Radical Motherhood

Have you ever noticed how many extraordinary men were produced by radical mothers?

Moses's mom risked her own life on the outside chance that she might save his. Crafting a waterproof basket, she tried something that had never been done before. Her plan was a success and, although deprived of her son's companionship, she trained him in the ways of her God right under the nose of the Pharoah. The very ruler who demanded Moses's death became his protector and provider. Jochebed did not have Moses long, but she poured her life into him.

Samuel's mom poured out her soul to God in the Temple. Instead of fighting with the woman who ridiculed her, Hannah brought her anguish to the house of the Lord. In her sorrow, she promised to dedicate her son to God's service. In the joy that followed his birth, she remembered the vow she had made and brought her little boy to the priest. Like Jochebed, she too was deprived of her son's companionship, yet she remained faithful to the God who had heard her prayer. She saw Samuel just once a year, but between visits she made him new clothes so that her growing boy would always be warmly dressed. He was out of her sight, but never off of her mind.

And what about Mary? This young woman gleefully embraced God's call to be the mother of His Son. The angel did not announce her commission to the whole community, so most of them refused to buy Mary's story of the immaculate conception. The hardship and want of a poor family was hers to endure while she carried and cared for the One who made and owned everything, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, she considered her lot to be the envy of every woman. You find her faithful...at Bethleham...in the Temple...traveling to Eygpt...in Cana...at Calvary...in the Upper Room.

These radical moms produced visionary sons who lived radical lives, possessed radical faith, embraced radical ideals, preached radical sermons, demanded radical commitment, and made a radical impact on their world.

O God, send America a revival of Radical Motherhood!

©2006 Doug Ellingsworth