The Power of a Positive Mom

“The old adage is true: The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. That’s the kind of influence moms have in the world. Think of athletes! Through the years, Dad throws the ball with them in the yard and takes them to games and practices. But when that athlete gets to give a shoutout on national television, he or she says, ‘Hi Mom!’” – Tony Walliser

Read Proverbs 31:25-30

At the end of the wisdom-packed book of Proverbs we find a description of what is sometimes called “the Proverbs 31 woman.” She’s quite the individual: has noble character, works hard, brings honor to her husband, ensures that her family is well-fed and properly clothed, makes shrewd purchases and sound investments, is an entrepreneur, acts with compassion toward the poor and needy, and is known for her wisdom and positive, encouraging words.

Some men might think, “Wow! I wish I had a wife like that!” But it’s not describing a specific person. Rather, it’s a picture of how someone – man or woman – should ideally look like if they are following Jesus Christ and relying on His power to guide their lives. And it’s the picture of an overall lifetime, not the achievement of perfection every moment of every day.

Being industrious, diligent, caring, working sacrificially and enhancing the lives of others, gaining and sharing wisdom, and speaking in ways that build people up. Wouldn’t you like to hang out with people like this? And to have folks think of you in that way?

That being said, this passage gives strong affirmation for women, especially wives and mothers. A saying we don’t hear as much anymore, but remains true, is “behind every successful man is a strong woman.” We could add a corollary to that: “behind every successful young person is a strong mom.”

When was the last time you saw a camera panning the sideline of a college football game and one of the players turning to say, “Hi, Dad!”? For some reason, athletes have a special desire to make their moms proud. Maybe it’s because they did have a nine-month head start in their relationship.

In reality strong, positive, family-oriented women don’t happen automatically. They might be products of a stable, loving home where many of the qualities cited above were modeled consistently. But sadly, that’s not always the case. Those traits need to be developed. That’s where the men in their lives come in.

As fathers, husbands, boyfriends and brothers, we can determine to be encouraging and uplifting for the women in our lives. In a society where the traditional roles of women are often discouraged or even dismissed, they need to feel loved, valued, esteemed. They deserve our respect and support. Most important of all, we can assist them in growing to become faithful followers of Jesus.

The apostle Paul referred to this in a letter to believers in ancient Thessalonica. He wrote, “we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:6-8).

Recognizing the vital importance of a mother, Paul strived to embody motherly, nurturing characteristics himself with these new believers. As men we’re called to be spiritual leaders, to “love our wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). If we want to have wives and daughters who reflect the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman, the best way is to create a positive environment in which they can flourish and become who God wants them to be.