the gate called Beautiful, asking for alms, they didn’t have money to give, but through Jesus Christ, had something greater.

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” (Acts 3:6 ESV)

Unseen Acts

Moms, caregivers, and others constantly perform acts of tiny service that go unseen. Not a day goes by without these little details.

If you’ve ever felt like your day is filled with mundane tasks, unnoticed by others and seemingly unimportant, I have a message for you.

Your affirmation and appreciation won’t always come from the recipients of your loving acts.

But God sees. He knows.

Your acts aren’t unseen, and you—you are not invisible. God not only notices you, He delights in you.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) says:

For the Lord your God is living among you.

He is a mighty savior.

He will take delight in you with gladness.

With his love, he will calm all your fears.

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

I love the idea of God singing songs over me!

He takes delight in us. He notices us.

Think what would happen if we made a commitment to give freely. We’d be enriched by it and others will know they are cared for.

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. (Proverbs 11:24 ESV)

Everyday Mothering

1. Notice others. Say their names. Know their hearts. Pay attention to what they love.
2. Do a tiny act of kindness. When we serve others, it’s not insignificant. Sometimes, the simpler the act, the more it touches the recipient.
3. Don’t allow the mundaneness of everyday life to overtake being connected in community.

How will you “mother” others this week?

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Her latest book is 7 Trials Every Woman Faces. Kathy is active as a book industry pro, and her coaching group, WordGirls, propels women toward their writing goals. She graduated with honors from Bible College and has served 30+ years in full-time ministry. Check out her Grin & Grow Break video devotions on social media. Learn more about Kathy here.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pasja1000 at Pixabay.

Honoring Your Mom & Mom-in-Law This Mother's Day

Melissa Mashburn is known for "keeping it real" in home and ministry. In this special Mother's Day UPGRADE, she encourages us to consider gifts for our mom and mother-in-law that can't be bought at the store. 

"In this busy life we lead, it’s easy to just run right by Mother’s Day with a few flowers, chocolate and a homemade card and then check off the box that it’s handled," Melissa says. "The hard part with that is, there’s so much more to Mother’s Day than the gifts we give our moms and mother-in-law."

I (Dawn) think a key word there is "handled," as if Mother's Day is something to deal with and move on.  Melissa is encouraging us to be more intentional, respectful, thoughtful and loving.

She continues . . .

The hard part—and I’ll be the first to admit it—is that I want to claim Mother’s Day as “my day.” Chances are you do too.

Listen, we work hard all year long and need want a day for ourselves. There’s no doubt in my mind that we deserve it; but can I let you in on a secret. Your mom and your mother-in-law want that too.

It’s easy to get sucked into our own chaotic world of motherhood.

There’s the class projects, deadlines at work, carpool, practice for sports—and don’t forget the bottomless pit of laundry that miraculously seems to reappear just as you finish your last load.

Trust me, I know it’s not easy to add “one more thing” to the list. But let me share with you as a mom who is on the edge of the “empty nest” season:

Your mom and mother-in-law have been there, done that and have the t-shirt too.

They get where you are and also have an idea of what’s right around the corner for you.

Not everyone has a loving relationship with their mom or even their mother-in-law, but whether that relationship is easy or challenging, we should show honor to these important women in our lives.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about Naomi and her two daughters-in-law. You can read their whole story in the Book of Ruth. What I love is, in their story there’s redemption, hope and love shown,  as well as deep honor between the woman, Naomi, and her mother-in-law.

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16 NLT).

There’s so much we can learn from Naomi and Ruth, but today I wanted to take a few moments to share with you three simple ways to honor your mom and your mother-in-law this Mother’s Day.

1. Pray for them.

They are in a different season of motherhood, and it might seem like it is easy for them since they don’t have little ones running around, but chances are they actually miss it.

2. Spend time with them.

Be available to talk, have lunch, grab dinner or just spend time with them doing regular, everyday things.

3. Listen to what they have to say.

Your mom and your mother-in-law have the gift of wisdom that comes from time. Hear what they have to say, and even when you don’t always agree, show respect for their opinions.

Gifts are great and always lots of fun, but it’s not really about the gifts for your mom and mother-in-law. They probably already have everything they need anyway, so instead of rushing out for those flowers, chocolates and cards this year, why not try something different.

If you are crafty and creative, you can package it up pretty—there’s probably something crafty on Pinterest—and give her a gift straight from your heart.

What are some other ideas you have for showing honor to your mom and mother-in-law this Mother’s Day?

Oh, by the way, this post wouldn’t be complete with a great big shout out and huge hug to my own mom, Regina, and my awesome mother-in-LOVE, Brenda.

These two women bless me, encourage me, challenge me and inspire me more than they’ll ever know. I love you two! 

Melissa Mashburn passionately pursues God daily, taking her ordinary life and placing it as her offering to Him. She is an author, speaker, mom, pastor’s wife and trained communicator through CLASSeminars, with extensive background in Women’s, Kids and Volunteer Ministry. Her passion is helping women “keep it real” in their lives and ministries. Melissa is married to her best friend, Matt (22 years) and they have two adult sons, Nick & Bailey. She loves to relax with a great book and giant cup of coffee. You can find her at Melissa Mashburn: Real Women. Real Life. Real Faith.

Photo Credit © Photographerlondon | Dreamstime.com - Female Holding Potted Plants With Mother And Grandmother Photo