Sunday, May 10, 2015

Mothers of Influence


The mothers mentioned below are just a few of the many examples of a Proverbs 31 woman.
Proverbs 31:30 refers to a woman who "fears" the Lord.  This is not referring to the type of fear we think of today.  Websters 1828 dictionary explains it well: the fear of God is a holy awe or reverence of God.

Susannah Wesley
Susannah Wesley (1669 – 1742) mother to 19 children and famous hymn writer Charles Wesley (wrote over 9,000 hymns), as well as John Wesley, a great preacher of his day.  Mrs. Wesley prayed one hour a day for her children, and could often be seen with her apron over her head – a sign to her children that she was praying.   She also set aside individual time for each child to teach them spiritual things.  A mother of influence teaches her children to pray.

Mrs. Graham with her son Billy


Morrow Coffey Graham (1892 – 1981) prayed that her son would become a world-renowned evangelist and taught him to trust God and believe the Bible.   Her prayers were answered for her son Billy Graham, preached to more people than any other evangelist.   She never stopped praying for him until the day she died.  A mother of influence prays diligently for her children.

Amy Carmichael

Catherine Jane Carmichael (unknown – 1913) taught her daughter Amy Carmichael to love and trust God for all her needs.  Amy later became a very famous missionary to India, rescuing thousands of girls from a life of abuse.  She was known as the mother to the motherless.  A mother of influence nurtures her children and releases them to God’s care.


Mercy Crosby mother to Fanny Crosby (born 1820) was totally devoted to her only daughter.  Blinded in infancy, Fanny was taught the Bible by her mother and grandmother.  She committed much of it to memory and became one of the most famous hymn writers of all time, writing over 9,000 hymns. Her mother was a firm believer in prayer and taught Fanny the same.  Because of her mother and grandmother’s influence, Fanny’s hymns have blessed millions of people.  A mother of influence devotes herself to her children’s needs.



Well known women’s Bible teacher and author Elizabeth George says:  You and I as parents must always be praying hope for our children regardless of their age or stage in life. In fact, this is yet another one of God’s “missions” for moms and dads: We are to be diligent prayer warriors. We are to do battle through prayer on behalf of our precious children. Pray for their spiritual growth into a man or woman after God’s own heart as your calling, your mission assignment from God. 


Commit to doing your part
 and trust God to do His!  
~ Elizabeth George ~

For those who do not have children, reach out to children or young women who need a mother's influence in your circle of family and friends.  One can always pray for them if nothing else.  

Have a blessed day.


13 comments:

  1. Dearest Abby...what a beautiful post - I truly enjoyed reading about these precious, God fearing mothers!
    Thank you so very much for putting together this for us...so lovely!
    Blessings on your Mother's Day!
    Much love,
    Kelly-Anne

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  2. I enjoyed reading about the mothers of these familiar names. Thank you for a lovely post.

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  3. Dear Abby...I thought I would share a link to your lovely post on my blog as I think many of my readers will be blessed reading about these Proverbs 31 women!
    Here is the link...if you would liek to see!

    http://kelly-annesblog.blogspot.com/2015/05/mothers-day-flowers-and-blessings.html

    Lots of love,
    Kelly-Anne

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  4. What a wonderful tribute to Mothers! I so enjoyed reading about each of these Mothers and the great impact they had on their children's lives.

    Blessings to all the wonderful, God fearing. Devoted Mothers!

    God bless, Net

    It's a Wonderful Movie
    http://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com

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  5. Such a wonderful post. More God-fearing mothers are needed today. A mother can make all the difference in the life of their child. Thank you for sharing these stories and thank you for your consistently beautiful blog.

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  6. So often society undermines the role and importance of a Mother and her influence - let us never forget the importance - thank you for bringing this perspective to the fore Abby.
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  7. What a beautiful post about these special mothers! It was a great history lesson as well! I hope your Mother's Day was blessed!

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  8. It's always a delight to visit you, my friend. I love, love, love the posts you share and I always leave feeling blessed and encouraged!

    I greatly appreciated this article...you have listed such beautiful women from the past...women we can look up to and learn from.

    Thinking of you! Much love!

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  9. An inspiring post and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading! I heard also that Susannah Wesley is also reported to have said, 'I refuse to raise a brat for the devil!' Strong words but ones I remember as the devil is surely after them as a roaring lion!

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  10. I have always been so impressed by Susanna Wesley's devotion. Thank you for also telling about some other devoted mothers.

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  11. I enjoyed reading this. I so would appreciate prayer for my young women in my life, that they meet an older woman that will also mentor and encourage them in their christian life.

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  12. Love this post! Thank you for the encouragement! :)

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