Introduction: Just how does a mother (a real mother) look at things? How do they see their children? How do they react to the things that they see each day of their life? Are mothers really that good? Really that perfect? Really special? Really worthy of our praise? YES THEY ARE - AT LEAST MINE IS!

 So today I want to take the time to look at mothers. Specifically, through the eyes of a mother.

 I. Eyes of Love

        A. Caring
            1. Good mothers really love their children....not just out of duty
            2. Mothers sense, feel, react to their children’s needs.
            3. Desire (God given, self-nurtured) to have and hold children.

        B. Oversight
            1. Combination of love and "blindness."
            2. Willingness to forgive faults.

        C. Sacrifice
            1. Self-giving.
            2. Child serving.
            3. To the point of self-hurt
            4. Without thought.

 II. Eyes of Watchfulness

          A. Alertness
            1. Not afraid to act (right).
                a. Hear small cry
                b. Notices a small difference in eyes, feel, sound
               2. Aware of hurtful trends.


          B. Concern for their child’s welfare - Hannah brought a coat - 2:19
            1. Child is theirs to protect.
            2. Understands child’s delicate demeanor ???????
            3. Unselfish in their concern.
            4. Genuine urgency??? placed on child’s welfare.
            5. Spirituality a big concern for a real mother!
            6. Normal thing to do.

III. Eyes of Guidance

   A. Spirituality

        1. Mothers instill into their children spirituality - many are cheated today!

        2. Mothers become that stable force that a child sees the love of God in!

    B. Understanding

        1. Mothers often are not unduly harsh with their children.
            a. Nature to be so.
            b. Different than men.

        2. Moms understand that their children need love and give it to them.
            a. Part of who they are.
            b. We all need love - God made us that way!

    C. Example

        1.What a better example can we have then a mother that is filled with the Holy Spirit and relates it and the Love of God to her child.
        2. Children learn by mimicking more than vocal commands!

  D. Correctness
        1. When mom is "right," it makes it harder for her children to question her.

        2. When mom is "right," it makes it easier for her to lead with confidence.
 
 

Conclusion - It is so easy today to blindly give praise to all mothers today. I am sure there are a multitude today and through the ages that deserve this praise. The ones that really fit the praise that we can shout about are the ones that are saved and listen to God as they rear their children to be servants of God.

Yes the ones that are lost are special too. However, just think how much more they can be to family and friends if they will live for Christ. I am so glad that I can look back at some of my friends and their losses of parents knowing they are with the Lord. It brings to mind my wife’s uncle Cotton. He had been a rounder in his life, yet he accepted Christ and when he left it was with a testimony that he was to be with God.

 Moms...leave that testimony!
 
 

 East 38th St. - 05-11-97am Gary Marcum