April 19: Oxygen: Need to Live - He is Risen!

While preparing our hearts for Easter, Pastor Mike Bellanti, lead pastor at Northbrook Church and father of two, spoke this week to encourage, inspire, and validate all moms.  He reminded us that there was someone in Jesus' life who was always with him - from conception to resurrection - Mary, the mother of Jesus.  Mary gave birth to the Hope of the World, a man who was fully God, but she was responsible for raising Him, a son who was also fully human. We are not raising children who are the Hope of the World, but Pastor Mike did remind us that in Genesis 1:27 we are told that we are created in the image of God.  We are not "just" a mom, we are caring for the image of God on Earth!  While our current culture may have diminished, devalued and disrespected the role of mothers, what greater job is there than to be caretakers of the image of God?

Pastor Mike lifted us up, reminding us that we are valued, appreciated and respected.  He also encouraged us to remember that motherhood (and life) is made up of different seasons.  Many mothers of preschoolers might agree that we are in the "I'm so tired I can't even think any more" season, but it will eventually come to an end.  And perhaps knowing the season will not last, we can learn to embrace the season we are in and navigate it successfully.  As it is written in Isaiah 41:10:

So do not fear, for I am with you;
   do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
   I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

What do we need during this season of life to feel renewed?

1. Appreciation, 
2. A break from life and its responsibilities, 
3. Rest and 
4. Validation.

So, moms, remember you ARE appreciated, otherwise God would not have entrusted you to care for His image on Earth!  Take the breaks you need - find an outlet to disengage and remove yourself so that you can renew and refresh your spirit to be more effective in life.  Rest when you can, but remember, this season will pass and rest will come.  Turn to Proverbs 31:30-31 and read God's validation:

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

This Easter season while we celebrate the newness of life we have through Christ Jesus, let us also remember that there was a mom at the foot of that cross who had been entrusted with raising the Son of God on Earth.  Let us value our role as the caretakers of the image of God, and find our strength, renewal, rest and validation in the arms of our Father.