Contributor: A. Dorcent

Where are we heading? In today’s social climate, I question how my role as a mother contributes to future generations. If I think long enough, I end with second guesses. I could have spent more time or taught them better. Knowing this makes me grateful for my relationship with God. 

My children are 26, 23, and 12 years old. When asked to write about how my role as a mother shapes the next generation, I was like, huh? From the time my children were born, I was captured by the “Do Spirit.” Get things done! I needed to ensure my children were fed, clothed, and physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally healthy. 

I know you’re probably thinking, you’ve been a mom for 26 years and you’ve got to think about this? I believe women are very analytical; however, when it comes to our children, we’re doers. We’ve been blessed with a human being. My instinct says, nurture, and protect. This nurturing and protection occur in stages. Here’s what I mean:

Feeding our young – (Exodus 2:7 NIV) “Then his (Moses’) sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?””

A mother’s first instinct is to make sure her children are fed. She pours love and attention into their well-being – mind, soul, and body. Moms are protective against behaviors that distort growth toward healthy adulthood. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to say, “No, sorry, you can’t do that.” Or “Let’s do this instead.”

Fostering good citizens – (Exodus 2:12) “And he looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand.”

We want our children to be good citizens. This role of mothering is two-fold. I’ve got to be a good role model. I want my children to recognize injustice. Second, I’ve got to address the consequences when poor choices are made. We must be respectful of authority. My role is to ensure my children know there are consequences. Although I will always forgive, I will not always tolerate their actions.

Forming a support system – (Titus 2:3-4) “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.”

Once our children become adults, it does not mean they no longer need us. We have lessons to teach while our children walk in their calling. Life’s waters can become murky, but wisdom provides a clear perspective. We will never have all the answers, which leads me to the greatest thing we can share with the next generations – our faith. We can partner with our children in prayer, seeking His wisdom. 

Connected to the vine, I am confident He will always be present, and our next generation will grow in God’s direction.