More Than a Day: The Sacred Work of Motherhood

Each year, the world pauses to honor mothers. But this year, let's do more than simply say, "Happy Mother's Day." This year, let's reflect deeply on God's sacred purpose within motherhood, a calling beyond biology or tradition. A mother is not just a caretaker but a "missionary in the home," shaping destinies for time and eternity.

In The Adventist Home, Ellen G. White, in chapter ten, states powerfully: "The mother is the queen of the household. She has in her power the molding of her children's characters that they may be fitted for the higher, immortal life." Motherhood is not a task to be taken lightly. It is a divine assignment. And like Esther, who was called for such a time as this, every mother is called to live out God's purpose in her home, no matter the season of life. In God's holy Word, we see three of the many mothers whose roles extended beyond their homes. These mothers shaped nations and nurtured faith:

Hannah prayed fervently and persistently for a child. When Samuel was born, she didn't forget her vow to God. She dedicated him to the Lord, and he became one of Israel's great prophets. This year, let's pray in our hearts consistently for our children and present them to the Lord, remembering they are only with us for a season.

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, courageously hid her child and then placed him in a basket on the Nile, trusting God. Her faith planted the seed of deliverance for an entire nation. This year, let's increase our faith and trust in God, believing He can protect the children He has placed in our care. 

Lois and Eunice, the grandmother and mother of Timothy, passed down a "sincere faith" that shaped a young man who would go on to be a leader in the early church (2 Timothy 1:5). This year, let's seek to be living examples to our children, modeling godliness. May our lives speak louder than our words. Let's show our children what it means to walk humbly with God, to serve others, and to trust in His promises even during tough times.

 Motherhood is a sacred work. "The world's Redeemer… was guarded by the angels of heaven, yet He was dependent upon a mother's care." (Adventist Home, p. 231). If Jesus Himself needed a mother's nurture, then our work, though unseen by many, is of innumerable value.

As mothers are celebrated in your churches today, once again, pause with compassion and say a special prayer: For those who lost their mothers this year, may God's comfort wrap around them. Pray for mothers who have lost children this year, their pain is not forgotten. May God strengthen them, and may they feel His nearness every day. Pray for the women in your congregation who long to be mothers and are still waiting. God sees every silent longing. May God comfort their aching hearts and give them strength to continue trusting His plans for their lives, and may their nurturing spirit bless others.  

Today, as mothers in the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, let us shift our focus from celebration to consecration as we intentionally highlight motherhood's eternal impact and divine calling. Let this Mother's Day be more than flowers, gifts, and cards. Let it be a recommitment to prayer, faith, godly influence, and hope. Let it be a moment when we, as mothers, again recognize our role's honor and holiness. We are not just raising children, we are raising future disciples, leaders, servants, and kingdom builders. We are God's hands and heart in the home. Let us stand tall as “Queens of our Households”. Heaven is watching, cheering, and walking with us every step of the way.

"The godly influence of a praying mother does not end with her life—it echoes through generations and into eternity." Messages to Young People, p. 326


Carla Rodgers serves as the Women's Ministry Director of the South Bahamas Conference for the term 2022-2026