A Mother's Love

When I think about a mother’s love, the story that comes to my mind is the story of Moses’ mother, from Exodus 2. The people of Egypt were under orders to throw all baby boys into the river. After giving birth to a boy, this woman hid him for three months. But children grow and start making noise – and soon she was not able to hide him any longer. We all know the story of how she put him in a basket, and how Pharaoh’s daughter found him. We may even know the story of how Moses’ sister watched, and was able to bring Moses’ mother to nurse the baby. But sometimes I think we overlook a huge part of this story – from Exodus 2:10 (NIV) – one short little verse reads, “When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying ‘I drew him out of the water.’”

His mother took her precious child and gave him to another woman to raise. She did what was best for her child, even though it must have broken her heart. It took tremendous strength of character and unimaginable love to do that.

I know that a mother’s love is an amazing thing. I have a mother who loves me dearly. And I know that if she possibly could, she would shield me from all of life’s hurts and disappointments. But I also know that my mother knows that would not be in my best interest. So, she has given me a wonderful gift – she has taught me how to be strong, in adversity, in disappointment, in life. I have watched her survive heartache. I have seen her beat physical problems. I have admired her as she embodies strength.

Throughout this journey, I have had many people comment about my personal strength. I must confess, I do not often feel strong. People tell me I’m brave. I do not feel brave. However, if I am any of those things, I know that it is because I have watched my mother. Thanks, Mom.