Blessed to Pour…

 Oftentimes, I embarrassingly believe I am the end-all, be-all to my family. We probably all think our families wouldn’t survive without the to-do list. I’m certain many moms are often guilty of considering themselves as the only person doing all the work. When in fact, we are doing a lot. Seeing after the children, making certain the family is taking care of, organizing the house, cooking, cleaning, working, attending to extracurricular activities, and being a beckon to extended family, friends, and community, the list is endless. I once read a post that showed a list of things moms do every day and the list was over 75-100 tasks daily. The thing is, it repeated itself for 24 hrs. and 7days a week. Undoubtedly, a mom’s work is never done.  

We should celebrate and be celebrated on Mother’s Day!

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, And. Does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her: Her husband also praises her saying. Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” (Proverbs 31: 26-28)

  One thing we can do is take a moment to recognize the team around us. This can help us with feelings of being overwhelmed, lonely, cluttered, unaccomplished, unappreciated, and simply inundated with too much stuff.

 In the famous story of the apostle Paul, he experienced his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. The experience drastically changed the trajectory of his life. He became one of the most impressionable influencers for Christ. In all that he impacted and accomplished for Christ; he had a team of people with him. There was no way he could do it all alone. He spoke prolific encouraging words to Barnabas, Timothy, Titus, the twelve Disciples, Jews, Gentiles alike, and several other church leaders along the way. He was a leader to leaders, an Apostle (the one who is sent off). The Churches of Ephesus, Corinth, Philippi, and many others were founded and led by him directly influenced by his life, and words. Often, although sad to say, he spoke from prison through the written word directing and giving words of affirmation to the churches he helped build, organize and equip. The importance of his work changed the lives of many people leading them into a relationship with Christ, and many of them became leaders in the church. He mentioned while teaching Timothy,

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim 2:2) He went on to say, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching and rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Certainly, the job of a mother is never over. No matter the age of our children, we can still offer sound, solid, encouraging guidance. We are commissioned to share God’s word and testimonies that will edify and build others’ spirits. As mothers and bonified Christians, we are certifiably entrusted to teach others.

Apostle Paul even gave instructions to the elders in the church advising them. They went on to influence others for generations and we are reaping that impartation. The work of Paul still has an enormous impact on us today. He wrote many sermons and letters at that time which changed and transformed the lives and thoughts of many people.

He stated as such:

“We walk by faith and not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7)

“Love is patient, love is kind, is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly: it does not seek its own (will), is not provoked, doesn’t take into account a wrong suffering, doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

(1 Cor 13:4-8)

“Be ye not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds. To prove that what is the good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

“Let us not become weary in well-doing, for at the proper time we will reap if we faint not.” (Gal 6:9)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21)

“If I could speak all the languages of the earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Cor 13:1)

“In everything give thanks” (1 Thes 5:16-18)

“So then, let us pursue the things that make for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another” (Romans 14: 19)

The question is what does this have to do with Mother’s Day…

Well, the answer is Mothers are forever learners; trainers of generations; called to a higher standard for the good of the family; submitted and committed to the assignment, and always willing to share with others what the expectation of the position requires of them.  

With this in mind, we can therefore accept the fact that we are called to do more than just being celebrated on this day. After the celebration is over and people have honored you.

 The question is where is your team? Who are you encouraging?

Where are you making a difference to affect and infect generations?

Where are those young women who need to you take them by the hand and become the Apostle Paul for them?

What, where, and to who are you pouring?

Yes, we aren’t trying to do all that Paul had accomplished or for that matter endured. However, the tribe and the people in our sphere of influence are where we should start.

The Apostle Paul and other generals in the bible have already given us the tools and set the stage for mentoring. Those of us who can affect and infiltrate other people’s lives, let’s commit. 

Bishop Bronner teaches, “When the mentee’s come to class the mentor should already be ready!!”

Find your tribe and pour like never before!!

Prayer:

Jesus, I know that too much is given so much more is required. I desire to reach more than those in my household. As I take my eyes off my issues in my life and put them on your concerns. I know you will take care of all that concerns me, as your word declares. There are hurting people in this world who need to see and know that you are the answer. Lead me to the broken, lonely, lost, and those who need to know your unconditional love.  Use me as a vessel sent and ready for the Master’s use. 

In Jesus, name. Amen